Are you planning to limewash your exterior walls but are worried if it will come off in the rain? Limewash can be used both indoors and outdoors, but outdoor conditions can affect how long limewash can last. In this article, we will discuss how rain can affect limewash. Check out the article below for more tips and information.
Does limewash come off in rain? If properly applied, limewash will not come off in rain. After it has dried, limewash becomes highly water-resistant. This is why it can be used outdoors. Once you have applied the limewash to your outdoor walls, allow it to thoroughly dry for up to four hours. Dried limewash hardens to cover the surface of the wall adding an extra layer of protection to it.
Does limewash wash off? Is limewash waterproof? How do you make limewash last? What are the tips n how to maintain limewash? These are some of the questions that we will discuss. If you would like to limewash your exterior walls, we have shared helpful information to help you get started.
Is Limewash Waterproof?
Limewash is waterproof. Once it has dried, it can withstand rain and will not easily wash off when exposed to various weather conditions.
How to Make Waterproof Limewash
Create a waterproof limewash using quick lime, tallow, and water. If these three ingredients are mixed, a chemical reaction takes place. Water boils with the heat of the chemical reaction which melts the fat. As a result, they integrated it into the limewash making it waterproof. This is made possible because the chemical reaction makes the pockets of air in the limewash furry. It stops water droplets from penetrating the material but allows vapor to escape making it waterproof but breathable.
What Happens to Limewash When it Rains?
Once it has properly dried, limewash becomes waterproof so it is not affected by the rain. On the other hand, you can add sealant into the limewash as an extra layer of protection and seal it so that it can last longer.
Does Limewash Wash Off?
Like any type of coating, limewash will eventually wash off and fade over time. You will need to reapply the limewash after five to seven years depending on the condition of the limewash. How fast the limewash will wash off will have to depend on various factors. Limewash done outdoors will wash off faster as compared to those that are done indoors. We have also written this article that discusses if you can remove limewash from bricks. Check out the article for tips and ideas for your DIY project.
Why Use Limewash?
People use limewash for the many benefits that it provides. First and foremost, it is made from natural materials which makes it eco-friendly. It is a good alternative to paint if you do not want to use a chemical-based product on your walls or furniture. Moreover, limewash is UV resistant and has a high PH level. This means that it is safe to use under the sun and has anti-microbial properties. Furthermore, it is affordable, waterproof, and breathable.
How Long Does Lime Wash Last?
Different factors can affect how long limewash will last. Usually, it will need reapplication after about five to seven years. Through the years, the color of the limewash will fade but it will not be gone. How the limewash is applied and the different conditions that it is exposed to can affect how long it can last.
How to Make Limewash Last
You can make limewash last by adding a binder like casein, linseed oil, or tallow to make it more durable.
- Casein – This is an animal derivative that can be added to a limewash. It will act as a repellent and will also prevent dusting.
- Tallow – This comes from the fat of cow, sheep, or pig. It is easier to be found as compared to casein. Tallow needs to be incorporated in the lime slaking process.
- Linseed Oil – This is a traditional vegetable-based additive that can be used as a binder and weather-proofer.
Tips for Maintaining Limewash
If you want to maintain limewash, you need to wash it carefully and also reapply another coat every once in a while. It takes about seven days for the limewash to thoroughly dry. Once it has dried, it will calcify enough and become resistant to the elements. On the other hand, you need to keep in mind that it will not be entirely weather-proof. Below are the maintenance tips that you can do to make limewash last longer.
Tip 1 – Wash Carefully
The first tip is to carefully wash the limewash. Limewash is hard to remove once it is dry, but it is still vulnerable to water and pressure. Remove any stains and dirt from the limewash using a damp rag. Wipe the area lightly making sure that no extra limewash will be removed. On the other hand, stains and dirt seldom make an issue because it does not show that much.
Tip 2 – Reapply Limewash
Through the years, various weather and outdoor conditions can affect the appearance of the limewash. You might notice that it starts to fade and the surface of the material is getting exposed. Maintain the weathered and rustic look of the limewash by reapplying every five to seven years. There are times where you will also need to do touch-ups to control how the surface erodes. 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 You Paint Over Limewash?
It is not advisable to paint over limewash. This is because lime can eat away or burn through the traditional paint. If in case you want to paint over limewash because you do not have the time to remove it before painting, you need to seal the limewash first. You can choose from the various sealants available on the market.
Does Limewash Contain Binders?
Most of the time, limewash contains binders which can be a good thing because they help improve water shedding and adhesion. However, it is not always beneficial. For instance, you can use additives like tallow or raw linseed oils as binders. But take note that adding these additives can reduce the breathability of the limewash and can also encourage mold to grow.
How to Apply Limewash
There are a few steps that you need to consider when applying limewash which include preparation, damping down, and application. Like painting, there are different methods and techniques used when applying limewash. Choose a method that is easy to do but make sure that you properly apply the limewash. Below are the steps on how to apply limewash that you can follow.
Step 1 – Preparation
The first thing that you need to do is to prepare the area that needs to be limewashed. The surface should be clean. Wash it with water and soap to remove any grease, oil, dirt, and dust. Remove any existing paint, seal, or finish on the material. Moreover, treat any mold using a fungicide. Make sure not to use fungicides that contain silicon.
Step 2 – Damping Down
The next step is damping down. Take note that limewash should not be applied to a dry surface. When applied to a dry surface, limewash will dry fast which can lead to dusting. To prevent this, spray the surface with water until it is damp.
Step 3 – Application
The last step is to apply the limewash. Apply the limewash with the use of a flat brush. Stir it well before application. Make sure to apply the limewash in several thin coats.
✅ Video – Application and Preparation of Limewash
Ncptt shared the video below on YouTube. It shows the application and preparation of limewash. In the video below, Sarah Jackson from NCPTT discusses how to apply and prepare limewash. Check out the video below for the process.
Do You Need to Seal Limewash?
You can seal limewash to prevent it from fading fast. Once you have done the final coat, apply the sealer to the limewash. This is ideal especially if you are using limewash in the bathroom or kitchen. Once you have applied the sealer, it will give a slight sheen to the limewash. Moreover, the sealer will protect the limewash from dirt and water making it easier to wipe and clean. Choose from the wide array of sealers available on the market.
What is the Best Weather for Limewashing?
When doing limewashing, the best weather should not be too hot or too cold. Do not apply limewashing outdoors when it is raining because it will only wipe away the limewash from the walls. Make sure that it is sunny enough so that the limewash can easily dry. However, it is also not ideal to limewash during extreme sunny days because the hot temperature can cause the limewash to dry quickly as it should.
How Many Coats of Limewash Do I Need?
Usually, limewash should be applied thinly so that it can dry out slowly and thoroughly. It is recommended that you apply at least three to four coats of limewash into the surface of the material. On the other hand, you can add more or less depending on the thickness of the limewash and the look that you would like to achieve. You can also check out this article that we have shared that discusses if there are different colors of limewash. Read the article for more tips and information.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses if limewash comes off in the rain. We have found out that once limewash has dried properly, it becomes waterproof and will not come off in the rain. We have also shared tips and ideas on how to make limewash last longer and how to apply it properly. Thank you for reading!