Though it’s recently been gaining in popularity, limewash was actually one of the earliest house paints, dating back millennia: the Romans used it in Pompeii and the ancient Greeks at the Parthenon. Today, it’s appreciated for the quiet luminosity, suedelike finish, and depth it brings to walls—and thanks to boutique paint companies who’ve revived it in the U.S., you can get a wide range of hues right out of a can. Another plus: It’s a breathable, healthy finish, thanks to all-natural ingredients that are chemical- and VOC-free.
A custom shade from Color Atelier (Sienna Yellow offers a similar effect) drenches the Madrona Hotel’s dining room in Sonoma, designed by Jay Jeffers, in a golden glow.
MATTHEW MILLMANPointers From the Pros
1. PUT IT ON MUTE
The pigments used in limewash are made from minerals and natural oxides, so “you generally get more muted versions of color—it retains a natural, earthen feel,” notes Joe Wooten, technical director at Domingue Architectural Finishes. “Darker colors, which have more pigment, will show more movement and variation, while lighter hues are more subtle,” adds Jamie Davis, cofounder of Portola Paints.
2. TECHNIQUE MATTERS
Limewash requires a certain amount of artistry. Your regular housepainter is likely not experienced with the medium, but limewash companies may be able to recommend a decorative painter in your area who is. If you choose to DIY it, watch video tutorials and practice first to get a feel for how to apply the paint—usually in overlapping X-shaped strokes with a 4- or 5-inch flat, natural-fiber brush.
In a historic 1870 home in Germany, designers Izabella & Lennart used Bauwerk’s Moth limewash to bridge classic architecture with modern furniture.
IZABELLA & LENNART3. PRIME PROPERLY
You can use limewash directly on plaster or brick, but if you’re painting new drywall, use a water-based, stain-blocking primer such as Kilz first. For both existing painted walls and new drywall, you’ll also need a mineral-based primer (available from limewash companies).
4. EMBRACE IMPERFECTION
While specialty finishes like lacquer require a flawless canvas, limewash is “quick, forgiving, and works well on imperfect walls, so it’s a great entry point for someone who wants an organic finish,” says Davis.
Designer Marissa Corvino employed Color Atelier’s Limewash in Santos to create a tranquil atmosphere in the Tribeca loft bedroom of Danielle Bernstein, founder of WeWoreWhat.
ORI HARPAZ5. GIVE IT TIME
Limewash is thinner than regular paint (stir frequently!), and you’ll need to apply at least two coats, allowing the first coat to dry for 24 hours. “The color lightens as it dries, so you won’t know exactly how it looks until it’s dry,” notes decorative painter Ali Baras of Designer Walls in Los Angeles.
6. CONSIDER LOCATION
Limewash lasts much longer than regular paint, but it’s not generally a wipeable surface, so it’s not necessarily the best choice for high-traffic areas.
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN VOLUME 20 OF FREDERIC MAGAZINE. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE!
