Exterior Garden Wall Surface Guide
Used in the right context, limewash paint offers distinct benefits for garden walls:
- non-toxic, non-polluting product
- helps protect the masonry, prolonging its life
- can be applied over plants (such as creepers) without hindering their breathing
- resistant to blistering or peeling
- light colours help keep walls cooler in high summer temperatures
- easy redecoration: simply brush off loose dirt/dust and paint over areas needing a refresh
Garden walls come in various types and sizes, so here are some key considerations:
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The best surfaces for limewash painting are absorbent surfaces, such as brick, concrete, absorbent stone like limestone, and lime or cement renders.
For new or unpainted surfaces, simply clean off any surface dust and organic matter before applying Bauwerk Limewash paint directly. Apply a minimum of 2 coats.
For walls previously painted with limewash, clean the surface and remove loose particles before applying two additional coats.
If dealing with flaking or bubbling paint (oil or water-based), you have two options. You can strip it back or remove easily removable parts and accept that you may need to touch up areas where old paint comes off for the next few seasons.
Limewash paints behave differently depending on weather conditions and climate. In rainy, damp environments that are in constant shade, garden walls may need more maintenance coats, possibly yearly. Conversely, in sunny, dry climates, issues like damp and mold are less common.
Type of Garden Wall
Free Standing Garden Walls
Protect free-standing walls with an impervious topping to eliminate a saturation of the wall body from the top. Allow for an adequate overhang with a drip groove or slant it away from the most important face of the wall. For new construction, include a horizontal damp proof course to reduce or eliminate water ingress from below.
Garden Walls Retaining Soil
For retaining walls or raised/terraced garden beds it's best to apply a waterproof lining on the soil-facing side of the wall. This prevents dampness from permeating the masonry and leaching out tannins, salts, or other matters that can deface the surface of your garden bed. If waterproof lining isn't feasible, inspect the walls for leaks or stains. While limewash paint is easy to maintain, it won't conceal moisture leaks or stains.
Garden Wall Limewash Paint Application
- For external walls made of absorbent materials, begin by thoroughly cleaning them to remove any loose particles, dirt, or organic matter.
- Make sure you have clear weather for at least three days, or have covering material ready to shield the surfaces from rain.
- Cover any areas you want to keep paint-free from splatters.
- Stir the paint buckets well, then use one of our 4x14 limewash brushes for application. Continue stirring the paint throughout the painting process.
- Avoid over-application of paint. Apply a minimum of two coats for optimal coverage.
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