Limewash is a lifesaver in the world of painting and infrastructure development. Since you can’t always afford or rely on a professional team of painters, sometimes you have to figure things out for yourself.
Can you paint over limewash? Yes, you can, but there are step-by-step rules to be followed in doing so. For example, you have to clean and prepare the surface and fix any prior bumps and cracks. The limewash must be mixed thoroughly as well.
On top of that, apply light strokes at a moderate speed over the surface of your choice. Make sure you don’t paint over the first layer with a second coat too soon!
But there is so much more to limewash. Want to find them out? Keep reading!
How to Remove Limewash?
Let’s say you need to remove limewash from walls, bricks, and stones, you can do it in different ways.
1. By Hand
It’s possible to remove it by hand, but that will take some toll on you and a good amount of time. You would need a bowl of water and a nylon scrub brush. But only attempt if the limewash has been applied recently.
To remove limewash from bricks and stones, you just need to rub them with a damp cloth. This might sound easy, but the work is tough.
2. With a Pressure Washer
For limewash that has been painted a long time ago, you can use a pressure washer for this. This process will require less manual scrubbing.
3. With an Acidic Cleaner
Some experts even prefer an acidic cleaner like Aciclean to melt the paint. But this process needs a lot of time since the acidic cleaner has to be re-applied often. Therefore, unless the limewash on the wall is thin, it’s going to be troublesome.
4. With Another Layer of Limewash
Usually, it’s not recommended to clean limewash off different surfaces. It’s not even necessary to do that. Since limewash has a shadowy, mottled effect, any dirt over it is less noticeable.
Yes, you may feel like getting your wall a new makeover. Then, just apply another layer of limewash! This time, you can pick a limewash of a different color that is more suitable for the surrounding decoration.
How to Paint Over Limewash: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have a fair idea of what painting over limewash is all about, let’s get to some action!
Step 1: Prep the Area
Tape off the wall to prevent limewash from spreading to unwanted areas like switchboards, lamps, doors, and window corners.
Wipe the wall surface with a dry cloth to get rid of dust and dirt beforehand. If you notice any cracks and holes on the wall, use putty to seal them and even them out.
Step 2: Mix It Thoroughly
When you purchase limewash, be careful of the brand. Check the list of ingredients to see if it’s fully natural or not. You should always go for the ones that are completely natural.
Whether the limewash is dry or not, mix it thoroughly with the right amount of water. Make sure the consistency is smooth for better results.
Step 3: Apply the Strokes Carefully
With a thick brush, apply the strokes crosshatched, horizontally, or vertically. Know that the deeper the color of the paint, the brushstrokes will show more.
After the first application of limewash, let it dry completely before going any further.
Step 4: Dilute the Leftover Limewash
Now, whatever limewash you have left in the bucket, pour a little more water to it to dilute it. The transparency of the paint will make sure that the base coat is visible.
Once you are done applying this layer of paint on the wall, let it dry for a day.
The finished look may give off a cloudlike but beautifully set smooth texture. Then, decorate the wall by putting up paintings and photographs.
Step 5: Clean Up the Tools
The last step is as important as the first one. Because if you don’t take care of your painting tools, you won’t be able to use them for the long haul.
Clean and dry the brushes, buckets, and towels used once you’re done applying the limewash. Store them in a safe and neat place for future usage.
Can You Paint Over Limewash with Emulsion?
Yes, this is absolutely possible. However, you have to carefully prepare the limewash before applying emulsion paint. Otherwise, the result will be bad and short-lasting.
Moreover, during the selection of emulsions, pick those that don’t contain artificial additives or plastic. We mean to say pick the ones that are natural. Because natural emulsion is similar to chalk paint that won’t react badly with the alkaline present in limewash.
Limewash has the properties of chalk. Therefore, the natural emulsion will hold onto the wall just like chalk paint. The result is a strong and durable paint that is free of corrosion. But don’t forget to apply some neutral primer on the wall before applying the emulsion.
Can You Paint Over Limewash Brick?
Limewash sticks properly and stays on surfaces that are porous, such as stone, plaster, and brick.
However, priming is important even when you’re applying limewash over bricks. Use an acrylic primer that may also go under the term ‘latex paint.’
If you’re applying over an already limewashed brick, use a mineral primer before the new application.
You should also apply an interior and exterior sealer over the limewash if you’re painting in a highly congested area.
That way, cleaning the dirt from the brick should be easy.
Can You Paint Over Limewash Render?
The thing is – lime plaster or render has to be completely cured before you attempt to apply another layer of paint.
For every 5 mm of thickness on the render, give it a month for it to cure fully. However, in a moist environment, it takes longer for it to dry.
How Many Coats Of Limewash Do You Generally Need?
The general rule is that you should apply the limewash thinly until it dries out slowly. On new plaster and render, the recommendation is 3 to 4 coats of limewash.
Is Limewash Waterproof?
Usually, limewash is made of matt paint made from water and lime. It may or may not contain additives based on the type of brand you are selecting. Even though it’s made from water, it’s fairly waterproof.
Can You Clean Limewash Off Walls?
Limewash is environmentally-friendly since it’s made of water. So, when you clean it, you don’t have to use heavy cleaning products. You can just use water and a brush to clean limewash off walls.
Furthermore, limewash paint can stay usable for a year when kept in an air-tight container. On the other hand, dry limewash paint can last indefinitely.
Can You Use Vinegar To Remove Limewash?
Although you can remove limewash from walls, bricks, stones, and plaster with some water, sometimes that’s not enough. For stubborn paint, use vinegar to spray on the limewash or dab the solution onto the brush for cleaning.
Is Limewash Better Than Paint?
Limewash can penetrate bricks, stones, and walls, so it doesn’t peel off the way paint would. Therefore, it requires less maintenance than regular paints. Besides, limewash has a worn look, which makes natural aging impossible to notice!
Long Story Short
So, to answer the question, can you paint over limewash or not? Yes, it’s possible. There are preparations involved in doing so, which are not so demanding. But without the right prep, limewash won’t stick to the wall properly. It may even crack and wear off sooner than expected.
On top of that, the consistency of limewash has to be in perfect proportions. You don’t want it to be too runny or contain chunks in some areas. Mix it well for a few minutes, check the consistency, and then start applying.
Related Resource: Can You Paint Over Raptor Liner?
