Sampling Limewash Colour
How to Select the Perfect Limewash Colour for Your Project
How do I select the perfect limewash colour?
How we see colour is determined by light, which explains why a colour may look different in person than it does in an image or on a computer screen. This is particularly pronounced with limewash, as it refracts light more than other paints—a large part of its unique beauty.
The appearance of colours can vary under different lighting conditions, and whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look at your colours in the location you expect to paint. We offer several ways to help you narrow down to the perfect colour.
The quickest and most affordable way is with our Bauwerk Colour Cards. These are hand-painted and come in a generous 10.5 cm x 15 cm large format. This size allows you to view your chosen colours as they will appear on your wall. Hold your colour card vertically up against the wall as this can also impact how you see the colour. Many customers order the paint after having selected their colour from a colour card.
However, if you need to be sure about a particular shade, We recommend the use of sample pots for an accurate colour representation on your particular surface and in your light conditions. These 250ml pots offer an ideal solution for colour testing and can be applied directly onto clean interior and exterior surfaces or portable board surfaces. See our application guide for tips and tricks on painting samples.
For anyone who wants a little (or a lot) of support in choosing colours for their space–we offer three Colour Consultation packages that range from a brief query to a full virtual consultation. All will help you get unstuck and closer to a finished space. Our colour consultations take place over email or WhatsApp video call (depending on the package).
When should I use a Bauwerk Sample Pot?
Apart from ordering a 250ml size for a really small project of just one square metre or so, Sample Pots are an important part of deciding a specific colour.
We recommend ordering a Sample Pot if:
- you need to decide between two very similar shades of colour
- you want to test colour appearance on a sample panel at the project location
- you want to establish a more accurate consumption estimate on the particular surface you are painting
- a close colour match to another decorating item is desired
- you do murals or similar designs where only smaller amounts of a particular colour are needed
- you just want to have fun and play with colours
You don't need a sample pot if:
- you are already sure of the colour you want to paint
- a slight colour variation is of lesser concern to you
- you reorder paint you used in previous applications
Do Bauwerk Colour Sample Pots contain actual Limewash Paint?
Yes, all Bauwerk Limewash Sample Pots are ready to use and are made with actual Limewash Paint.
Is the Limewash Sample Pot Paint an accurate representation to how the colours will look on my wall?
The colour in the Limewash Sample Pot is accurate when applied to a surface that is a close match to the surface you want to paint.
If you use a sample board you can place it against different walls that receive a different amount of light. In the photo example below you can see how different the same colour paint appears with more light or less light.
Limewash appears darker when in liquid form and when initially painted. As it dries the colour lightens to the intended shade. Allow one hour for each coat to dry (longer in colder weather) to view your colour accurately.
Why do colours look so different between images on the website, the liquid in the container, and the colour on my wall?
How we see colour is determined by light, which explains why a colour may look different in person than it does in an image or on a computer screen. This is particularly pronounced with limewash, as it refracts light more than other paints—a large part of its unique beauty.
When viewing limewash in the container in its liquid form, it’s normal for it to appear much darker. Once the paint is applied and dries, you’ll notice it lightens to the desired colour.
We always recommend the use of Sample Pots for an accurate colour representation on your particular surface and in your light conditions. We also offer Colour Consultation services to help guide your colour choices.