If you’re looking for a way to give brick, stone, or wood a lighter, more textured look, that is different from traditional paint then you’ve probably come across limewash and whitewash—but what’s the difference? While both finishes create a soft, aged appearance, they’re made from different materials and behave very differently once applied. In this post, we’ll break down limewash vs whitewash, explain the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which option is best for your next DIY or home improvement project.
First lets start with explaining what each of these applications are and what they are used for so you can decide which one is better for your project.
What is Limewash?
Let us first talk about limewash. This is a type of paint that is a natural product made with crushed limestone, it is then fired in a kiln at high temperatures, mixed with water and then colored with natural pigments. This type of paint has been around for centuries as was one of the first forms of exterior house paint.
Limewash is also eco-friendly, non-toxic, and breathable. This paint is most notably known for a texture that has a chalky appearance and is best applied with a brush. There are actually three different brush stroke types used to apply limewash paint. The brush strokes used are horizontal, vertical and using a cloud-like brush stroke, (think half circles), which happens to be the most popular choice, but is a personal preference.
Limewash paint can be applied to almost any room in your home although maybe not a high-traffic area that collects dirty hands such as kids rooms, playrooms or in kitchens or bathrooms where water may be frequently splashed. It can also be applied to exteriors that are stone or brick.
Even though you may think a kitchen space might not be a good choice for limewash paint it is actually is a great choice for a kitchen. The chemical makeup of limewash paint makes it suitable for a kitchen because of its high pH level. This makes it mold resistant and it helps remove odors that are common in a kitchen. If applying in a kitchen it is best to apply a wax seal to act as a finish so that if an area gets dirty it can be gently wiped off.
Limewash paint is an excellent choice for interior walls that you want to have a more upscale and timeless appeal. When looking to purchase limewash paint it can be found in the USA and Europe at some home improvement store. It is also available for purchase online from brands like: Farrow & Ball, James Alexander Paint and Portola Paints.
What is Whitewash?
The most basic definition of whitewash is watered-down paint. In order to whitewash any surface you would take any type of paint and add water and mix well. The best paint types to use when trying to whitewash is latex paint, acrylic or any other type of water-based paints.
Several years ago I used the whitewash technique on the brick fireplace in our living room. It has been almost 10 years since I did this project and although I can tell that it has lightly faded it still looks great. Another benefit is that the fireplace has not needed any frequent maintenance. Whitewashing on exterior brick surfaces or any other stone surfaces is a great way to transform an outdated space on a budget.
Whitwashing is an easy an inexpensive way to transform any type of wood or brick surface to create a gently painted look. Usually when mixing the paint and water you will want to mix a 50/50 solution of paint and water. This could of course be changed to your preference if you want a more opaque look you would want to add more water.
When whitewashing you can apply to a variety of surfaces, the most popular being brick or wood. A note to remember is that because the paint is watered down the surface will not be completely covered up due to the opaqueness of the paint after applied.
Whitewash and limestone paint are both best applied with a brush. Whitewash on wood acts like a wood stain in that the grain of the wood can show through.
Best Surfaces for Limewash and Whitewash
There are many surfaces that limewash paint can be applied to including stucco, plaster, brick, and cement and also drywall. Before applying limewash you will want to make sure the surface is properly prepped which means that if it is a previously painted surface it will need to have an acrylic primer applied first. Limewash paint is best applied in small sections.
If your surface is a natural surface you won’t need to apply any primer first but you will want to make sure the surface has been properly cleaned before applying the paint. Any basic de-greaser cleaner would be good for a wall that may not have been cleaned recently and then a dust cloth can be applied over the entire surface to pick up any remaining dust crumbs.
Application Method
The application process for limewash paint it is most commonly done in thin layers in a cloud-like pattern as mentioned previously above . The limewash paint will look different when first applied and wet and will lighten as it dries.
For best results more than one coat of paint is usually needed when applying limewash paint. If you only apply one coat of paint the finished wall will have a more opaque finish. Most of the time limewash paint is left as a matte finish and unsealed in its natural look, however you can apply a protective layer top coat for any surface that may need a protective finish.
One of the key differences is that whitewash paint is best applied to porous surfaces like brick, concrete or wood on interior or exterior surfaces. Again with whitewash paint you will want the surface to be properly cleaned but does not need to have primer applied. Whitewashing a surface can also help give a surface an aged finish or rustic look.
Whether you choose limewash or whitewash ultimately comes down to the look you love and the function you need. Limewash offers depth, movement, and a breathable, mineral-based finish that ages beautifully, while whitewash provides a lighter, more uniform way to soften and brighten wood or brick. Both techniques bring character and charm that standard paint just can’t replicate. By understanding how each finish behaves and where it works best, you can confidently pick the one that fits your project, your style, and the atmosphere you want to create in your space.
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