Pure Limewash
A traditional natural permeable paint for the internal decoration of lime plaster, soft brick, limestone, and porous building materials. It does not ‘dry’ like modern paint but ‘sets’ by reaction with atmospheric carbon dioxide in the presence of moisture.
Pure Limewash is used for the decoration of porous internal surfaces.
Additional information
Pure Limewash is used for the decoration of porous internal surfaces. Pure limewash must be applied to damp surfaces: lime plaster, porous stone and brick must be thoroughly moistened with a mist spray prior to application. Sample trials should always be carried out to assess compatibility with substrate. Pure limewash should be protected from drying too quickly, and from frost before carbonation. See our technical advice here.
Environmental Considerations
Environmentally friendly products made with natural sustainable ingredients. They contain no VOCs, no petrochemical based ingredients, and no lead. Water-based. All Rose of Jericho paints comply with the latest environmental legislation.
Usage/Purpose
Pure Limewash is used for the decoration of porous internal surfaces. It should not be used on cement render, gypsum plaster, timber, or surfaces painted with anything other than limewash. Sample trials should always be carried out to assess compatibility with substrate. For Internal Use Only. Rarely used externally.
Coverage
Approx. 5m2/litre/coat depending upon texture and porosity of surface.
Shelf Life
Pure Limewash has unlimited shelf life kept in sealed containers. Protect from heat and frost.
Finish
Matt surface coating. Colours are darker in tone when wet.
Colour
Not available in White. Colour matching service available. Coloured limewashes are made using natural earth pigments. Variations due to these pigments and differing porosity of surfaces are inevitable. Much of the charm of a traditional finish is its lack of uniformity with subtle variations of colour and tone.
Observations
Sample trials should always be carried out to assess compatibility with substrate. Pure limewash should be protected from drying too quickly, and from frost before carbonation. It may brush off on clothes. For internal use only – rarely used externally. Casein Bound Limewash (RJ3.02) adheres better to less porous surfaces and is less likely to brush off on clothes, and is therefore often used internally. Coloured limewashes are made using natural earth pigments. Variations due to these pigments and differing porosity of surfaces are inevitable. Much of the charm of a traditional finish is its lack of uniformity with subtle variations of colour and tone
Preparation
Pure Limewash requires a surface which is firm, clean, and porous. It can be applied to new lime putty plaster before it has fully dried and carbonated as the permeable nature of a limewash permits carbonation of the plaster beneath to continue. Pure limewashe can be applied to previously limewash painted surfaces, but cannot be applied to other paint types. Previously limewashed surfaces should be thoroughly brushed and washed with a wet sponge to remove dust, dirt and all loose chalky material that is removed readily. Any algae or mould must be treated with an algaecide or fungicide and thoroughly washed off with clean water. Do not use proprietary fungicides containing water repellents. Make good and fill with a compatible filler. Pure limewash must be applied to damp surfaces: lime plaster, porous stone and brick must be thoroughly moistened with a mist spray prior to application.
Application
Pure Limewash must be thoroughly mixed, preferably with a mechanical whisk, to ensure even distribution of pigments and ingredients immediately before and during use. Limewashing can be messy, and floors etc. should be protected. Protective clothing and goggles must be worn and great care taken especially when limewashing ceilings. Porous pre-wetted surfaces will need mist-spraying during application to ensure that the limewash does not dry too quickly. Apply the limewash to the damp surface using a brush, not a roller, working it into any cracks. It is applied in thin coats - limewash appears transparent on application and care must be taken to avoid thick build-up which will craze on drying out and may obscure detail. Normally, 3 coats are required, occasionally more. Each coat must be protected from drying too quickly by regular mist-spraying, and a reasonable time (normally at least 24 hours) allowed between coats. It is important to re-moisten the previous coat with a fine mist spray prior to the application of the next coat.
Availability
5 litre cans & 15 litre tubs. Limewashes are mixed to order, and normally supplied within 48 hours.
