Limewash

What limewash is

Limewash is a mineral paint made from slaked lime and natural pigments. It soaks into the surface rather than forming a plastic film, so walls stay breathable and the colour shifts gently with the light through the day. Brushed in criss-cross strokes, it builds a matt, slightly mottled finish that suits lime plaster, brick and stone in period London homes, and gives contemporary rooms a warmer, quieter surface.

Where it works

• Drawing rooms, bedrooms, hallways and stairwells
• Exposed brick, stone and lime-plastered walls
• Ceilings, where its soft finish hides minor undulation
• Bathrooms only away from direct water: limewash is breathable, not waterproof

How we apply it

1. 01 Survey: we check the substrate. Mineral surfaces take limewash directly; previously painted walls need a suitable mineral primer first.
2. 02 Sampling: colour and brushwork are sampled on boards and then as a patch in the room itself, in its own light.
3. 03 Application: two to three coats, brushed by hand, each allowed to cure before the next.
4. 04 Inspection: the finished wall is checked in daylight and artificial light before we move on.

Questions

Is limewash more expensive than paint?

Usually, because it takes several hand-brushed coats and careful preparation. We price each project after a survey, once the walls and the look you want are clear.

Can limewash go over existing paint?

Not directly. Modern emulsion first needs a mineral primer so the limewash can bond. We confirm the right preparation on site.

Is limewash suitable for bathrooms?

In a well-ventilated bathroom, away from splashes, yes. It is not waterproof, so showers and splashbacks need a different finish such as polished plaster sealed for wet areas or tile.