Limewash usually comes in white, but is it available in different colors? This traditional paint has been used for many years and is known for its many benefits. Limewash can be used both indoor and outdoor. In this article, we will discuss if limewash comes in various colors in case you want to use it to add a vibrant look to your walls and furniture.
Are there different colors of limewash? In general, limewash is colored off-white in its base form. However, colors can be added to it. Colored limewash is created by adding natural, alkali-resistant pigments. There are many colors that you can choose from. You can purchase colored limewash at your local store or you can also make one at home using powder pigments.
When choosing colored limewash, bear in mind that the color becomes lighter when it dries. Limewash can be ten times darker its color when it is wet so you must test it. The colors of limewash differ according to the pigments that are used, the application, as well as the composition and porosity of the surface that it will be applied on. To learn more about this, check out the rest of the article below.
What is Limewash?
Limewash is a type of paint that is made from limestone. Limestone undergoes a process to create lime putty. Then, the lime putty is left to cure for several months before it is thinned with water to create limewash. Limewash is usually white and has a slightly chalky appearance. It can be colored using pigments. As compared to paint, limewash sinks into the surface. In porous surfaces, the color of the limewash will deepen especially when there is dampness in the background of the material.
What Colors Should I Use for Limewash?
Limewash comes in a wide array of colors so you can easily choose according to your needs, specifications, and budget. There are different factors that you need to consider when it comes to choosing the color of limewash for your project. Take note that limewash is about ten times darker than its original shade when it is wet. Hence, you need to test the color by allowing it to completely dry. Moreover, the color of the limewash also changes according to the number of coating and the porosity of the surface that is applied. Traditional limewash is available in brown, white, and gray. You can also choose ready-to-use colored limewash available on the market. On the other hand, you can create one at home using powder pigments.
Does Color Change When More Water is added to the Limewash Mixture?
The color of the limewash does not change when more water is added to it. The color pigments will not dissolve in the water but their consistency will change. When the limewash mixture is applied, the water evaporates and the color remains the same.
What are the Different Colors of Limewash?
Limewash comes in a wide array of colors. They are available in earth tones like terracotta, browns, and grays. For a softer hue, you can choose pastel colors like blush, soft pink, baby blue, and apricot. You can also choose bright colors such as red, ultramarine, mint, and yellow.
Can You Add Color to Limewash?
You can add color to limewash. Add colors by mixing natural powdered pigments. You can do this by first mixing a small amount of warm water with the pigment to create a paste. Make sure that the pigment is wet before you add it into the limewash mixture. It is recommended that there should be a maximum ratio of ten parts limewash mixture to every one part pigment paste. Make sure to follow this measurement because any excess will result in a weakness in the structure of the lime mortar.
How to Add Color to Limewash
Add color to limewash using powdered pigments. You can use organic pigments for some color. If you cannot find powder pigments from your local stores, you can also use spices such as saffron and turmeric to give the limewash a yellowish tint. When using a powdered pigment, you need to mix it with hot water first before adding it into the limewash. The more pigment that you add, the deeper the color of the limewash will be.
✅ Video – Colored Limewash Step-by-Step
EarthPigmentsCompany shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to make traditional colored limewash. In the video, the step-by-step process of how to add color to the limewash mixture is discussed. Moreover, the application technique and mixing instructions are demonstrated. Watch the video below for more tips and information.
Can You Darken Limewash?
You can add raw linseed oil and casein or even apply a coating into the limewash to darken its color. Increasing the amount of pigment can also result in deeper shades. However, adding more pigment can also overload the mixture and result in the pigments sitting on the surface of the material. Below are the different ways to darken limewash.
Option 1 – Adding Raw Linseed Oil
One way to darken limewash is by adding raw linseed oil into its final coating. You can add a maximum of three percent linseed oil depending on the volume of the mixture. Adding raw linseed oil makes the color darker and also reduces dusting. Make sure to test an area before coating the whole surface of the material.
Option 2 – Adding Casein
You can also try to add casein with the limewash mixture. This also helps limewash adhere better to the material. When you use very mature limewash, it will help to hold the pigment better. As limewash matures, it breaks down and the crystal formulation of the lime creates a larger surface area. This makes it easy for the pigment to adhere to and also makes it easier to create darker colors.
Option 3 – Applying Coating
The last option would be to apply a coating over the top of the limewash mixture to hold the pigment. You can try various coatings offered on the market.
Limewash Pigment
When it comes to color, limewash is known for its natural association which is ideal for those who would want their walls to have a neutral backdrop. Traditionally, limewash comes in earth tones and terracotta colors. Today, you can find a wide array of limewash paints to choose from. You can use limewash as traditional paint or for adding soft and subtle textures. Most colored limewash is pigmented using natural ingredients. The wide array of colors available on the market makes it easier to choose the one that suits your preferences and style.
Limewash Paint Benefits
Limewash is quick-drying, has a low sheen, and comes in a wide array of colors. It is a breathable finish which makes it ideal for older walls. If you have constantly damp walls, you can use limewash on them. As compared to paint, Limewash can be able to penetrate the surface of the material easily. You can built-up the color by applying more coats. Because limewash is water-based, it is ideal for traditional building materials.
Low-Sheen
One of the benefits that you can get from using limewash is that it has a low sheen of about less than five percent. Because of this, it can provide a traditional and breathable finish for the materials.
Quick-Drying
Another benefit that you can get from pigmented limewash is that it is quick-drying. It has a water-based exterior finish that can surface dry in an hour. You will need at least 24 hours before you can apply the following coat of Limewash. Add as many coats as you desire. You can also check out this article that we have written titled, can you remove limewash from brick? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Range of Colors
Limewash is available in a wide array of colors that you can choose from. You can purchase colored limewash or you can make your own using powdered pigments. The good thing is that you can even use ingredients like saffron and cinnamon to add colors to your limewash mixture. This means you can experiment with the colors.
Where Can I use Limewash?
You can use limewash for painting the exterior and interior walls of your property. As compared to ordinary house paints, limewash sinks into the surface of the material and does not merely sit on top of it. This means that limewash can be applied to porous surfaces like bricks, stone, and plaster. Moreover, limewash, especially those that are premade, modern varieties can have mineral-binding additives which make them ideal for drywall just as long as you use the right primer for it. You can also check out this article titled, what does limewashing do to brick? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Can I Make My Own Limewash?
You can make your limewash at home. It is affordable and easy to do. The process involves making lime putty from masonry lime that you can easily find at your local hardware stores. Mix the lime with water until you have a thick consistency like cream. You can also add natural powdered pigments to the mixture. You can also check out this article that we have written title, can I make my whitewash? We have shared tips and ideas on how to make DIY whitewash at home.
How is Limewash Different from Paint?
Limewash differs from paint because it can soak into the surface of the material that it is applied into. Hence, it will not easily peel or chip. It can be applied on bricks and is also excellent for masonry surfaces like concrete and stone. You can also check out this article titled, does limewash come off in rain? We have shared tips and ideas on how to maintain limewash that you can refer to.
Is Limewash Environmentally Friendly?
Limewash is environmentally friendly. It does not have solvents so you do not have to worry about it being a household environmental hazard. Furthermore, traditional limewash is made from natural lime and natural pigments. It has a high pH level which means that microorganisms cannot survive. This also gives the limewash a hypoallergenic quality.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses if there are different colors of limewash. We have found out that there is a wide array of colored limewash that are available on the market. Limewash paint comes in a wide array of color shades and palettes. You can also make your colored limewash by adding natural powdered pigments into the limewash mixture. With the many colors that you can choose from, you can have a colorful and vibrant coating for your furniture and walls. Thank you for reading!