6 reasons to choose a limewash finish for your home

Six reasons why a limewash finish can elevate your home (and one thing to be cautious of…)

Limewashing is a traditional painting method, historically used to finish classic wall coverings and renders like lime plaster. 

Today, it is growing in popularity in both period properties and modern homes, where limewashing can add a huge amount of character to an interior.


We predict it to be one of this year’s hottest trends. Interior Designers love it, and it’s a hit with our decorators too! To see what all the fuss is about, check out our recent blog, or the Bauwerk Colour Website (who list us as trusted limewash applicators) for some examples and inspiration. Our Painters & Decorators Greenwich provide quality painting solutions to enhance the aesthetics of your home or office in Greenwich, with attention to every detail. 

But it’s not all aesthetic. In this blog, PTTG Painter Taz shares six reasons why a limewash finish can elevate your home (and one thing to be cautious of…)

1. The unique texture 

Limewashing provides a unique ‘cloudlike’ texture that can add depth to a room. While regular paint can be a great option, it can also feel somewhat flat. 

The velvety mottled look of a limewashed wall helps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

 2. It’s breathable

While typical vinyl acrylic paint sits on top of a surface, limewashing penetrates the walls; this means that it’s particularly suitable for older walls, or surfaces susceptible to damp.  

Limewash paint isn’t prone to peeling or blistering, making it a versatile option that you can also use in a bathroom. 

3. Build up the coats 

Your painter will gradually build up the colour of your limewashed wall by adding successive coats. 

This means that you have the freedom to choose your aesthetic - go for three or four coats for a fuller and deeper colour, or stick with two to let the brushstrokes show through for a dreamy, swirling cloud-like finish.

4. A conversation starter

Because limewashing draws on ancient techniques, it requires a certain level of expertise to apply. Preparing and priming the walls is key, and your decorator will need to use a specialist brush rather than a roller to achieve the full effect. The limewash paint is applied in ‘clouds’, using a swirling wrist action to soften the pigment and create a natural-looking texture. 

PTTG decorators have a keen eye for where the clouds should be placed to create the best effect, avoiding having too much overlap or symmetry within the application.

Limewashing is an artisanal learnt skill that aligns with the move in interiors trends towards the unique, the imperfect, and the crafted. No two limewashed walls will ever be the same making them a bespoke point of intrigue in your home. 

5. Bring heritage to the home 

Whether you are looking to stay true to a period property’s character, or to inject an element of tradition into a modern home, limewashing is a great option. 

Both the paint itself and the limewashing process draws on time-honoured knowledge and techniques, and the finish gives a gorgeous rustic aesthetic.

6. It’s natural

Limewash paints are made from hydrated lime that creates a thick clay-like putty, which is then combined with natural pigments to add colour. There’s no plastic, and no polluting paint fumes.

You can read more about the natural qualities of limewash paint in this interview with the founder of Bauwerk, a paint company who are experts in the field of modern limewashing.

7. And the downside? 

Because limewash paint is incredibly matt and powdery, it’s not washable and doesn’t hide imperfections well. If you scuff or mark your wall, you’ll need to apply a diluted coat of the limewash to cover the whole surface, rather than just do a quick touch-up. 

Bear this in mind when you’re choosing where to place your furniture, mirrors and artwork, so you don’t end up dragging a sofa along your freshly limewashed wall!

If you’d like to discuss limewashing as part of your next decorating project, get in touch with us at [email protected]