Lime guide

Lime paint vs lime wash

Lime paint and lime wash sound like the same thing. Both are made of lime and brushed onto walls, but they look different, last differently and need recoating at different times. Here’s how to choose, and why lime is such a good finish for walls.

Choosing a colour?Rialto colours
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The difference

Once you see a finished wall, the difference is easy to spot, so it’s worth choosing the right one first time.

Lime paint is much thicker than a standard paint. Lime wash is far more liquid, closer to a standard emulsion. Put simply, there’s more lime in the paint.

At a glance

Lime paint: Thick, opaque, soft texture
Lime wash: Thin, translucent, chalky
More durable: Lime paint
Applied: By brush, in a criss-cross movement

Why choose lime for your walls

BreathableMoisture passes through rather than being trapped, helping prevent damp, blistering and mould.

Naturally mould resistantLime’s high alkalinity keeps mould at bay.

Ideal for older buildingsCompatible with traditional building materials, for heritage and restoration work.

FlexibleCopes with minor building movement without cracking.

Reabsorbs CO₂Over 62% of the carbon used to make lime plasters is reabsorbed as they cure.

Made in ItalyFrom seasoned slaked lime, by the Covema group, with more than 50 years’ experience in decorative coatings.

Side by side

Both are brushed on in a criss-cross movement. The difference is in the finish and how long it lasts.

Opaque

Lime paint

Look: Opaque with a soft texture; hides the surface underneath
Durability: Much more durable
Application: Easier; a consistent finish in one or two coats
Best for: A solid, long-lasting finish

Shop Epoca Ottocento lime paint →

Translucent

Lime wash

Look: Translucent and chalkier; lets brick, plaster or old paint show through
Durability: May need reapplying every few years, especially outside
Application: Thinner, so needs more care for an even result
Best for: A softer, translucent finish that shows the wall’s character

Which to choose

How durable should it be?Lime paint lasts much longer.

Do you want to recoat?Lime wash may need redoing every few seasons outside.

Show or hide the surface?Paint covers it, and wash lets the texture show.

Solid or translucent?Paint gives a solid colour, and wash gives a softer, see-through finish.

Our pick: Rialto Epoca Ottocento

For a lime paint, we recommend Rialto Epoca Ottocento. It’s a fine lime paint made with seasoned slaked lime, natural pigments and mineral additives, brushed on for a soft, cloudy, natural finish.

It’s highly breathable, wet-scrub and mould resistant, and DIY-friendly, so it suits heritage restoration and modern homes alike. It can go on interior and exterior walls; on outside walls, white or pastel colours are suggested.

Want more texture or polish? Rialto’s lime plasters, such as Epoca Marmo and Antiqua, give marmorino, textured and polished finishes.

At a glance

Base: Seasoned slaked lime and marble
Finish: High matt, watercolour effect
Breathability: Highly breathable (Class 1)
Use: Interior and exterior walls
Colours: Rialto colour charts

Rialto Ottocento 051 Amaltea finish on a living room wall, soft tan

Where lime works

Rialto lime paints and plasters are for walls only.

Living rooms and bedroomsLime is at its best on interior walls.

KitchensFine on kitchen walls away from water, but not right by the sink.

Outside wallsEpoca Ottocento, Epoca Marmo and Antiqua can go on exterior walls.

Not in bathroomsSoap and shower products damage lime. For bathrooms, choose microcement instead.

Not on floorsLime paints and plasters are for walls, not floors.

Lime finishes on walls

6 photos

Rialto lime paints and plasters, inside and out.

Questions about lime paint and lime wash

Can I use lime paint in a bathroom?

No. Soap and shower products damage lime, so it isn’t suitable for bathrooms. For a seamless bathroom, see microcement in bathrooms.

Can lime paint go outside?

Some Rialto finishes can. Epoca Ottocento, Epoca Marmo and Antiqua are for interior and exterior walls. On outside walls, white or pastel colours are suggested for Epoca Ottocento.

Can lime go on floors?

No. Rialto lime paints and plasters are for walls only.

How do I prepare the wall?

Prime with Rialto Primer, a penetrating primer for interiors and exteriors. On exterior patched plaster or damaged old paint, remove the old paint and level the surface with Rialto Wallcem first.

Can I apply it myself?

Yes. Epoca Ottocento is DIY-friendly. Order a sample pot first to try the colour on your wall.

Explore Rialto lime finishes →