24/09/2026
Limewash is a great choice for old and historic buildings, helping to maintain the breathability of the surface while giving a traditional matt, mottled finish.
Unlike modern paints, limewash allows vapour to move through the surface, helping moisture escape rather than becoming trapped within the building. It is also softer than cementitious renders, making it well suited to traditional buildings.
Limewash is easy to apply, but it’s important to remember that it isn’t paint. Always apply it by brush, starting with a very thin first coat. For Ingilbys’ Limewash, dilute the first coat with equal parts water and limewash, followed by two parts limewash to one part water for subsequent coats.
The key is not to apply it too thickly. Make sure the surface is dampened beforehand, avoid applying in full sun, and don’t apply in cold, damp or wet conditions.
And for those considering the environmental side, lime absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it cures, eventually reverting back towards the chalk from which it originated.
For more information, our Limewash tubs include application reminder labels, with a more detailed datasheet also available to help you get the best results.
