Lime paint (limewash): what it is, pros, cons and who it is for

Lime paint (often called limewash) is a mineral paint in which the binder is lime. It does not form a plastic film on the wall; instead it bonds with the surface and hardens like stone over time. It gives a matt, slightly cloudy effect, lets water vapour through, and the high alkalinity of lime inhibits mould growth. Below we explain how it works, how it differs from ordinary latex paint, where it works well and where it is better not to use it.

What is lime paint?

It is the oldest type of mineral paint. It is based on lime: the same material that has been used for centuries to make mortars and plasters. Once applied to the wall, the lime reacts with carbon dioxide in the air and gradually turns into calcium carbonate, which in practice means a thin layer of stone. This process is called carbonation and takes from several days to a couple of weeks.

That is why lime paint does not "sit" on the wall like an acrylic coating; it becomes part of it. Hence its character: a deep matt finish, subtle tonal variation and a surface that looks different in the morning than in the evening.

Limewash and lime paint: are they the same thing?

Yes, in everyday use they are. Limewash is the English name for lime paint, which became popular together with wabi-sabi, japandi and Mediterranean-style interiors. Under this name you will find both classic lime paints and products in which lime is only one of the ingredients. Before you buy, check the lime content in the description: it determines whether the paint behaves like lime.

What are the advantages of lime paint?

• The wall breathes. A lime coating is vapour-permeable, so moisture in the wall can evaporate instead of being trapped under an airtight layer of paint.
• It naturally inhibits mould growth. Lime has a high pH (above 12 when fresh), and fungi and bacteria grow very poorly in such an environment. We write more about what this does and does not solve in our article about mould on the wall.
• A simple, mineral composition. Lime, aggregate and water instead of a long list of additives. Lime paints have a low volatile organic compound content and are suitable for bedrooms and children's rooms.
• An effect latex cannot give. A soft matt finish, natural tonal variation and, when applied with a block brush, a lively, "cloudy" texture.
• Durability over time. After carbonation the coating hardens and ages gracefully, without the peeling typical of tired acrylic paints.

What are the disadvantages of lime paint?

To be honest: lime paint is not for everything.

• It is less resistant to scrubbing than latex. Where the wall is often touched and washed (hallway, wall next to the worktop), this needs to be taken into account.
• It needs a suitable surface. It works best on mineral surfaces: lime and cement-lime plasters, concrete, primed plasterboard. It will not bond properly to old latex paint without preparation.
• The effect is not perfectly uniform. For some this is an advantage, for others a drawback. If you want a wall as even as a sheet of paper, choose ordinary paint.
• The colour changes as it dries. It is darker when wet and lighter when dry. Always do a test patch.
• Lime is caustic while wet. Wear gloves and safety goggles when working.

Lime paint or latex paint: a comparison

Feature	Lime paint	Latex paint
Binder	Lime (mineral)	Plastic (polymer)
Vapour permeability	High, the wall "breathes"	Lower, a more airtight coating
Mould	High pH inhibits its growth	Depends on biocidal additives
Appearance	Deep matt, tonal variation	Uniform colour
Scrub resistance	Lower	Higher
Surface	Mineral, absorbent	Almost any
Curing	Carbonation: hardens over time	Water evaporates, a film forms

Where does lime paint work well?

• Bedrooms, living rooms, children's rooms: where the atmosphere of the interior and a simple composition matter.
• Old houses and historic buildings: lime is a "native" material for walls that have worked with lime for decades.
• Damp walls, basements, rooms after flooding: vapour permeability allows the wall to release moisture. Remember, however, that paint does not remove the cause of dampness.
• Wabi-sabi, japandi, loft, Scandi and boho interiors: where the lime effect is part of the style.
• Outdoors: selected lime paints (e.g. Muro Sano) are also suitable for façades.

Is lime paint healthy?

The search for a "healthy home" often leads to lime paints, and not without reason. Lime is a mineral material, contains no plastics, and the coating does not trap moisture in the wall. This genuinely helps maintain a healthy indoor climate. However, no paint "cures" a house: if a home is too damp or poorly ventilated, changing the paint alone will not solve the problem. It is best to treat lime paint as part of a bigger picture: good ventilation, breathable plasters and sensible heating.

White or tinted? How to choose a lime paint

At Decoraton Colour we have two products for painting walls:

• Muro Sano: an opaque lime paint (min. 35% lime, based on fine lime aggregate and marble), white or for tinting, with a satin or grained texture. For interiors and exteriors, including damp rooms.
• Nebbia: a semi-transparent lime glaze that you tint yourself with pigments. It builds depth in layers and gives the typical Mediterranean washed effect.

If you simply want a healthy, matt wall, choose Muro Sano. If you are after a washed effect and depth of colour, choose Nebbia. You will find all products in the lime paints collection.

How much lime paint do I need per m²?

As a guide, 1 kg of lime paint or glaze covers 4–5 m² in one coat on a smooth surface, and 1.5–2 m² on coarse-grained plaster. Two coats are usually applied. Actual consumption depends on the absorbency of the wall and the technique, so for larger areas give us a call: +48 605 642 777. We will calculate it together.

We describe how to prepare the wall and apply the paint step by step in our guide how to paint with lime paint.

Frequently asked questions

Can lime paint be used on plasterboard?

Yes, but the board must be primed first. Plasterboard on its own is not a mineral surface, and lime needs an absorbent, compatible surface.

Can lime paint be applied over old latex paint?

Not directly. A latex coating is airtight and lime will not bond to it properly. The surface needs proper preparation. Please consult us before you start.

How long does lime paint take to dry?

The surface dries in a few hours, and the next coat is usually applied after 4–6 hours. Full hardening (carbonation) takes several days to a couple of weeks.

Is lime paint suitable for bathrooms?

Yes for bathrooms, as it copes well with damp rooms. However, it is not used directly in the shower area, where the wall is exposed to running water. That is what tadelakt is for.

Does lime paint rub off when touched?

A well-bonded, carbonated coating should not rub off. Dusting usually means the paint dried too quickly, the surface was too dry or the layer was too thick.

Have a question we have not answered here? Call us on +48 605 642 777. Advice is free, and we love talking about lime.