If you want a true representation of how a colour will appear in your space, it is always a good idea to test with a Sample Pot of limewash. This allows you to assess the colour in your own lighting conditions and on your specific surface material.


Colours can be challenging to accurately represent on screens, as images only approximate the true colour. Factors like light refraction and even your computer settings can alter how a colour appears. Additionally, colours may look different in various lighting conditions, whether indoors or outdoors, and even in different countries due to varying light quality. This is especially true for limewash, given its unique light-refracting properties and the impact of surface texture. 

Our Colour Cards are a handy, cost-effective way to narrow down colour choices, and many customers order their paint after this step. However, if you need to be sure about a particular shade, it is very important to paint an area of limewash using a Limewash Brush for the most authentic preview. 

You can apply the sample directly to a clean wall. Instead of painting neat squares for samples, it’s advisable to create a feathered-out testing area. This technique helps conceal the sample area during repainting and ensures a better sample. Alternatively, paint onto a board that you can carry around the space. This is a good idea if you are painting a naturally breathable wall like render, lime plaster or unpainted brick. This method enables you to view the sample colour in different lighting conditions, while also avoiding show-through of sample areas on your final finish.

You should use a Sample Pot if you want to:

• be certain the colour looks the way you imagine or have seen online 
• decide between two very similar shades of colour 
• test colour appearance on a sample panel at a project location 
• establish a more accurate consumption estimate on the particular surface you are painting 
• colour match to another decorating item
• create murals or similar designs where only small amount of a particular colour is needed
• just have fun and play with colours 

We recommend Colour Cards for:

• deciding between a selection of possible shades

• comparing, mixing and matching colours together

• pinning a selection of colours to the surface you want to paint

• discussing your colour selection with partners and clients

• creating moodboards

• a reference when selecting other furnishings

• collecting and building up a colour reference library

For the best result over previously painted, primed walls– apply your samples over a coat of Bauwerk Prep Coat. You can cover these sample swatches with a full coat of Prep Coat when you prepare to fully limewash your wall. This is optional, but keep in mind that our colours will darken slightly when used over Prep Coat.

This advice applies only when the Prep Coat is included in the final wall finish. Check out our surface guides to ensure you're following the correct surface preparation steps.

Bauwerk Colour Sample Pots are 250ml. This will cover approximately 1 m² – 1.5 m².

We highly recommend using a Bauwerk Limewash Brush to apply samples of limewash paint. Our brushes are specially designed to apply limewash paint and distribute the colour correctly.

Yes, all Limewash Sample Pots are made with the same limewash paint offered in larger sizes and come ready to use.