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Limewashing Guide to Render

Render Surface Guide

Words
© Andreas Riedel
Published
2024.09
How to apply limewash to render surfaces

Render is a type of plaster or coating applied to interior or exterior walls to create a smooth or textured finish, usually rougher than traditional plaster. It’s ideal for limewashing because its porous surface absorbs the limewash effectively, allowing breathability and preserving the wall's natural qualities. No undercoat or top coat sealer is required, making the process quick and simple.


This is the right guide for you if you want to learn how to:

  • limewash internal render walls
  • limewash external render walls
  • prepare your surface before limewashing
  • apply limewash paint
Limewash on Render
Limewash on Render
Supply Checklist
For this project you may need...
Whisk or Electric Mixer
Bucket
Limewash Brush
Limewash Paint

Planning + Preparation

During construction or renovation, it is advisable to schedule Bauwerk painting as the final trade to prevent damage to the final finish caused by other trades or building equipment.


The coverage of Limewash Paint on raw render is 7-10 m² per litre (75-107 ft²), per coat, with 2-3 coats required for full coverage.


Note: Recommendations for coverage are to be used as a guide only, variation in the quantity needed will depend on the porosity of the surface to be painted. We always recommend the use of sample pots for an accurate colour representation and consumption for your particular surface and light conditions.

Modern Lime Wash Paint | Bauwerk Colour

Surface + Paint Preparation

Surface Preparation
Render surfaces should be free from any dirt, dust and loose material.

  • Brush down the wall.
  • Dampen walls with clean water using a brush or a light mist spray to ensure easy application of limewash paint.


Note: Previously painted internal and external render surfaces can be limewashed, but some extra preparation steps are required to ensure effective limewash absorption.



Paint Preparation

  • Thoroughly stir limewash paint and decant into a suitable container or bucket. Ensure no pigment remains in the original container.
  • Continue to stir the paint regularly throughout the painting process.
  • Select the right limewash paintbrush: Our all-rounder brush, the 4x14 limewash brush, is great for all walls.
Bauwerk Colour Limewash Paint on external Render

Limewash Paint Application

Apply 2 coats of Bauwerk Limewash Paint

  • Dip your Bauwerk natural bristle brush into the paint. Remove excess paint with a flick of the wrist. The brush can hold a lot of paint, but should not be dripping.
  • Start in a corner of the wall–holding the brush at a right angle to the wall. It may be best to hold the brush on the brush body, rather than the handle for more control.
  • Using loose, free strokes stretch the paint as far as possible, varying the direction of strokes constantly. Let the bristles do the work. There is no need to apply too much pressure.
Bauwerk Colour Limewash Paint Application
  • Brush out the paint evenly in a thin coat, preventing runs or drips, while covering every part of the surface in the first coat. Maintain a wet edge at all times to prevent lines in your finished surface*. Finish each coat in one continuous application. Do not try and patch walls once the coat is finished, as missed areas can be covered in the next coat. With large expanses, it helps to work to a natural break in the wall, such as mortar joints.
  • When wet, the colour will appear darker and transparent. Do not compensate for this by applying more paint. As the paint dries, the colour will lighten to the chosen colour and become more opaque.
  • Allow a minimum of 1-2 hours between coats. Apply a second coat (no need to dampen again). Paint the second coat faster, wet-in-wet and a lot looser. Missing spots is okay, as the first coat should have covered everything. Allow the paint to dry.
*White Limewash Paint

If you're painting with our 'whites', maintaining a wet edge is not required. These colours patch easily and are great for spot touchups.

Bauwerk Colour Bone Limewash Paint in bathroom Bone @jamesstreehouse

Cleanup + Maintenance

  • There is no need for a sealer or additional top coat over the limewash. A third coat of limewash can be applied, based on your colour and coverage preferences.
  • All brushes, tools, and containers wash out quickly with minimal water and without harm to groundwater.
  • Following these steps ensures a natural, dust-free surface with a fantastic texture, making it easy to repaint and maintain.
How to wash and dry a Bauwerk Colour Natural Bristle Brush
How to Limewash a Render Masonry Wall
Easy steps to guide you through how to apply limewash paint to naturally absorbent walls like render
Render + Limewash FAQs
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