HELP & GUIDANCE

Limewash is a mineral-based decorative finish made using matured lime, natural mineral ingredients, earth pigments and binders. It produces a breathable surface with gentle colour movement and a soft, naturally textured appearance.

Unlike conventional flat paint, limewash creates subtle variations in tone and texture. Its mineral composition gives walls a distinctive, natural finish that responds beautifully to changing light.

Authentic limewash is based on lime and mineral ingredients. Limewash-effect paints may imitate the appearance using a different paint formulation. The chemistry, breathability and final finish can therefore be different.

Our limewash is freshly produced and tinted in Marden, Kent, on the day of dispatch. We produce small batches to order rather than holding large quantities of finished paint in storage.

Shake your sample container thoroughly for at least 40 seconds before opening it. Limewash contains mineral pigments that can settle naturally.

Apply the sample to a clean, matt white surface. A white background helps you assess the shade without interference from the existing wall colour.

You do not need Mineral Prep Coat for a small colour test on a suitable matt white surface. However, Mineral Prep Coat is required when you carry out the actual wall application.

Allow the sample to dry completely before judging the colour. Observe it in daylight and artificial lighting, as limewash changes appearance with light and drying.

Screen settings, room lighting, surface preparation and application technique can all influence how a shade appears. We recommend testing a sample in the actual room before ordering larger quantities.

Limewash often appears darker when wet and becomes lighter as moisture evaporates. Its final appearance also develops as the mineral finish cures.

Yes. The surface should be clean, sound, dry and properly prepared. For previously painted walls, use a suitable matt white primer where necessary, followed by our Mineral Prep Coat.

Mineral Prep Coat provides a consistent surface for limewash application and helps reduce uneven absorption and unwanted patchiness.

Find your surface preparation guide →

No. Primer prepares and seals the underlying surface. Mineral Prep Coat creates the appropriate textured base for applying our limewash. Depending on the existing wall, both may be required.

Repairs and filler can absorb moisture differently from the surrounding wall. Prime the repaired areas as appropriate and create a uniform surface with Mineral Prep Coat before applying limewash.

As a guide, 5 litres covers approximately 30 m² with two coats. Coverage varies with surface texture, porosity and application technique.

Stir your limewash regularly during application. Work in manageable areas, maintain a wet edge and build the finish using two thin, controlled coats. Allow the first coat to dry before applying the second.

Use flowing, blended brush movements. Avoid repeatedly marking the wall with visible X shapes.

Begin with the corners and edges, then blend into the surrounding wall while the limewash remains workable. Avoid leaving a heavy build-up of paint at the edges.

A suitable limewash brush helps distribute the mineral paint and create the characteristic natural movement. Brush size and technique influence the final texture and appearance.

A top coat is optional for many dry interior spaces. It can be useful where greater resistance to rubbing and everyday contact is needed.

Allow the limewash to cure sufficiently before applying a compatible top coat. Follow the product-specific instructions carefully.

Limewash can be used on suitable bathroom walls outside direct wet areas, provided the surface is prepared correctly and ventilation is adequate.

We do not recommend ordinary interior limewash for shower interiors or surfaces exposed to continuous splashing or standing water.

Common mistakes include skipping Mineral Prep Coat, applying limewash too thickly, failing to prepare repaired areas, and overworking the surface.

Lime blooming and uneven colour can also occur when moisture, absorption or application conditions are not properly controlled.

Avoid leaving repeated criss-cross or X-shaped patterns on the wall. Blend your brushwork into soft, natural movement instead.

Yes. Authentic mineral limewash has a much thinner consistency than conventional emulsion paint. This is normal and helps create the layered, translucent mineral finish.

Stir thoroughly and regularly while working. Do not attempt to thicken it with other materials.

Some tonal variation is a natural part of limewash. However, strong patches may result from uneven surface absorption, poor preparation, thick application or inconsistent brushwork.

Allow the finish to dry fully before assessing the result. Avoid adding unnecessary extra coats before identifying the cause.

Each order is freshly mixed and tinted to order at our production facility in Marden, Kent. This made-to-order process means your paint is prepared specifically for your order.

Delivery times depend on your location, order contents and the delivery service selected. Please refer to the shipping information shown at checkout for current options and charges.

Our limewash is freshly produced to order. Made-to-order products are generally not eligible for change-of-mind returns. This does not affect your statutory rights where goods are faulty or not as described.

For complete details, please read our Refund & Returns Policy.

Please contact our customer service team if you have an issue with your order.

Yes. We work with professional decorators, interior designers, architects and commercial customers. Contact our team with details of your project and estimated quantities.

Email: info@limewash.com

Yes. We can discuss supply requirements, quantities, lead times and delivery arrangements for larger domestic and commercial projects.

Please email info@limewash.com with your project details.