Limewashed Brick: An Enduring Finish for Masonry
What is Limewash?
Limewash is a traditional coating made from crushed limestone and water, often with added pigments. It is a breathable, bacteria-resistant, and mold-resistant finish for masonry surfaces like brick.
Limewash vs. Paint
Unlike paint, which forms a cohesive film on the surface, limewash allows the pores of the brick to remain open to the air. This breathability prevents moisture entrapment and subsequent peeling, making limewash ideal for brick homes in harsh climates.
Limewash Appearance
Limewash imparts a semi-transparent patina on brick, allowing its texture to show through. With multiple coats or thicker applications, limewash becomes more opaque, resembling exterior house paint. Multi-colored brick will exhibit a variegated appearance with limewash.
DIY Limewash
To make your own limewash, mix hydrated lime with water to a consistency similar to whole milk (15-20% lime to 80-85% water). For a thinner limewash that showcases more of the brick’s color, use a 15:85 ratio (50 pounds of lime to 40-1/2 gallons of water). DIY limewash is significantly less expensive than pre-mixed options.
Limewash Application Methods
Limewash can be applied with a brush, sprayer, or roller.
- Brush: Masonry brushes or paint brushes (4- or 6-inch) allow for precise application and distressing.
- Spray: Paint sprayers provide a uniform finish but are less effective for forcing limewash into the brick’s pores.
- Roller: Pre-mixed limewash paints can be applied with rollers to create a thick, uniform coating.
How to Limewash Brick
- Prepare the Brick: Clean the brick with a dry broom or mild detergent solution. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives.
- Add Water to Limewash: Stir the limewash product thoroughly until it reaches an even consistency.
- Dampen the Brick: Spray or dampen the brick with clean water to facilitate limewash absorption. Avoid oversaturation.
- Apply the First Coat: Brush on one coat of limewash using a masonry brush.
- Let the Limewash Dry: Allow the limewash to dry until it is no longer wet but can still be dampened.
- Apply Additional Coats: Add more coats as desired for a more even appearance.
Limewash Removal
Freshly applied limewash can be removed with acidic cleaners or abrasive cleaning methods like sandblasting or pressure-washing. Old limewash that has soaked into the brick is more challenging to remove.
Tips for Limewashing Brick
- Test the limewash on a spare brick or less visible area to gauge the color.
- Avoid applying limewash in direct sunlight, as this can cause it to dry too quickly.
- Apply thin coats of limewash, not thick coats, to prevent cracking or crazing.
- Wash off some of the limewash after application to achieve an antique effect using a fine spray with a garden sprayer or spray bottle.
FAQs
- How long does limewashing brick last? Limewashed brick typically lasts 5-7 years before requiring reapplication.
- Is limewash on brick permanent? Limewash is not permanent but is long-lasting and difficult to remove. It will change the brick’s color, which can be minimized by using thinner limewash mixtures.
- Is limewash expensive? DIY limewash is inexpensive, while pre-mixed limewash paint is comparable to exterior house paint.