When limewash is made from raw ingredients, it’s also a cost-saver over paint.

What Is Limewashed Brick?

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Limewash is atype of whitewashmade from crushed limestone and water.

Front view of limewashed brick

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Limewash protects brick and other types of masonry by soaking deeply into the pores.

It is not a sealer, not does it need to be sealed.

What Is the Difference Between Limewash and Paint?

Limewashed Brick

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Latexhouse paintforms a cohesive skin that protects the surface but can trap moisture inside.

Limewash is considered breathable, as it allows the pores of brick to remain open to the air.

Trapped moisture is one reasonpaint peels, so limewash avoids this entirely.

Limewash vs. Whitewash

Limewash vs. WhitewashThe Spruce / Kevin Norris

Much of the color of brick will show through one coat of limewash.

With multi-colored brick, the darker bricks will show through the limewash for a variegated appearance.

Colors remain uniform from bucket to bucket, as long as the same amount of water is added.

Covering areas with plastic before painting

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Most limewash paint still requires the user to add some water.

The bucket may be under-filled with limewash, and dilution brings it to its correct consistency.

Limewash vs. Whitewash

Limewash is a pop in of whitewash.

Cleaning the brick with a broom before limewashing

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Do-it-yourself limewash costs $1 to $2 per gallon.

Mixing your own limewash is far less expensive than buying pre-mixed limewash.

The mode of system plays a large part in the final appearance of the limewashed brick.

Preparing the limewash mix

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

On the interior, cover the floors with plastic sheeting and tape up to the brick.

Clean the Brick

Clean the brickwith a clean, dry broom.

If necessary, clean the brick with a mild detergent, water, and a brush.

Dampening the brick before limewashing

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives.

Prepare the Limewash

Add water to the limewash product and thoroughly stir to an even consistency.

On the exterior, spray the brick with water from a hose and a garden spray nozzle.

Applying the first coat of limewash

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

On the interior, use water from a spray bottle.

Dampen the brick but do not oversaturate it.

Apply the First Coat of Limewash

Brush on one coat of limewash with a masonry brush.

Letting the limewash dry between coats

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Usually, you will need to wait ten minutes to an hour.

Can Limewash Be Removed?

Limewash can be removed soon after it has been applied or when there are fewer coats.

Applying a second coat of limewash to the brick

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Old limewash that has soaked into the brick is more difficult to remove.

Limewash on brick is not permanent, but it is long-lasting and difficult to remove.

It will change the brick’s color.

Limewash that you mix yourself from hydrated lime and water is inexpensive.

Fifty pounds of hydrated lime costs $20 to $30.

One gallon of limewash paint will cover about 250 square feet of brick.

Limewash:Compatible Coverings for Masonry and Stucco.

International Building Lime Symposium

Limewash Interior Step-by-Step tool Guide.KEIM Mineral Coatings of America, Inc.