Hey fellow green living enthusiasts!
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’m super excited to share some thoughts and hear your experiences. Specifically, I’m curious about using lime wash on exterior surfaces to achieve that beautifully weathered, timeless look we all love. I’ve been experimenting with LimeWorks.us lime wash on a small section of my exterior brick wall, and the results are promising! The texture and depth it adds are unlike anything I’ve seen with conventional paints.
Before settling on lime wash, I tried a couple of eco-friendly options, including milk paint and clay paint. While both have their merits, especially for interiors, I found they didn’t quite hold up to the elements as well as I hoped for exterior use. Lime wash, on the other hand, seems to breathe better, allowing moisture to escape and preventing the dreaded peeling and blistering. Plus, it’s made from natural limestone, which is a big win for sustainability.
But here’s where I need your input: Have any of you used lime wash on exterior surfaces? How did it fare over time? I’m particularly interested in hearing about its compatibility with different surfaces and any tips for application. Also, if you’ve found other eco-friendly exterior paints that mimic the weathered look, I’d love to hear about those too! Let’s share our experiences and help each other make more sustainable choices in our home projects. 

I’ve been using LimeWorks.us lime wash on my exterior stone walls for about two years now, and I must say, the weathered look it provides is exactly what I was aiming for. The key is in the preparation of the surface. Make sure it’s clean and free from any previous coatings that might prevent the lime wash from adhering properly. Over time, I’ve noticed it fades beautifully, adding to that timeless aesthetic. It’s also held up remarkably well against the elements, with no peeling or blistering in sight!
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@GreenThumb99 That’s great to hear! I was a bit worried about the longevity, but your experience gives me hope. Did you apply any sealant over the lime wash, or is it just the lime wash itself?
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@EcoPainter88 I didn’t use any sealant. Part of the charm of lime wash, in my opinion, is its ability to breathe and age naturally. Adding a sealant might interfere with that process. However, if you’re in a particularly harsh climate, it might be worth considering a natural, breathable sealant to offer a bit more protection.
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I experimented with lime wash on a small section of my exterior concrete wall last summer. The application process was a bit tricky at first, especially getting the consistency right. But once I got the hang of it, the results were stunning. It’s been almost a year, and the color has mellowed beautifully, giving the wall a soft, aged appearance. I’m planning to do the rest of the wall this spring!
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@StoneCraft42 That’s encouraging! Any tips on getting the consistency right? I’m a bit nervous about messing it up.
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@EcoPainter88 Definitely start with a small batch to practice. The key is to add water slowly and mix thoroughly until you get a creamy, but not too runny, consistency. It should coat the brush well but not drip off. Also, applying it in thin layers works best for achieving an even, weathered look. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time; lime wash is quite forgiving!
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Has anyone tried lime wash on wood surfaces? I’m renovating an old barn and would love to use something eco-friendly that also gives it that rustic, weathered appearance.
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@NatureLover77 I haven’t tried it on wood myself, but I’ve heard it can work well, especially if the wood is untreated. It might require a bit more preparation, like sanding and cleaning, to ensure good adhesion. Maybe someone else here has direct experience?
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@NatureLover77 I’ve used lime wash on several wood projects, including an old barn. It gives a fantastic weathered look, but be prepared for it to fade and wear over time, which, in my opinion, adds to the charm. Just make sure the wood is clean and free from oils or previous finishes. A light sanding can help the lime wash adhere better. Also, applying it in thin coats is crucial for a uniform finish.
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That’s awesome to hear about your experience with LimeWorks.us lime wash! I’ve been considering it for my exterior brick walls too. Did you have to apply multiple coats to get that weathered look, or was one enough? Also, how did you handle the application process? Did you use a brush, roller, or something else? I’m trying to gather as much info as possible before I dive in.
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I’ve been on the fence about using lime wash outside because I was worried about maintenance. But hearing that it’s held up well for two years is reassuring. Do you find that you need to touch it up often, or does it pretty much take care of itself? I’m all for sustainable choices, but I also don’t want to be out there every year redoing it.
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Interesting point about the surface preparation. I hadn’t thought about how previous coatings could affect the lime wash. Did you have to strip your walls before applying it, or was a good cleaning enough? I’m curious because my walls have some old paint that’s chipping, and I’m not sure if I need to remove all of it first.
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I love the idea of using lime wash for that authentic, weathered look. Have you experimented with adding any pigments to the lime wash for a bit of color? I’m thinking of trying a light grey or beige to complement the natural stone of my house. Also, how does it handle direct sunlight? I’m in a pretty sunny area and don’t want it to fade too quickly.
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That’s awesome to hear about your success with lime wash on concrete! I’ve been considering it for my garden walls but was worried about the durability. How did you prep the surface before applying the lime wash? I’ve heard it’s crucial for the best results.
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I’ve used lime wash on my exterior brick walls too, and I agree, the weathered look it gives is unmatched. One thing I learned the hard way is the importance of weather conditions during application. Too hot or too cold, and it doesn’t set right. What time of year did you apply yours?
Interesting to see lime wash being used on concrete. I’ve only ever used it on brick and stone. Did you notice any difference in how it adhered or aged compared to more traditional surfaces? Also, did you add any pigments, or did you stick with the natural color?
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I’m curious about the maintenance aspect. With conventional paints, you often have to repaint every few years to keep it looking fresh. How do you find the lime wash holds up over time? Does it require any special care or touch-ups?
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Your project sounds inspiring! I’ve been looking for more sustainable options for my home’s exterior. Besides the aesthetic, how do you find the lime wash in terms of environmental impact? I’m particularly interested in its production process and how it compares to other eco-friendly paints.
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I’ve been experimenting with different natural finishes for my outdoor furniture and was considering lime wash. Do you think it would work well on wood, or is it better suited for masonry? Also, any tips for someone trying it for the first time?
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