Depending on the condition of the surface it may be wise to apply a Shelter Coat. A shelter coat will provide an excellent 'key' for the subsequent coats of limewash as often when limewashing over bare stone, especially if the stone is hard and non-porous, it can be difficult to get pure limewash to stick and/or remain on the surface.
Limewash is the traditional paint used to finish lime work both internally and externally. Ty-Mawr's high-quality limewash is the ideal paint to use on lime plaster/render or masonry/brick pointed with lime mortar as it is the most vapour permeable paint. This is an extremely cost-effective paint and has good coverage - 20 litres will cover 60-80sqm per coat.
Depending on the condition of the surface it may be wise to apply a Shelter Coat. A shelter coat will provide an excellent 'key' for the subsequent coats of limewash as often when limewashing over bare stone, especially if the stone is hard and non-porous, it can be difficult to get pure limewash to stick and/or remain on the surface.
Limewash is the traditional paint used to finish lime work both internally and externally. Tŷ-Mawr's high-quality limewash is the ideal paint to use on lime plaster/render or masonry/brick pointed with lime mortar as it is the most vapour permeable paint.
This is an extremely cost-effective paint and has good coverage - 20 litres will cover 60-80sqm per coat. It is now available in a beautiful range of tints and full colours to suit all tastes and budgets.
It has a matt finish and a 'depth' which most modern paints lack. It reflects light and appears to 'glow' in sunlight. The Tŷ-Mawr Limewash is a creamy off-white to which pigments can be added or premixed colours are available.
It is vitally important to apply limewash correctly to avoid e.g excessive dusting, you should also ensure that you order enough of your chosen colour to complete the project to avoid variations particularly on same elevation. See technical sheet for further information.
Properties - the adhesion of limewash relies on suction from the surface to which it is applied. It sticks well to lime plasters and renders, stone, brick and similar materials, but does not adhere so well to modern materials and finishes.
In some circumstances, it may be necessary to help limewash bind (eg very exposed conditions). Casein, tallow or raw linseed oil can be added for this purpose, but remember that any additive may compromise the 'breathability' of limewash to some extent.
Limewash is caustic and it is therefore important to protect your eyes and skin. For the limewash to be successful, it is vitally important to apply it correctly and in the right weather conditions to avoid e.g excessive dusting.
Has been used as a decorative and protective finish for 1000s of years
Is extremely "breathable" (water vapour permeable) enabling any moisture that has entered the building to evaporate which results in healthier, drier buildings.
Contains no VOC's, this makes it safe for you and your familiy to live with (N.B. it is caustic, so skin and eyes should be protected during application but it does not off-gas or pollute the room in anyway).
Is mildly antiseptic so is still used in agricultural buildings prior to e.g. lambing, to help 'cleanse' the internal environment
Gives a beautiful matt aesthetic which no modern paint can match and is just perfect for old buildings
Tther components can be added to help it adhere to more backgrounds and to improve it's weatherability, please see The Lime Handbook or contact us for advice - tymawr@lime.org.uk
Powder pigments can be added to create a limitless range of beautiful colours!
Lime work should be finished with a vapour permeable paint, traditionally this would have been a limewash.
Limewash has been and is still used throughout...
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