Limewash and Limewash Paint for Buckinghamshire Homes

Short answer. Limewash is a traditional coating of lime and water coloured with pigment, which dries to a chalky, matt finish with natural variation in the colour. It suits the brick, flint and lime plastered walls of older Buckinghamshire homes because it stays breathable, and it can also be used in modern houses on a properly prepared wall. Zavoré supplies limewash tinted to your colour and installs it with its own applicators.

Would you rather have it done for you? Our own applicators provide limewash installation across the UK, including Venetian plastering in Buckinghamshire.

Limewash and limewash paint are not always the same

True limewash is made from lime putty, water and pigment. Some products sold as limewash paint are made differently and use other binders to give a similar look. They can be useful on modern walls, but they may not breathe in the same way. If your home has old solid walls, check what is in the tin before you buy.

Where limewash suits Buckinghamshire homes

The Chiltern villages are full of brick and flint cottages, and older market towns such as Amersham, Chesham and Marlow have houses with lime plastered walls inside. These walls suit limewash well. It bonds to the lime and lets the wall dry out naturally.

In newer homes, limewash is chosen mainly for its look. The soft, cloudy texture adds depth to a bedroom, a dining room or a long landing. On modern plaster or painted walls it needs the right primer first, as it will not grip a sealed surface.

How limewash goes on

Limewash is thin, and it is built up in layers. A typical approach.

• Mist bare masonry or plaster with water so the limewash does not dry too fast.
• Brush on a thin coat with a wide brush, working in crossing strokes.
• Let it dry, then add further coats until the colour is even enough for you.

The colour looks darker when wet and dries paler, so judge it only once dry. Our step by step guide to applying limewash covers this in detail.

Living with limewash

Limewash is a living finish. Its colour varies across the wall, and that variation is the point. It can mark if scrubbed hard, but it is easy to refresh with another thin coat, and patches blend in well. In a busy hallway or a child's room, where walls are touched often, a harder lime finish such as Marmorino may suit better. If you see streaks or powdery areas, our article on limewash problems and fixes explains the usual causes.

If your home is listed, listed building consent can be needed for internal work, including changing wall finishes. Ask the conservation officer at Buckinghamshire Council before booking.

To see limewash in your colour, order a sample board, call 07592 929191 or email sales@zavore.co.uk. Our installation page explains how our applicators work across the UK.

Questions we get asked

Is limewash the same as lime paint?

Not quite. Limewash is a very thin mix of lime and water, while lime paint is thicker and more like a conventional paint, though both are lime based.

Can limewash go over emulsion?

Not directly. Emulsion seals the wall, so it needs the right primer first, or removing on old walls that need to breathe.

How many coats of limewash do I need?

Several thin coats are usual. The exact number depends on the wall and how even you want the colour to be.