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Lime Paint vs Lime Wash

HOW TO KNOW WHICH ONE TO USE

A commonly asked question is what is the difference between lime paint and lime wash?

It sounds as if they are the same thing, doesn’t it.  They are both made of lime and they are both designed to be applied to a wall with a brush.  So why are lime paints more expensive and what is the actual difference?

When you look at a finished wall it is easy to see the difference so it is definitely worth getting the right product first time.
Lime paint is a much thicker consistency than a standard paint whilst a lime wash is much more liquid and runny similar to what you would expect from a standard paint. Put simply there is more lime in the paint than the wash.

This difference in viscosity leads to variations in overall finish and performance:

Overall Look

Lime paint is more opaque with a soft looking texture that hides the majority of the appearance of the surface it is being applied to, a more solid finish.  Lime washes are more translucent and show the characteristics of the base it’s being applied to such as brickwork, plaster and layers of paint.  Lime paint covers the surface whilst lime wash sinks into it.

Lime wash tends to look more chalky and lime paints offer a softer looking texture.

Lime Paint
Lime Paint
Limewash example
Lime Wash

Durability

Due to it’s having more lime in it a lime paint is much more durable.  Lime washes may need to be reapplied every few years, especially on an outdoors wall.

So it comes down to a few different factors:

  • How durable do you want the surface to be?
  • Do you want to be recoating it every few seasons?
  • Do you want to hide the texture of the surface underneath?
  • Do you want a more solid or more translucent finish?

    • Application

    Both are applied with a brush using a similar criss-cross movement.  Lime paint is thicker and easier to apply in general as it creates a more consistent finish in one or two coats. 

    For more information on our lime paint, including coverage rates and colours – Rialto Ottocento – see our store

    Either way they are both stunning effects and we hope that your project looks amazing when you are done.

    We hope this little lime paint vs lime wash was useful but if you need any further help making your choice don’t hesitate to call us on 01472 240340