Whether you’re looking to build a new home or remodel your kitchen, two types of paint can be used: limewash and whitewash. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are distinct. Are you whitewashing or limewashing your house? What’s the difference?

Final Touch Painting can help you decide between whitewash and limewash by explaining their respective uses, aesthetic distinctions, and other features.

What is Whitewash?

The process of whitewashing in Elmhurst IL entails applying water-based, water-diluted paint. It creates an antique or aged appearance when applied in thin layers with a broad, soft paintbrush. It is also possible for the painter to brush away some of the whitewash paint with a damp towel, revealing some of the underlying brick or wood.

Features of Whitewash

• Accessible in a range of tones
• Compatible with both indoor and outdoor settings
• Covers and refines abrasive areas
• Application is easy
• Dries rapidly
• Has a long-life expectancy of about 20-30 years.
• It requires little upkeep – if any – if applied properly.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Whitewashing Bricks

Step 1: Ensure the brick is clean before proceeding. A pail of water, a decent scrub brush, and fireplace cleaning should be sufficient to eliminate any dust, filth, and grime from the brick.

Step 2: Add water to the paint in the plastic container and swirl thoroughly. In most cases, paint and water may be combined in a ratio of 1:1. However, the coverage you require may be achieved by changing the ratio. Various individuals have varying preferences for paint consistency, some preferring a thicker application and others a thinner one.

Step 3: Tape off the space between the floor and the walls around the fireplace to prevent paint from dripping. Place a drop cloth down.

Step 4: Begin painting. Coat your bricks and mortar with the paint-and-water mixture. If you want to be sure you’re achieving the desired effect, practice on a tiny area first. Increase the paint quantity to increase coverage.

Step 5: If you think certain spots have gotten too much paint, wipe them down with a moist towel.

What is Limewash?

Limewash paint contains crushed limestone transformed into putty. The putty is then watered down from its original consistency. Although often white, it is also available in a variety of colors. The end effect is a chalky, matte appearance. A benefit of this method is that painters near me have around 5 days to remove the paint if you’re unhappy with the results.

Features of Limewash

• It adds depth to the otherwise flat white finish
• Super simple to apply
• Quick and simple to scuff and remove paint
• Resistant to odor, dampness, fungus, and insects
• 100% natural, completely safe, and environmentally friendly
• Hypoallergenic
• Affordably do-it-yourself
• Removable within 5 days of application

A Step-by-Step Guide to Limewashing Bricks

Step 1: Get a pail of water and some fireplace cleanser and scrub the bricks well to get rid of dust and dirt.

Step 2: Tape off the areas surrounding the bricks to prevent paint from dripping onto the walls, floor, or mantel. Place a drop cloth.

Step 3: Sprinkle brick with a little misting of water from a spray bottle.

Step 4: Add water to the limewash and stir until it is the desired consistency, then pour the diluted paint into the mixing bucket. Just use a little water and add more if necessary.

Step 5: Put the paint on bricks and mortar with a brush and spread it around. It’s easier to cover up drips if you begin from the top.

Step 6: To get a weathered appearance, spray more water on the brick after the paint has cured for 10-20 minutes but is still moist, and then wipe it with a towel.

Step 7: Final Touch residential painting services will paint over imperfections to achieve the desired effect.

Bottom Line

Whitewashing and limewashing in Elmhurst IL, both serve the same purpose: to enhance the appearance of your home or business place. They provide a smooth and polished coating to your exterior walls and last for a while before needing to be reapplied.

But you probably shouldn’t choose one over the other, they both have advantages and disadvantages. Both can be used for various home painting services projects, and each has unique properties that make them suitable for specific surfaces and not others.

Do you still have questions about – whitewash and limewash? Feel free to call us at (708) 434-5154 if you need to get in touch with us immediately. We’ll provide you with a no-cost quote for our painting & decorating services as soon as we can!