Limewash paint
Photo: Studio Modern
I’m dying to get away from smooth, white walls…and what better way to do it then by adding some texture using limewash paint? Think a chalky, matte finish with subtle variations in texture that create depth. Sounds dreamy to me! Limewash paint is something I’ve discovered recently that is a mineral-based, natural limewash that only gets better with age (ask the Belgians- apparently this is a classic way of painting walls for them and a technique they’ve used for ages).
The thing I like about it is that it never feels flat, it offers a depth and shadowy effect that you can’t get with a regular paint. And although it’s considered an ancient technique, done correctly, I think it can really make a wall feel more high-end, fresh, and modern. There’s almost a suede-like finish to it that makes you want to reach out and touch it. The colors vary depending on the pigments used but they tend to lean on the earthier side- which I absolutely love.
In order to create this paint, limestone is crushed, burned, and mixed with water to make a putty. The putty is then aged and thinned with water and colored with natural pigments. It can be challenging to apply because its appearance is hard to control. Make sure you find a painter who has used limewash before (and never use a roller- a paintbrush needs to be used). It might also take a few coats to get the desired texture and look you want (which can range from very subtle and soft to more varied/intentional strokes). One thing to keep in mind is that limewash dries up to 10 times lighter than when it’s wet, so definitely test your colors ahead of time.
Limewash paint is definitely more common in Europe than in the US, but I’ve found a few great suppliers here. Australia’s Porter Paints has a North American arm called Sydney Harbour Paint and has a beautiful product (I’ve used Porter Paints when living in Australia and they have an incredible, high-end product). A recent article I read by Remodelista featured a few other brands such as Kalklitir (from Sweden and new to the US), BioLime, and RomaBio.
Photo: Kalklitir Paint