Limewash Brick Painting FAQS

• Limewash vs. Whitewash: What's the Difference?
  While the two treatments are similar in some ways, there are key differences between whitewash and limewash brick.Whitewash is a type of paint that creates a white, translucent finish on surfaces like brick or plaster. It's made by mixing water, latex paint, and pigment. A white wash brick house will look like a thin plaster has been applied to it, since the wash obscures the brick's appearance. Whitewash is often used in transitional styles, like Modern Scandinavian, Industrial, or Shabby Chic.

  Limewash, on the other hand, can create either a translucent or opaque finish. Limewash has a softer, more chalky appearance than whitewash. It's made from a putty-like substance with tiny bits of crushed limestone that tints the brick. Limewash is a great choice for charming rustic designs, like Modern Farmhouse, Modern Ranch-style, Old World, or Coastal.

  While limewash and whitewash share similar chalky, matte profiles, their chemical compositions and application methods differ. Schedule a consultation with 365 Renovations and ask us about it! We can help you make your vision a reality!

• What's Better? Whitewash or Limewash?
  That depends on which look you're going for! Limewash brick painting creates a whitewashed appearance with an opaque finish. Unlike thinned paint used in whitewashing (which would make red brick look pink, for example), Classico Limewash's frosted appearance allows the beauty of the brick to show through in its original color (red, brown, or gray) over time.
• Will Limewash Wash off?
  Once fully cured, limewash will not wash off your brick, stone or masonry. This is because the limewash slurry has bonded with the building’s surface in a natural process called calcification.
• How does limewash look different from masonry paint?
  Limewash allows a little of the brick color to show through in some areas while masonry paint completely coats the brick or stone surface.
• What can be limewashed?
  Unpainted, unsealed and unfinished brick, masonry or stone can be limewashed.
• Why can’t I limewash my painted brick?
  Limewash needs to adhere to the original brick surface to create the characteristic calcification that makes limewash so durable and hard. It cannot form this bond with painted surfaces.
• How is limewash different from paint products?
  Limewash is made from natural minerals like Dolomite lime so that it's eco-friendly from manufacture through application. Latex paint is designed with a manmade formula based on petroleum products.
• Can I apply limewash myself?
  Applying limewash correctly requires practice, training and the right tools. Unlike painting, limewash forms an actual bond with your brick or stone. That means the application process is not as forgiving as paint if you make a mistake. Trust the pros at 365 Renovations to give your home a limewash surface you will still appreciate years from now.
• Will limewash cover ugly brick?
  We can apply heavy limewash to cover nearly all the brick or finish the surface lightly to allow more of the brick’s character to show through. We also offer regular exterior brick painting , limewash masonry paint or lime slurry paint services. Let's talk about your vision at your estimate consultation.
• How long will the limewash look last?
  Limewash looks great for decades, but you can refresh it as desired. While it will continue to develop a patina from exposure to the elements, it will never completely come off the brick’s surface.  Historic buildings keep their classic look for centuries with a limewashed exterior.