Whitewash vs. Limewash – What’s the Difference?

Whitewash and limewash are two types of paint used to update the look of your home’s exterior or fireplace brick or to create the right paint color for any room. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are, in fact, distinct. When comparing whitewashing and limewashing for residential painting services, what are the key differences? Which one do you think will work better for your forthcoming painting project? Ask yourself this question, “who are the best painters near me?”

Whether you’re considering whitewash or limewash for your next job, Fine Painting at Lincoln Park Chicago can fill you in on the ins and outs of each so you can make an informed decision.

What is Whitewashing?

If you want to whitewash a surface, water-based paint is applied. In thin coats applied with a broad, soft paintbrush, it mutes the original hues of brick, wood, or other surfaces to give them an aged or weathered appearance. With a damp rag, our home painting services can remove portions of the whitewash, revealing the underlying brick or wood.

Whitewashing is white, while limewash comes in several colors. Some further characteristics of whitewashing are:

• Usable both indoors and outdoors

• cover and level up uneven areas

• Easily implemented

• It dries rapidly

• Because it works best on unpainted wood, any previous coatings on the surface must be sanded off before application.

• Seal the whitewash with a satin polyurethane or a matte water-based sealer to make it last longer.

• Whitewashing, if done properly, can last up to 30 years with very little upkeep.

What is Limewashing?

If you want to create limewash, limestone is crushed, burnt, and mixed with water to form a putty. The aged putty is then thinned with water to make paint with a mottled, matte appearance and a chalky texture. Limewash can be found in its original white color, which results from limestone being left untreated, or in grey, brown, and taupe tones that are achieved by mixing in natural pigments.

Limewash has the characteristics of:

• You can use it both inside and outside.

• The high pH makes it hypoallergenic.

• Odorless, waterproof, mold, and bug proof

• A buffer against the weather and other environmental hazards

• It removes cleanly up to 5 days after painting.

• Excellent for use on natural stone, brick, and plaster.

• You can use it on drywall after priming with a mineral-based product.

• In most cases, it won’t peel, flake, or chip for 5–7 years if applied properly, but it may need touch-ups in that time.

Applying at least three thin applications of the limewash with feathery strokes using a masonry paintbrush will yield the best results. Testing colors and consulting from home painting services is a good idea because the limewash gets considerably lighter as it dries. There is some uncertainty because the type of paint is natural, with all the differences that nature offers. Limewash produces varying color and texture outcomes as opposed to conventional paints, which completely match a paint swatch from the store.

Are You Examining Every Option to Create a Weathered, Vintage Look?

German smear often referred to as a mortar wash, is yet another method that can assist you in achieving the aims of your painting project. If you want to achieve a rustic finish on brick or another surface, this entails spreading white mortar on top of the material.

Brick can be whitewashed using either limewash or latex paint. Both methods use water and are effective on porous surfaces like brick. Whitewashing softens their natural appearance by applying a thick, thin layer of paint over the bricks. Even though limewashing entails applying a thin coat of paint, you may easily remove it after five days if you’re not satisfied with the outcome. You can depend on the regional specialists at Fine Painting in Lincoln Park Chicago to complete your project, whether you choose to use whitewash, limewash, or even the German smear. We have the skills, equipment, and premium paints to realize your concept. Call us at 312-626-9278 or fill out an online form to get a free quote for our home painting services.