Are you thinking about limewashing your bricks but are worried about what it will do to the material? Limewashing is a popular method used for bricks. It provides a rustic and charming look that makes the brick stand out. Moreover, limewashing can be done for both indoor and outdoor bricks. However, if you are having second thoughts about limewashing your bricks, we have shared tips and information to help you get started.
What does limewashing do to brick? When properly done, limewash provides the bricks with a vintage look while adding an extra layer of protection to them. Limewash is made with lime and as compared to paint that sits on top of the bricks, limewash penetrates it. Moreover, limewash does not peel off so there will be less maintenance required. It has high PH quality which allows the bricks to breathe and also prevents pests and insects.
Limewashing bricks give it a natural weathered and worn-out look which adds to its appeal. Homeowners love the look and feel of brick. It protects the bricks making them last longer. Find out more about the benefits that bricks can get from limewash by reading the rest of the article below.
Why Should You Use Limewash on Bricks?
Limewash should be used on bricks because of the many benefits that it provides. First of all, it is eco-friendly and free from any hazardous and toxic chemicals, unlike paint. Because of its weathered look, there is less maintenance needed. Moreover, limewash is bacteria and mold resistant. It can protect the bricks from mold, pests, and insects. Limewash does not peel or chip because it penetrates the bricks and does not only sit on top of it.
Is Limewashing Bad for Bricks?
Limewashing is not bad for bricks. Covering bricks with limewash especially the exterior ones can help protect them from harsh weather conditions. Limewash is durable and has a high UV resistance. It is safe to use on porous surfaces like bricks. Furthermore, it has a high-level PH which makes it a natural fungicide that prevents insects and pests from damaging the bricks.
Benefits of Limewashing Bricks
Limewash is eco-friendly, versatile, and affordable. It serves as an added layer of protection to the bricks. Because it is made from natural ingredients, you can rest assured that it will not harm or damage the bricks. Let us learn more about the benefits that you can get from limewashing bricks below.
It is Eco-Friendly
One of the benefits that you can get from limewashing bricks is that it is eco-friendly. Limewash is a thin coating that has the same consistency to paint. However, limewash is natural. It is made from lime which has undergone a process to create putty that is then mixed with water to create the limewash. Limewash is a natural paint is used on both interior and exterior bricks. It has anti-microbial properties, can improve air quality, and does not contain solvents that can harm the environment.
It is Versatile
Another benefit that you can get from using limewash is that it is versatile. It is a good alternative to paint because it can change the color of the bricks without changing the texture. Limewash penetrates the bricks so it does not peel off. It is ideal for porous surfaces because it allows the bricks to breathe. Moreover, limewash helps protect the bricks and mortar from the elements. You can also add powdered pigments to the limewash to add color to it. You can also check out this article that discusses if there are different colors of limewash. We have shared tips and ideas that you can refer to.
It is Affordable
Limewash is among the most affordable coating that you can purchase. There is a wide array of limewash paint available on the market or you can make one at home. Homemade limewash is affordable as well. You can use lime putty from masonry lime. You can purchase at your local hardware store or even online. It is more expensive as compared to a bucket of paint. You can even compare different prices so that you can get the best deals.
Disadvantages of Limewashing Bricks
One of the advantages of limewash is that there is a limited range of colors available. Moreover, if you are making a homemade limewash, it can be tricky to match the consistency from batch to batch. Take note that the difference in consistency is noticeable. To solve this problem, you can use a large container in mixing the limewash so that there is no need to make several batches.
How to Limewash Bricks
When limewashing bricks, there are a few steps that you need to follow which include preparing the bricks, cleaning the bricks, mixing the limewash, and applying it on the bricks. Limewash can be used both indoors and outdoors. Make sure that you follow the steps in limewashing bricks so you can guarantee that your project is a success. Below are the steps on how to limewash bricks.
Step 1 – Prepare your Surroundings
If you are working indoor, make sure to cover the floor so that they are protected from spills. Moreover, you also need to apply painter’s tape to the brick surfaces that you do not want to be covered with limewash.
Step 2 – Clean the Bricks
The next step that you need to do is to clean the bricks. If you are dealing with old bricks, make sure that they are free from any debris. Use water and detergent soap to wash the bricks. Make sure that they are thoroughly dry before you apply the limewash.
Step 3 – Mix the Limewash
There is ready-to-use limewash paint that you can purchase on the market. Make sure to mix them before applying them to the bricks. On the other hand, you can also make your limewash. In a container, pour a half and half solution of water and masonry lime. Mix thoroughly. You can also mix in powdered pigments if you want to add color to the limewash.
Step 4 – Apply the Limewash
Pour the limewash mixture into a painter’s pan. You can use a roller or a large brush to apply the limewash on the bricks. Make sure to evenly apply the limewash on the bricks. You can create an old worn effect by sticking pieces of duct tape on top of the fresh whitewash. Then, slowly peel the duct tape from the bricks.
✅ Video – How to Limewash Exterior Brick with an Antique Distressed Effect
Hack & Restore shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses how to limewash exterior brick with an antique distressed effect. In the video, tips and ideas on how to create a distressed effect on bricks by limewashing are shown. It is an easy technique that you can try at home. Watch the video for the instructions.
Limewash Brick Maintenance
Limewash is low maintenance. You do not need to reapply for it regularly. Because it penetrates the bricks, it will not chip or flake. You can apply a new coat of limewash on the bricks every five years or so depending on their appearance. It is low maintenance which means that you can be able to save on your budget.
Removing Lime Wash from Brick
Removing limewash from bricks can be tricky. If the limewash has been applied for many years, you might need to hire the services of a professional to do the removal so that you can make sure that you will not end up damaging the bricks. On the other hand, if the limewash is newly applied, you can remove it with the use of a sandblaster, water pressure, or by hand. 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.
How to Make Limewash for Bricks
The easiest way to make a limewash for bricks is by using masonry lime. To start, mix equal amounts of water and masonry lime in a container. This will create a putty mixture. You can choose to add more water into the mixture if you want to have a thinner consistency. On the other hand, add more masonry lime if you would rather have a thicker consistency.
Is Limewash Dusty?
Limewash can be dusty if it is not applied properly. When applied correctly, it does not rub off or get dusty. Dusty limewash means that it has undergone bad preparation or it has been applied too thickly. Moreover, without the right dampening down before limewashing, the limewash can dry fast and turn dusty.
How Long Will Limewash Last?
Limewash can last on for about five years or more depending on various factors. Through the years, its color will start to fade and needs to be recoated. Limewash that is done outdoors will fade faster as compared to those that are done indoors. This is because exterior limewash is exposed to extreme weather conditions. 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.
Can You Remove Limewash from Brick?
You can remove limewash from bricks. How easy it will be to remove will have to depend on various factors like the thickness of the limewash and how long it has been applied. You can remove limewash by hand with the use of a sponge and water. If the limewash has been applied for too long, you can use a sandblaster or water pressure to remove it.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed what limewashing does to brick. We have found out that limewash provides an extra layer of protection to bricks. Limewash is made from natural ingredients so it will not cause any harm to the bricks and the environment as well. It is a good option if you are looking for brick coating other than paint. Thank you for reading!