We are often asked if our lime paints can be applied onto timber surfaces.

Bauwerk Colour Limewash Paint can be used for

• unpainted decorative furniture,
• ply,
• pine and
• match boarding

You can use the paint directly on all timber that is not containing high amounts of tannin (new oak or Teak, for instance); pinewood is fine.

We used the limewash paint on pinewood ceilings, as well as plywood - both in a opaque finish or as a wash where the grain is still visible.

We also used it directly on chipboard, without sanding. It creates a slightly rougher surface, but on a ceiling, for instance, that would not matter.

Usage limitations

Limewash is generally not recommended for architectural elements such as architraves and doors.
Lime wash paints are always completely matt in appearance, which does mean that they cannot be cleaned like a glossy paint surface.
Skirtings, for instance, may show scuff marks.
Prolonged use and handling may acquire a worn appearance. For that reason we also don't recommend it in tight spaces, such as tiny houses or caravans or boats, unless on a ceiling, where you don't come into contact on a daily basis.

Bauwerk Colour Limewash paints work best when applied to softwoods such as pine and ply which have not been previously painted, this ensures good bonding of the paint to the timber.

Where possible, avoid fillers, as they may show up as lighter or darker spots. Use timber plugs to fix imperfections in the woodwork.

It is not recommended for architectural elements such as architraves and doors. Bauwerk Colour Limewash paints work best when applied to softwoods such as pine and ply which have not been previously painted, this ensures good bonding of the paint to the timber.

With timbers that have a lot of tannin content such as Jarrah or Oak, leaching can occur through the paint. It is important to always test the paint on your particular timber.

Preparation

Unpainted new timber – lightly dust off timber with a clean rag.

Unpainted weathered timber – sand to smooth the surface and to remove built up dirt. Dust off with a clean rag.

Previously painted timber – sanding back any gloss will improve your chances of adhesion.

All three may be painted first with Bauwerk Colour Prep Coat.


Useful Hint ✴️ if you want to paint on new timber:

A rough surface can be avoided if before the first coat of paint the painter applies some water with a sponge to the surface. That will allow all short fibres to absorb the moisture and raise up. When the surface is dry a quick sandpapering over the surface will remove those fibres. Thereafter the surface will remain smooth when you apply the paint.


Timber grain visible or completely covered up?
If you want to see the grain on unpainted timber we recommend to apply the limewash paint without the Prep Coat.

Previously painted timber, unless completely stripped of all previous paint layers should always be prepared first with Bauwerk Colour Prep Coat.

See here further information about Prep Coat.

Application Guide

• Stir thoroughly and decant in a suitable container or bucket.
• Ensure no pigment remains in the bucket, continue to stir paint regularly throughout the painting process.
• Dip the brush into bucket, flick off the excess paint. Brush can hold a lot of paint but should not be dripping.
• Using a BAUWERK Natural Brush, it is important to spread your paint as far as you can, use loose free strokes to stretch the paint as far as possible in all directions.
• Do not leave drips or runs. Maintain a wet edge at all times to prevent colour overlays.
• Do not be alarmed at the darker, transparent look of the paint. As it dries it will lighten to the chosen colour and become opaque as it dries. It is very important not to over compensate for this transparency by overloading the brush as this will result in poor adherence and powdering.
  
  Safety
  Paint splashes can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, wear personal protection.
  
  Hints
  We recommend you purchase a BAUWERK Sample Pot to be sure that your chosen colour suits your project.
  Use a BAUWERK Natural Brush as they have specially sourced bristles designed to spread the paint correctly.
  
  Drying time
  The limewash paint should be touch dry in a short period. Please note that lime paint takes about two weeks to cure. So although it is touch dry quickly you need to avoid rubbing the surface before curing. Allow one hour for each coat to dry but in colder weather allow for longer.
  
  Clean up
  Brushes wash out quickly with minimal water and without harm to groundwater.
  Use Bauwerk Colour Brush Cleaner to protect and prolong the life of your brushes.
  
  Does the limewash wood finish require any top coat?
  Not if you want to have a seamlessly matt appearance and the chance to easily apply a refresher coat in the future. If you want to apply an invisible sealer please test the product as many will alter the colour appearance.
  
  

We are often asked if our lime paints can be applied onto Plywood or Chipboard
Bauwerk Colour Limewash Paint can be used for

• unpainted decorative furniture,
• timber (internal use, decoratively only)
• wood panelling
• pine and
• match boarding

You can use the paint directly on all timber that is not containing high amounts of tannin (new oak or Teak, for instance); pinewood is fine.

