Limewash might be the perfect solution if you’re looking for an alternative to modern paint. It’s a mineral-based paint that has been around for centuries and is still used today for its unique qualities. This article contains six reasons to consider using limewash instead of modern paint.
Limewash is a natural and eco-friendly option. Unlike modern paint, which is often made with chemicals and plastic resins, limewash is made from natural substances. It is also breathable, non-toxic, and mould-resistant, making it a healthier choice for your home.
In addition, limewash provides a unique texture and depth to walls that modern paint cannot replicate. It creates a soft, matt appearance that creates a truly beautiful aesthetic. Additionally, limewash can be used on almost all porous surfaces, including brick, stone, lime plaster, and stucco, giving you more design options for your home.
What is Limewash?
Limewash is a type of paint that has been around for centuries and is made from natural materials; lime putty, water and natural pigments. This contrasts modern paints, which are made from synthetic materials and create harmful pollutants during manufacture.
The Process of Making Limewash
The process of making limewash is relatively simple. To make limewash, you need fine lime putty and water. Limewash is a thin paint, much thinner than modern paint. You will need to thin your putty down with water until it’s the consistency of milk. Once this is complete, you’ll have white limewash!
It’s important to note that the finer the putty, the better the limewash. If you can only find mortar-grade putty, you can always make the limewash and then put it through a fine sieve to remove any large particles. Natural pigments can be added to the white limewash to create different colours.
History of Limewash
Limewash has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt. It was also used extensively in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used to decorate public buildings and private homes. Limewash was also used in medieval Europe, the middle east and India, where it was used to decorate public and private buildings alike.
Limewashing is a natural and traditional way to finish walls that has been used for thousands of years. Made from lime, natural pigments and water, it is breathable, antibacterial, and antifungal. Limewash may be the perfect solution if you’re looking for a natural and eco-friendly way to finish your walls.
Related article: What is Limewash? An Overview of This Traditional Paint
1. Limewash is Breathable
If you’re looking for paint that won’t trap moisture and cause damage to your walls, limewash is an excellent choice. Unlike modern paint, limewash is breathable, allowing moisture to escape your walls. This makes it an ideal option for older buildings and modern eco-builds.
Breathable building materials must be used in older and even in some modern eco-buildings. This prevents damage that can be caused by trapped water. Limewash, especially when used alongside lime plaster, render and mortar, is among the best paints in the world for breathability.
Over time, limewash breaks down. This is because it plays a sacrificial role. It protects the substrate it has been applied to by wearing away, instead wearing away the plaster or masonry. This is fantastic for your building, and it simply needs a fresh coat or two every 3-7 years so it can carry on doing what it does best – breathing and protecting the surface it’s been applied to.
However, it’s important to note that limewash should not be used on non-porous surfaces such as cement renders, granite, slate, or hard-engineered bricks. These surfaces require a specialist masonry paint instead.
Related article: Is Limewash Painting Easy or Difficult?
2. Limewash is Made From All Natural Ingredients
Limewash is made from all-natural ingredients, including limestone, water, and natural pigments. This means it is free from harmful chemicals, synthetic additives, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) commonly found in modern paint.
Because it is made from natural ingredients, it is also fully biodegradable. Limewash tends to be broken down into dust or washed away at the end of its life. Lime is good for the environment, and many gardeners and farmers apply it to their soils to keep everything healthy.
In addition to being eco-friendly and breathable, limewash is also very versatile. It can be used on various surfaces, including brick, stucco, plaster, and stone. It can also be used indoors and outdoors, making it a great choice for any project.
If you’re looking for a natural, eco-friendly, and versatile alternative to modern paint, limewash is the perfect choice. Its all-natural ingredients, breathability, and customisation options make it great for any project.
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3. Limewash is Non-toxic and Naturally Free From VOCs
Unlike many modern paints, limewash is made from natural ingredients, which means it is free from harmful chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Here are a few reasons why limewash is a great option for those who want to live a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle:
- Limewash is made from natural ingredients; limestone, water, and natural pigments. This means it is free from harmful chemicals, making it a safe option for those suffering from allergies or respiratory problems.
