All about Lime Paint
Traditional paint for the decoration of exterior and interior walls and ceilings. In it's basic form it is white but it can be colored to give a wide range of tones. Lime Paint is moisture permeable and allows surfaces painted with it to “breathe”.
Lime Paint has been used externally and internally for centuries all over the world. It is used over lime plaster or render, earth walls, limestone, timber and over old lime wash.
Preparation: Makes sure the surface is clear of dust and debris. Dampen stone/plaster and absorbent surfaces thoroughly. Always prime new drywall. On exterior painted stucco or cement, apply a coat of a high-bond primer to prevent de-lamination from the existing substrate.
Exterior Application: Always dilute the lime paint applied over plaster or lime mortar substrates using clean water up to 20%. Keeping the coats thin to prevent chalking and powdering of the film, apply using a large bristle brush working will into the surface. Apply up to four thin coats, allowing one day curing between coats. Do not work in direct sunlight.
Lime paint is recommended for old buildings, as lime paint has the advantage of being more “breathable than most modern paints. Lime paint provides attractive color variations especially after weathering. The alkalinity deters wood-boring beetles on timber structures and helps temporarily to sterilize plaster walls. Lime paint does not form a film like a traditional modern acrylic paint, is non-uniform in appearance, and erodes gently rather than peels.
Lime paint typically requires renewing every five years.
Use on interior surfaces: Clients today want lime paint on the interior surfaces of their modern homes for two main reasons: health and allergies to modern paints, and environmental concerns. The aesthetic and antiseptic qualities do come into play as well, the ability to softly diffuse light is another advantage.
Interior Application: Method 1 - Apply a first coat of lime paint over a primed and sealed surface with the aid of a 6” paint brush in a cross-hatch method. You want to achieve even coverage, but you don’t want the look of rolled paint. I find it faster to roll on a small section and immediately brush in a cross-hatch pattern to eliminate any stipple the roller cover my leave on the wall surface.
Lime Application: Method 2 - Use a 3” paintbrush for the first coat of lime paint diluted 10% with cool clean water. Randomize the spread so as to get full coverage. Apply a second of undiluted on about half the area. Come back with a partial coat of the first mix to balance the effect you will be creating called “blushing” as the lime leeches from the wash. The application for the two final coats can be ‘al fresco’, that is wet to wet, as long as the first coat has dried for 24 hours.
Lime Paint Application Polished: Method 3 - This method gives an authentic-looking Venetian Plaster look that is very easy to do and quickly done by inexperienced hands. Just follow the step-by-step outline below.
Step 1: Make sure the wall surface is free from cracks and holes. Prime the surface with a good quality acrylic primer sealer and allow to completely dry. Roll on a layer of lime paint with a short nap roller. Cover 100% of the wall surface and allow to dry a minimum of 4 hours.
Step 2: Using a 3” paintbrush, cross-hatch an area of about 10 square feet, then with a trowel or with a 6” putty knife flatten the paint. Continue using this method across the whole area. If the wall or ceiling is a large area, it is better to work as a pair, one brushing, one flattening. Allow to dry for 4 hours.
Step 3: Repeat this process, painting in random brush strokes. Next, using a trowel or putty knife, stroke gently at first in one direction away from the wet into the dry. As you increase pressure keeping the tool at a 25 degree or low angle, this will build a sheen on the surface.
Step 4: Apply a thin layer of wax/sealer with a soft cellulose sponge. Polish with a soft cloth. Enjoy!!