We used the limewash paint on pinewood ceilings, as well as plywood - both in a opaque finish or as a wash where the grain is still visible.

We also used it directly on chipboard, without sanding. It creates a slightly rougher surface, but on a ceiling, for instance, that would not matter.



Usage limitations

Limewash is generally not recommended for architectural elements such as architraves and doors.
Lime wash paints are always completely matt in appearance, which does mean that they cannot be cleaned like a glossy paint surface.
Skirtings, for instance, may show scuff marks.
Prolonged use and handling may acquire a worn appearance. For that reason we also don't recommend it in tight spaces, such as tiny houses or caravans or boats, unless on a ceiling, where you don't come into contact on a daily basis.


Bauwerk Colour Limewash paints work best when applied to softwoods such as pine and ply which have not been previously painted, this ensures good bonding of the paint to the timber.

Where possible, avoid fillers, as they may show up as lighter or darker spots. Use timber plugs to fix imperfections in the woodwork.

It is not recommended for architectural elements such as architraves and doors. Bauwerk Colour Limewash paints work best when applied to softwoods such as pine and ply which have not been previously painted, this ensures good bonding of the paint to the timber.

With plywood that have a lot of tannin content such as Jarrah or Oak, leaching can occur through the paint. It is important to always test the paint on your particular timber.
We also don't recommend it in tight spaces, such as tiny houses or caravans or boats.

Preparation

Unpainted new ply or chip board – lightly dust off.

Apply some water to the surface to allow any grain to take up moisture and swell. Allow to dry and lightly sand back to a smooth finish.

Previously painted ply or chip board – sanding back any gloss will improve your chances of adhesion.


Useful Hint ✴️ if you want to paint on new timber material:

A rough surface can be avoided if before the first coat of paint the painter apples some water with a sponge to the surface. That will allow all short fibres to absorb the moisture and raise up. When the surface is dry a quick sandpapering over the surface will remove those fibres. Thereafter the surface will remain smooth when you apply the paint.


Primer Application

If plywood panels or chipboard panels are tightly joined and if gaps or screw holes have been filled with a gap filler your surface may need to receive a couple of water based Primer coats to eliminate any absorbency differences. Absorbency differences can cause ''ghosting'', that is the appearance of the panel joints or filled screw holes after the finishing layer of the limewash application.

Prep Coat Application

All three may be painted first with Bauwerk Colour Prep Coat. If you want to see the grain on unpainted timber we recommend to apply the limewash paint without the Prep Coat.
Previously painted timber, unless completely stripped of all previous paint layers should always be prepared first with Bauwerk Colour Prep Coat.

See here further information about Prep Coat.

Application Guide

• Stir thoroughly and decant in a suitable container or bucket.
• Ensure no pigment remains in the bucket, continue to stir paint regularly throughout the painting process.
• Dip the brush into bucket, flick off the excess paint. Brush can hold a lot of paint but should not be dripping.
• Using a BAUWERK Natural Brush, it is important to spread your paint as far as you can, use loose free strokes to stretch the paint as far as possible in all directions.
• Do not leave drips or runs. Maintain a wet edge at all times to prevent colour overlays.
• Do not be alarmed at the darker, transparent look of the paint. As it dries it will lighten to the chosen colour and become opaque as it dries. It is very important not to over compensate for this transparency by overloading the brush as this will result in poor adherence and powdering.
  
  Safety
  Paint splashes can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, wear personal protection.
  
  Hints
  We recommend you purchase a BAUWERK Sample Pot to be sure that your chosen colour suits your project.
  Use a BAUWERK Natural Brush as they have specially sourced bristles designed to spread the paint correctly.
  
  Drying time
  The limewash paint should be touch dry in a short period. Please note that lime paint takes about two weeks to cure. So although it is touch dry quickly you need to avoid rubbing the surface before curing. Allow one hour for each coat to dry but in colder weather allow for longer.
  
  Clean up
  Brushes wash out quickly with minimal water and without harm to groundwater.
  Use Bauwerk Colour Brush Cleaner to protect and prolong the life of your brushes.
  
  Does the limewash wood finish require any top coat?
  Not if you want to have a seamlessly matt appearance and the chance to easily apply a refresher coat in the future. If you want to apply an invisible sealer please test the product as many will alter the colour appearance.