- Limewash is naturally free from VOCs, which are harmful chemicals that are released into the air as paint dries. This means limewash is a great option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Limewash has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties due to its high pH, which makes it a great choice for those who want to keep their home clean and healthy. Unlike some modern paints, limewash does not promote the growth of mould or bacteria, which can be harmful to your health.
In summary, if you’re looking for eco-friendly and non-toxic paint, then limewash is the perfect choice for you. Its natural ingredients and lack of harmful chemicals make it a safe and healthy option for your home. In addition, its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a great choice for keeping your home clean and healthy.
4. Limewash is Eco Friendly and Absorbs CO2 as it Cures
One of the most compelling reasons to use limewash is that it absorbs CO2 as it cures. When applied to a surface, limewash absorbs CO2 from the air as it dries and cures. The lime in the limewash reacts with the carbon dioxide in the air to form calcium carbonate, which is a stable, solid material. This process is known as carbonation.
In contrast, modern paints are typically made with synthetic materials that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air as they dry and cure. These VOCs can contribute to indoor air pollution and have been linked to various health problems, including headaches, respiratory issues, and even cancer.
By choosing limewash over modern paint, you can help to reduce your carbon footprint and improve the air quality in your home or building. Limewash is also a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand the test of time. It is resistant to weathering and fading and can even help to protect the underlying surface from moisture and other environmental factors.
Overall, limewash is an excellent choice if you are looking for a natural, eco-friendly, and long-lasting paint material. With its ability to absorb CO2 as it cures, limewash is a beautiful and functional material.
Related article: Are Lime Building Materials Environmentally Friendly?
5. Limewash Helps Prevent the Growth of Mould and Mildew
If you’ve ever had to deal with mould or mildew in your home, you know how difficult it can be to eliminate. Not only is it unsightly and smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. Fortunately, limewash can help prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
Mould and mildew thrive in damp, humid environments, so they are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Limewash is a natural fungicide that helps to prevent the growth of these fungi. It creates an alkaline environment that is inhospitable to mould and mildew.
In addition to preventing the growth of mould and mildew, limewash can also help to eliminate existing mould and mildew. When applied to surfaces already contaminated with mould and mildew, limewash can help kill the spores and prevent them from spreading.
One of the reasons limewash is so effective at preventing the growth of mould and mildew is that it allows walls to breathe. Unlike modern paint, which can trap moisture inside walls and create the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow, limewash allows moisture to evaporate, keeping walls dry and inhospitable to fungi.
If you live in a damp environment or have had problems with mould and mildew in the past, using limewash instead of modern paint can be a wise choice. Not only will it help prevent mould and mildew growth, but it will also give your walls a beautiful, natural finish that is both timeless and elegant.
6. Limewash is Usually Cheaper Than Most Modern Paints
Limewash can be a great option if you’re on a tight budget. It is usually cheaper than most modern paints. You can buy lime putty and mix it with water yourself to create limewash. Even purchasing high-quality limewashes like these are still significantly cheaper than modern paints (and you get a far larger amount).
Moreover, limewash is a thin paint. This means it needs more coats, but each coat uses significantly less paint than modern alternatives.
Another cost-saving benefit of limewash is that it is a natural product made from lime putty, natural pigments and water. It doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, so you won’t have to spend money on expensive protective gear or ventilation systems when applying it.
Overall, limewash is an excellent option if you’re looking for an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to modern paints. It is cost-effective and long-lasting, making it a great choice for any budget-conscious homeowner.
Related article: Is Limewash Paint Expensive? Cost Breakdown and Comparison
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several compelling reasons to consider using limewash instead of modern paint.
- Limewash is a more natural and eco-friendly option compared to modern paint. It is made from natural materials and does not contain harsh chemicals or additives.
- Limewash has a unique texture and depth that modern paint cannot replicate. It creates a beautiful, rustic look that can add character and charm to any space.
- Limewash is breathable and bacteria-resistant, making it a healthier option for your home. It can help regulate humidity levels and prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
- Limewash is versatile and can be used on various surfaces, including brick, plaster, and stone.
- Lastly, limewash is a cost-effective option compared to modern paint. It is affordable and can be made at home with just a few basic ingredients.
If you are looking for a natural, unique, and affordable way to add character and charm to your home, limewash is worth considering.
