Application Tools - Rollers
Can you apply limewash paint with a roller?
Why rollers don't work for limewash paint
Simply putâno, you shouldnât use a paint roller to apply Bauwerk Colour Limewash Paint. We manufacture a true limewashâfree from fillers, binders or chemical thickeners found in conventional or acrylic-based faux limewash products. Because of this, the paint has a milky consistency and wonât distribute properly with a roller, leading to drips, streaks and uneven coverage.
Thatâs why weâve developed specialised limewash brushes. These brushes donât just help you apply the paint more evenlyâthey also create the texture and depth limewash is known for, and allow for better coverage on textured or uneven surfaces like stone or roughcast render.
Worried itâll take longer with a brush?
It won't, really. In practice, applying limewash with a brush takes only about 20% more time than using a roller with conventional paint. And youâll likely save time by avoiding the need to mask off edges or remove tape. Plus, a brush gives you far greater controlâand creative freedomâin how your final finish looks.
When You Can Use a Roller: Applying Prep Coat
Bauwerk Prep Coat can easily be applied with a paint rollerâusually, just one coat is enough. This water-based product has a super-low VOC content (below 1 gram per litre), making it a safe and practical base coat before limewashing.
Application Tips for Bauwerk Colour Prep Coat:
- Start at the window and brush away from the light.
- To avoid visible lines or a âpicture framingâ effect that may appear once limewashed, always paint wet-on-wetâeven when cutting inâfor an even finish.
- If painting the ceiling, start with the ceiling before painting the walls.
- To prevent lap marks, blend vertical strokes with horizontal ones without adding more paint.
Roller Clean-Up
Clean tools with water after use. Pro Tip: If youâre using the roller again soon (within a couple of days), thereâs no need to wash it out. Just wrap it tightly in cling wrap or similar to keep out the airâit wonât dry out.
