Can You Paint Over Limewash

Ever looked at your limewashed walls and wondered if it’s possible to paint over them? 

Limewash is really popular for walls because it’s made from natural materials and lets walls breathe. It has a unique texture and charm, but it’s not always easy to update. 

In this post, I’ll shed some light on whether you can paint over limewash.

Can You Paint Over Limewash?

Yes, you can paint over limewash. Painting over it is a practical way to refresh the space without completely removing the old finish. 

Plus, if you need a solid, smooth color that limewash doesn’t provide, a fresh coat of paint can be a great choice.

You can use breathable paints like mineral or masonry paint if painting on exterior limewash or in a high-moisture area. For interior spaces, you can use standard wall paint.

That said, you might need to do a bit of preparation like sanding and priming the wall.

Also Read: Can You Paint Flat Over Eggshell

How To Paint Over Limewash

Here’s a step by step guide on how to paint over limewash walls:

1 Clean The Surface

First things first – you need to get that surface really clean. 

Mix some mild soap with water and give the limewashed surface a good wash. This gets rid of all the dust and dirt that could stop the paint from sticking properly.

Don’t go too hard with the cleaning – a soft brush or damp cloth works great. 

Just make sure you don’t get the wall too wet. Let everything dry completely before you move on – you don’t want any moisture trapped under your new paint.

2 Check The Condition Of Limewash

Once everything’s clean, take a good look at your limewashed surface.

If you see any shiny spots, you’ll need to sand them down a bit so the new paint can grip better. Keep an eye out for any spots that are peeling or flaking – these need extra attention. 

If the finish is matte, you probably won’t need to sand it, but make sure everything’s stuck down well. 

Pay extra attention to corners and areas around windows and doors – these spots often have moisture problems. And you need to fix any damaged areas before you start painting.

Also Read: How to Clean Marker Off Wall

3 Prime The Surface

Don’t skip the primer – it’s really important. The primer creates a good base for your paint and stops the limewash from showing through or affecting your paint color.

 It also helps the paint go on evenly, which makes everything look more professional.

Get yourself a primer that’s either alkali-resistant or acrylic-based. Put it on evenly with a roller, brush, or sprayer, making sure you cover everything. 

You might need to do two coats, depending on what shape your wall is in. 

Make sure you wait for each coat to dry properly – check the instructions on the can for timing. 

4 Paint Over Limewash

When your primer’s completely dry, you can start with the actual paint.

Make sure you pick a paint that lets the wall breathe – silicate masonry paint works really well for this.Instead of putting on one thick coat, do several thin ones. 

This helps prevent drips and makes everything look more even. 

Work in small sections and keep the edge of your paint wet to avoid lines. When you’re using a roller, press evenly and overlap your strokes a little bit to get even coverage.

5 Final Touches

After you’ve painted everything, look carefully for any spots you might have missed or areas that need touching up. Really check those corners, edges, and any decorative details.

Fix any uneven spots while the paint is still wet so everything looks uniform. 

Give it plenty of time to dry between touch-ups. 

Oh and make sure you’ve got good airflow while everything’s drying, and don’t let anything bump or scratch the paint while it’s hardening up.

Also Read: Identifying Paint Finish on Existing Walls

Tips For Painting Over Limewash

Here are some of our best tips for painting over limewash surfaces:

• Pick paints that let moisture through – stay away from modern paints that trap it
• Do several thin coats instead of one thick one
• If you’re using limewash again, try the wet-on-wet method to avoid getting lines
• Keep the area well-ventilated while you’re painting
• Keep an eye on the weather – it affects how your paint dries and sticks
• Protect your newly painted surface from water and weather until it’s completely dry

Bottom Line

You can definitely paint over limewash – you just need to prepare everything properly and use the right materials. The secret to getting it right is taking time with the preparation, using the correct primer, and picking paint that lets moisture escape. 

It takes some patience and attention to detail, but you’ll end up with a great-looking finish that lasts and keeps your walls in good shape.

FAQs

Can You Use Regular Paint Over Limewash?

No, it is not recommended to use regular paint over limewash, as it can trap moisture and lead to peeling. It’s better to use a compatible paint, like a mineral-based or breathable paint.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Lime Wash Paint?

The disadvantages of lime wash paint include its susceptibility to weathering, need for regular maintenance, longer drying times, and limited color options compared to conventional paints.

Can Limewash Be Removed?

Yes, limewash can be removed by washing with water or scrubbing with a stiff brush. However, removal can be labor-intensive, especially if it has been applied multiple times.