Overview

Some finishes stand the test of time for good reason. Little Greene Limewash is a beautifully traditional exterior finish that has been used for centuries to decorate and protect porous stone and lime-rendered surfaces, and it remains one of the most characterful, authentic and environmentally considered ways to finish a period or heritage building today.

Unlike conventional paint, Limewash doesn't sit on top of the surface. It penetrates into it, building colour gradually with each successive coat to create a depth and softness that no modern masonry paint can replicate. The result is an extremely low-sheen finish of less than 3% that breathes with the wall, allowing moisture to escape, making it particularly well suited to old buildings, damp-prone walls and traditional building materials including lime plaster, lime render and porous stone.

Water-based, environmentally friendly and available across a wide range of Little Greene colours, it's a finish that is as responsible as it is beautiful. Available in 5 litre tins, covering approximately 6 square metres per litre per coat. Please note: Limewash should be used within 14 days of delivery for the best results in depth of colour and finish quality.

Supplied by Little Greene please allow 2 to 5 days for delivery

• Breathable finish - allows moisture to escape, ideal for old, damp-prone and traditionally built walls
• Penetrating colour - builds depth and character with successive coats rather than sitting on the surface
• Extremely low sheen - less than 3% gloss level for an authentic, traditional appearance
• Quick-drying - surface dry in as little as one hour
• Environmentally friendly and water-based
• Wide colour range - available across the Little Greene colour palette
• Available in 5 litre tins
• For exterior use only - recommended for lime render and porous stone

Preparation

New lime plaster, lime or cob render

• Ensure surfaces are clean and completely grease-free before beginning.
• Brush down all surfaces thoroughly to remove any loose material.
• Spray or brush the surface with water to reduce suction before applying Limewash.
• Any efflorescence on brickwork must be completely brushed off before painting.

Existing limewash surfaces

• Surfaces must be clean and grease-free. Remove all loose and flaking limewash.
• Replace any loose render or mortar. Hack out and fill any cracks with exterior grade filler.
• Brush down any powdery surfaces and spray or brush with water to reduce suction.
• Treat any areas of fungal or algal growth with a proprietary fungicidal wash or a 25% solution of household bleach, followed by thorough cleaning to remove all deposits.
• Modern masonry finishes must be completely removed before applying Limewash.

Limewash is not suitable for non-porous surfaces including granite, slate, common Fletton and engineering bricks.

Application

Stir thoroughly before use, ensuring any soft settlement is fully incorporated. Do not apply when the ambient temperature is below 5°C or when rain is forecast, Limewash is water-sensitive until fully cured.

Condition new brushes by washing in clean water and drying thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth before use.

• Use a high quality synthetic bristle brush suitably sized for the project. Roller and spray application are not recommended.
• Apply paint in even strokes, working in manageable sections to maintain a wet edge at all times.
• Keep final brush strokes all in the same direction and never go back over paint that has already begun to dry.
• Avoid overloading the brush, do not immerse it too deeply into the tin, and avoid drips and splashes. Avoid applying too thickly as this produces a weaker coating and may result in fine cracking.
• Allow at least one hour for the surface to dry before assessing. Allow 24 hours before applying the next coat. Four coats are recommended for full coverage.

Limewash is best used fresh. For best results, use within 14 days of delivery. Clean all equipment immediately after use with clean water, never store brushes in water.

Aftercare & Storage

Cleaning & maintenance

• For light surface soiling, hose down using clean water from a low pressure source, avoid high-pressure washing which can damage the finish.
• Trim garden planting to maintain an air gap between the building and plants, preventing moisture build-up against the surface.
• Maintain climbing plants to prevent leaf debris build-up against the painted surface.
• Clean and maintain guttering and downpipes regularly to prevent constant wetting of the painted surface from leaks or overflows.

Repairs

• Lightly rub down the area to be repainted and apply a suitable primer to any exposed substrate before recoating.
• Repaint "break to break", working between natural breaks in the surface, with additional coats as required.

Spot repairs will almost always result in an inferior aesthetic appearance. For the best result, always repaint full sections between natural breaks.