what is limewash paint

10 months ago 26
Nature

Limewash paint is a type of paint made from a mixture of slaked lime, water, and natural pigments. It has been used for centuries to create a soft, matte finish on walls and has a unique, chalky appearance. Here are some key points about limewash paint:

  • Composition: Limewash paint is made from crushed limestone thats fired at very high temperatures, mixed with water, and colored with natural pigments.

  • Texture and Appearance: Limewash paint has a chalky, nuanced texture that creates a romantic old-world feel. It produces a unique surface glow due to the double refraction of calcite crystals and creates surfaces that are mottled and matte with a chalky texture, similar to suede.

  • Benefits: Limewash paint is breathable, nontoxic, and eco-friendly. It has a high pH level, making it bacteria- and mold-resistant. Additionally, it contains no VOCs, making its application practically odorless.

  • Application: Limewash relies on being drawn into a substrate, unlike modern paint that adheres to the surface. The process of being drawn in needs to be controlled by damping down. It is important to prepare the surfaces with an acrylic-based primer and use a coarse long-haired brush with natural bristles for interior spaces.

  • Environmental Friendliness: Limewash is free of solvents and is made from natural lime and natural pigments, making it an environmentally friendly paint option.

In summary, limewash paint is a traditional, environmentally friendly paint made from natural materials, offering a unique, textured finish and a range of practical benefits such as breathability and resistance to mold and bacteria.