Hey everyone! 
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to refresh my living room walls with a more natural and eco-friendly approach, settling on lime wash from Real Milk Paint Co. for its beautiful, breathable finish and minimal environmental impact. As I prepped for the application, I found myself pondering over a seemingly simple yet surprisingly divisive topic: to glove or not to glove during application?
I’ve always been a bit of a hands-on person, preferring the tactile feedback of working without gloves. However, lime wash is a bit different from the AFM Safecoat products I’ve used in the past, which were more forgiving on the skin. I’m curious about your experiences. Have you found that wearing gloves offers a significant advantage in terms of application quality or skin protection? Or do you prefer the direct approach, embracing the occasional splatter as part of the process?
Also, for those who’ve worked with lime wash before, any tips on achieving that perfect, even coat would be greatly appreciated. I’m aiming for a soft, textured look that complements the natural light in the room. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!
I’ve worked with Real Milk Paint Co.'s lime wash on a couple of projects now, and I always wear gloves. Not only does it protect your skin from drying out, but it also gives you a better grip on the brush, which is crucial for that even coat you’re aiming for. Plus, lime can be a bit caustic, so better safe than sorry!
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I’m all for the no-gloves approach! There’s something so satisfying about feeling the material directly. Sure, my hands get a bit dry, but a good moisturizer post-application does the trick. Plus, I feel like I have more control over the texture when I can feel the lime wash directly.
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@GreenThumbGary Thanks for the tip! I hadn’t considered the grip aspect. Do you have a particular type of glove you recommend? I’m worried about losing dexterity with thicker gloves.
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@EcoDIYerJane I use nitrile gloves. They’re thin enough to maintain dexterity but still offer protection. Plus, they’re reusable if you rinse them off right after use. Just make sure to get a snug fit!
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I’ve found that the key to a perfect, even coat with lime wash is in the preparation. Make sure your walls are clean and slightly damp before application. This helps the lime wash adhere better and reduces the chance of streaks. As for gloves, I’m team gloves all the way. It’s not just about skin protection; it’s also about keeping the lime wash pure. Oils from your skin can affect the finish.
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@SustainableSam That’s a great point about the oils affecting the finish. I hadn’t thought about that. Thanks for the prep tip too! I’ll make sure to dampen the walls slightly before starting.
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I’ve experimented with both approaches and found that gloves are essential for larger projects, but for smaller, more detailed work, going gloveless can give you that extra bit of control. It’s all about the balance between protection and precision. Also, don’t forget to seal your lime wash properly to protect that beautiful finish!
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@ArtisanAndy Balancing protection and precision is exactly what I’m aiming for. Do you have any recommendations for sealing the lime wash? I want to make sure it’s still breathable.
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@EcoDIYerJane For a breathable seal, I recommend a natural beeswax polish. It’s eco-friendly and does a great job of protecting the lime wash without compromising its breathability. Just apply it thinly and evenly after the lime wash has fully cured.
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I totally get where you’re coming from with the no-gloves approach. There’s definitely a unique connection you feel with the material when you apply it bare-handed. But, I’ve had a couple of bad experiences with skin irritation from lime wash, so I’m team gloves all the way. It’s a small trade-off for not having to deal with the discomfort later.
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I’ve tried both ways, and honestly, it depends on the project for me. For smaller areas or when I’m going for a specific texture, I’ll skip the gloves. But for larger walls, gloves are a lifesaver. They keep my hands from getting too dry and make cleanup a breeze. Plus, I find that I can work faster without worrying about my skin.
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No gloves for me either! I love the mess and the process. It feels more authentic, like I’m really part of the transformation of the space. Sure, my hands might not thank me, but the results are worth it. And like you said, a good moisturizer is key. I also recommend a nail brush for cleanup, gets all the lime wash out from under your nails.
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I’m on the fence about this. I like the idea of no gloves for better control, but I’m also a bit paranoid about the lime wash drying out my skin. Maybe I’ll try a hybrid approach - gloves for the bulk of the work and then take them off for the final touches. Has anyone else tried this? Curious to hear if it worked out.
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I’m with you on the gloves. Not just for the skin protection, but it really does help keep the lime wash from getting contaminated. I’ve had projects where I thought a little oil wouldn’t hurt, and boy was I wrong. The finish was uneven and had spots that just didn’t look right. Gloves all the way for me.
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I actually prefer no gloves. I feel like I have more control over the application and can really feel the texture of the wall as I’m working. Sure, my hands get a bit dry, but a good moisturizer after the fact takes care of that. Plus, I kind of like the idea of my project having a bit of me in it, literally.
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Preparation is key, no doubt. But I think the debate over gloves is missing the point. It’s all about the technique. Whether you’re gloved or not, if you’re not applying the lime wash with the right strokes and pressure, you’re not going to get that perfect, even coat. Focus on how you’re applying it, not just what you’re wearing.
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I’ve tried both ways and honestly, it depends on the project for me. For larger walls, gloves are a must because of the sheer amount of lime wash I’m handling. But for smaller, more detailed areas, I go gloveless to get that precision. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. You have to adapt to what the project needs.
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I totally get where you’re coming from with the gloves dilemma. I’ve done a few lime wash projects myself and found that nitrile gloves are a game-changer. They’re thin enough to not mess with your dexterity but still protect your hands from drying out. Plus, lime wash can be pretty alkaline, so better safe than sorry with skin protection.
Honestly, I skip the gloves most of the time. There’s something about feeling the material directly that helps me get the texture just right. Sure, my hands feel a bit rough afterward, but a good moisturizer fixes that. For those worried about the mess, just keep a damp cloth handy to wipe off any splatters immediately.
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