Application Tools - Rollers
Can you apply lime wash with a roller?
Paint Rollers for Lime Wash Paint
For a true limewash paint, as we manufacture it (not an acrylic-based faux lime wash), paint rollers do not work.
The reason is that the paint has the consistency of milk and does not contain any fillers or chemicals to make the paint less viscous.
Trying to apply the paint with a paint roller will just create a mess due to dripping and no ability to really distribute the paint evenly across the surface.
That is why we have specially made lime wash brushes for the painting process. The brushes are also helping to layer the pigmentation by direct contact with the bristle ends. Without it you would lose texture and the ability to apply paint also on very uneven surfaces, such as rough cast renders or natural stone.
We supply quality brushes that can be used for multiple paint projects.
Read here how to take care of them.
Time comparison of paint roller application (of conventional paint) vs brush application with lime wash paint
In real world application the extra time to apply the paint with a brush when compared to a roller is approximately no more than 20%.
With a roller you are more likely need to mask up adjacent areas, cut in and remove the tape afterwards. Application by brush affords more control where you paint and gives you a large degree of creativity for your finish.
Applying Prep Coat with a paint roller
Bauwerk Prep Coat can easily be applied with a paint roller. Usually just one coat is enough. This is a water based paint with a super-low VOC content of below 1 gram per litre.
Here is more information and a video on how to apply Bauwerk Prep Coat.
Some application advice for Bauwerk Colour Prep Coat:
- Start at the window and brush away from the light.
- To avoid visible lines, or a picture framing affect that may appear once limewashed, always paint wet on wet, even when cutting in to keep the finish consistent and even.
- If painting the ceiling then paint the ceiling first, followed by the walls.
- To avoid lap marks, blend your vertical strokes with horizontal strokes without loading any additional paint.
Clean up of paint roller
Clean tools with water after use.
Pro-Tip: Rollers do not need to be washed out if you are planning to use them again the next day or even after a couple of days. Use cling wrap or similar and completely wrap the roller or paint brush tightly around it. As long as there is no air reaching the tool it will not dry out.