Lime wash is a thin, mineral-based coating made from slaked lime, water and pigment that soaks into porous surfaces like brick, render and stone and gives a soft, chalky, slightly mottled finish. A professional job costs a little more than plain paint because of the extra coats and prep (indicative — get itemised quotes).
Below you’ll find how it works, how it behaves on red brick, how it differs from whitewash and acrylic limewash paints, and what to check before you start.
Key points
- It is breathable and soaks in rather than sitting on top, so it suits bare, porous brick, render and masonry.
- Lime is caustic when wet, so wear gloves, eye protection and long sleeves, and follow the product label.
- Painted, sealed or glossy surfaces need stripping or a bonding coat first, because the wash will not grip them.
- Test a patch before you commit; colour, absorbency and the number of coats change the final look.
What is lime wash?
Lime wash is one of the oldest wall finishes, and the table below explains the terms you will see in stores and on quotes.
| Term | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Lime wash | Mineral coating made from slaked lime and water, with pigment | It bonds by soaking in, so porous surfaces work best |
| Limewash-effect paint | Acrylic or hybrid paint made to mimic the look | Easier to apply, but not as breathable as true lime |
| Whitewashed brick | Brick coated with a thin white wash, either lime or diluted paint | The result depends on the product, so check what is used |
| Carbonation | The slow hardening of lime as it absorbs carbon dioxide | The coating needs damp conditions and time to cure |
| Breathable finish | A coating that lets moisture pass through | Helps old masonry dry out instead of trapping damp |
| Dulux limewash interior | Limewash-effect paints for interior walls | Check the label for application method and recoat times |
Lime wash on red brick and brick lime wash options
Red brick takes the wash well, as long as it is bare, clean and porous.
- Limewash red brick: a coat over red brick gives a soft white or pink tint, and each coat lets more brick show through.
- Brick lime wash colours: mix pigments to suit your mortar and roof, and test a patch because bricks absorb differently.
- Whitewashed brick look: thin the first coat with water so it soaks into the pores, then build up thin coats for an even finish.
- Painted brick: old acrylic paint blocks absorption, so strip it back or use a limewash-effect paint instead.
- Sealed or glazed brick: the wash will not grip these surfaces, so choose another system.
- Heritage and strata: check council and body corporate rules before you change the look of brick, especially on heritage-listed homes.
Lime wash vs paint vs render
Choosing between the finishes depends on the surface, how it should age, and how much upkeep you want.
| Finish | Look | Best on | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| True limewash | Soft, chalky, mottled | Bare brick, render and stone | Re-coat as it weathers; it ages gracefully |
| Limewash-effect acrylic | Similar look, more even | Interior walls and some exteriors | Follows paint recoat advice on the label |
| Standard exterior acrylic | Flat, solid colour | Most prepared walls | Repaint when it chalks or peels |
| Fresh render | Smooth or textured, uniform | New walls and extensions | Needs sealing and painting |
| Mineral silicate paint | Matte, mineral | Masonry and lime render | Follow the manufacturer’s recoat directions |
| Specialty finishes | Varies | Features and trims | See Plasti Dip and specialty paints |
How to apply limewash on brick
The process is forgiving, but the order of work matters, and you should read the product label first.
- Clean the brick: wash off dirt, moss and efflorescence with a stiff brush and clean water, then let the wall dry.
- Repair mortar and cracks: fix loose mortar and leaks first, because the coating will not hide damp problems.
- Test a patch: apply a small area in an unseen spot and let it dry to see the final colour.
- Dampen the wall: mist the brick lightly so the wash does not dry too fast and streak.
- Apply thin coats: brush the wash on in thin coats, working in sections and keeping a wet edge.
- Cure slowly: keep the wall out of harsh sun and rain between coats, and follow the label for recoat times.
For general prep, see our how to paint a house exterior guide and Dulux 1 Step prep primer.
Dulux limewash interior and indoor limewash walls
Indoors, you can use a true limewash on plaster or brick, or a limewash-effect paint on plasterboard.
- Interior brick and plaster: true limewash suits bare brick, lime plaster and render, because the wall can breathe.
- Plasterboard walls: use a limewash-effect paint labelled for interior use; true lime does not suit plain plasterboard.
- Dulux limewash interior: follow the label for primer, roller type and the number of coats, and test a patch first.
- Ventilation: keep windows open while the finish dries and wear a mask if the label says so.
- Feature walls: use one wall in a living area for the cloudy effect, then keep the rest in a plain matte colour.
- Ceilings and trims: keep these in plain paint; see our ceiling paint guide and aluminium window guide.
Limewash cost
Prices vary with wall area, brick condition, access and the number of coats, so treat this as a guide.
| Item | What drives the price | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| True limewash, supply only | Brand, pigment and quantity | Low to mid per litre (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Applied limewash on brick | Wall area, brick texture and coats | Mid to upper per square metre (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Limewash-effect paint, applied | Product, prep and number of coats | Mid per square metre (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Stripping old paint from brick | Paint type, wall condition and access | Can be a major add-on (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Scaffold for two-storey walls | Height and site access | Adds to the quote (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Mortar and crack repairs | Amount of damage found on inspection | Varies widely (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
For wider costs, see our house painting cost guide.
Common limewash mistakes to avoid
- Applying it over paint: lime wash will not bond to sealed or painted surfaces, and it flakes off in sheets.
- Skipping the test patch: the colour dries much lighter than it looks wet, so test before you commit.
- Applying thick coats: heavy coats crack and lift, so use thin coats with a brush.
- Working in full sun: fast drying causes streaks and weak curing, so work on a shaded or overcast day.
- Ignoring safety: lime is caustic, so wear gloves, eye protection and long sleeves, and rinse splashes straight away.
- Painting over damp walls: fix leaks and rising damp first, or the finish will stain and lift.
Lime wash FAQs
Is lime wash the same as whitewash?
Not exactly. Traditional whitewash is a lime and water mix, while modern whitewashed brick can also be diluted paint. True lime wash is mineral and breathable, whereas diluted acrylic is a paint. Check the product label to see what you are buying.
Can you lime wash red brick?
Yes, if the brick is bare, clean and porous. Test a patch first, apply thin coats and dampen the wall before painting. Painted or sealed brick needs stripping, or a limewash-effect paint instead.
Is Dulux limewash for interior walls true lime?
Many limewash-effect interior products are acrylic or hybrid paints made to mimic lime, not true slaked lime. Read the label for the primer, roller and recoat instructions, and test a patch on your wall before you start.
How long does lime wash last?
Lime wash weathers gradually instead of peeling, and it can last for many years on suitable surfaces. Exposure, rain and wall condition decide how often you re-coat. Wash it gently and touch up patches as they fade.
Getting lime wash applied in Sydney
We recommend a quick wall inspection and a test patch before any quote, because brick condition decides the system. TQN Construct’s licensed painters prepare and finish brick and render across Sydney with itemised quotes. Book a free painting quote.
