Thistle

Bauwerk Limewash Paint is suitable for all unsealed interior and exterior masonry surfaces, such as render, brick or stone. It can also be used on correctly prepared plaster, sealed plasterboard or previously painted interior walls when used with Bauwerk Prep Coat.

Limewash Paint is perfect for walls and ceilings in modern and historic buildings on the following materials:

• Plaster 
• Plasterboard
• Lime Render
• Cement Render
• Drywall
• Stone
• Brickwork
• Cement Block
• Concrete
• Mud Brick
• Raw Pine
• Rammed Earth
• Adobe Blocks
• Strawbale
  
  

For detailed instructions and information for your material, view our Surface Guides.

Exteriors: Limewash paint is ideal for raw masonry exteriors where it can be absorbed into the walls leaving a breathable surface that is protected by the natural properties of the paint. With no undercoat or sealer required, the process is quick and simple. Learn More

Interiors: Bauwerk Limewash Paint can be used on walls and ceilings throughout interior spaces. It can even be used in bathrooms and kitchens, as our paint is not just suitable for high humidity environments, it thrives in these demanding conditions and offers several benefits compared to other finishing products. 

Limewash paint is absorbent, allowing for the evaporation of moisture. However, this also means that it can absorb materials that leave a mark, such as toothpaste and soap in a bathroom or fats, oils and grease in a kitchen. It is for this reason that we do not recommend limewashed surfaces in the shower area, directly adjacent to the bath or behind the stove in a kitchen. The use of splashbacks or a sheet of glass are recommended behind basin areas and splash zones to minimise marks. Learn More

As limewash paint is absorbed differently into different materials, how much paint you require varies depending on the material and condition of your surface.

Coverage per coat, per litre applied:

Raw Masonry Surfaces: 7–10 m2 ( 75–107 ft2 ) 

Over Prep Coat: 10–15 m2 ( 107–161 ft2 )

Previously Painted/Sealed: 15–20 m2 ( 161–215 ft2 ) 

Recommendations for coverage are to be used as a guide only, variation in quantity needed will depend on the porosity of the surface to be painted. We always recommend the use of sample pots for an accurate colour representation and consumption for your particular surface and light conditions. Learn more about how to use our paint and surface calculator

Ensure your surface is correctly prepared based on your wall type, and whether it’s previously been painted. Your walls may require an undercoat-sealer/primer as well as Bauwerk Prep Coat in order to create an ideal base for limewash paint. View our Surface Guides for more detailed instructions and to determine whether you can use apply limewash directly to your clean surface or whether you need an additional preparatory step of undercoat and/or Bauwerk Prep Coat.

Preparation Quick Guide

Plaster + Plasterboard | New or Repaired

Step 1 We recommend 2 coats of a water-based undercoat-sealer/primer to ensure the limewash is evenly absorbed across the surface. You can skip this step if your walls are already correctly primed and without patches and repairs. Step 2 Apply 1 coat of Bauwerk Prep Coat. 

Sealed/Painted Surfaces

Step 1 If your wall is stained or has been repaired, apply 2 coats of a water-based undercoat-sealer/primer to ensure the limewash is evenly absorbed across the surface. This prevents ‘ghosting’ of repaired areas being visible through the finished paintwork. You can skip this step if your walls are already correctly primed and without patches and repairs. If your previously painted walls have gloss paint, lightly sand. Step 2 Apply 1 coat of Bauwerk Prep Coat.  Once dry, your walls are ready for  limewash paint application.

Unpainted Masonry | Render, Concrete, Mortar, Brick + Stone

Step 1 Brush down the wall. Step 2 Dampen walls with clean water using a brush or light mist spray, to ensure easy application of limewash. 

Painted Masonry | Render, Concrete, Mortar, Brick + Stone Step 1 Make necessary repairs and remove dust and loose particles. Sand well if the previous paint has any level of gloss. Step 2 On previously painted exterior surfaces, we recommend applying a coat of thin acrylic render before applying limewash. If your internal wall has an inconsistent finish, we recommend sealing the wall with 2 coats of a water-based undercoat-sealer/primer, before applying 1 coat of Bauwerk Prep Coat for a uniform finish.

Learn More about Surface Preparation by Material

Application Quick Guide

Apply limewash paint using a Bauwerk natural fibre brush. Dip the brush into the bucket and flick off excess paint. The brush can hold a lot of paint, but should not be dripping. 

Using loose, free strokes, stretch the paint as far as possible in all directions. Maintain a wet edge at all times to prevent colour overlays. Do not leave drips or runs. Continue to stir paint regularly while painting.

Allow 1–2 hours between coats. When wet, the colour will appear darker and transparent. As the paint dries the colour will lighten and become opaque. 

During construction or renovation, it is advisable to schedule Bauwerk painting as the final trade to prevent damage to the final finish caused by other trades or building equipment.

Get tailored guidance for your material with our Surface Guides 

Our limewash is a beautiful, natural paint choice, found in new and historic buildings all over the world. We are proud of the natural qualities of our paints. Unlike many paint companies that promise a perfect and long-lasting finish by incorporating harmful PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, we remain committed to an environmentally friendly approach.

When painting Bauwerk Limewash Paint over porous materials such as render or brick, our paints are exceptionally durable because they are absorbed into the wall surface. However, if you are painting over sealed or previously painted walls it is essential to know that limewash isn’t as indestructible as more conventional, non-natural paints. 

To improve durability and simplify application over sealed or previously painted interior walls, we have developed Bauwerk Prep Coat. Acting as an absorbent layer, Prep Coat facilitates limewash adhesion and can be applied easily by brush, roller or sprayer. 

Like all surfaces subject to wear and tear, over time your limewashed walls may require maintenance. To maintain your walls we recommend simply applying a light refresher coat of limewash. It is quick, easy and makes your walls more beautiful and durable with every layer.

Maintenance Quick Guide

Brush back any areas which are powdery and do a quick reapplication straight over previously painted layers…the surface just gets better with age. 

‘White’ Paint Colours: Our lightest colours can be applied, and reapplied, without the need to maintain a wet edge. Areas can be recoated at any time, without the visibility of a patch. 

All Other Colours: Generally, anything other than our very lightest shades should be applied from a natural start to end point (like a corner to a corner), maintaining a wet edge to prevent visible lines.

To clean limewashed walls we recommend lightly wiping with a clean, damp cloth. Ensure that you do not scrub, use excessive water or use any soaps on the limewash, as this will damage the surface. 

Do not clean your limewashed wall too soon after painting. Our paints become more durable after they have cured and hardened on the surface. Allow up to 2 weeks for your walls to properly cure.

Learn More

 Brushes wash out quickly with minimal water and without harm to groundwater.

Paint splashes can cause irritation to the skin and eyes so please wear personal protection. Keep away from children.