Wood Panelling, Timber, Plywood + MDF Surface Guide

Bauwerk Colour Limewash Paint is perfect for:

• unpainted decorative furniture,
• ply
• pine
• matchboarding

However, It is not recommended for use on architectural elements such as architraves, doors and external applications.

• It can also be used on MDF for decorative use only, in conjunction with Bauwerk Prep Coat.
• You can use the paint directly on all timber that does not contain 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 an 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. 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.
• Limewash paints are always completely matte in appearance, which means that it 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, caravans or boats–unless on a ceiling where you don't come into daily contact.
• Where possible, avoid fillers, as they may show up as lighter or darker spots. Use timber plugs to fix imperfections in the woodwork.
• 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.

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.

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 for painting 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.

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 applying 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.

Limewash is generally not recommended for architectural elements such as architraves and doors. Bauwerk Limewash paints are always completely matte in appearance, which means that they cannot be cleaned like a glossy paint surface. Skirting, for instance, may show scuff marks. Prolonged use and handling may acquire a worn appearance.

Bauwerk Limewash can be used for unpainted decorative furniture, ply, pine and match boarding. You can use the paint directly on all timber that does not contain high amounts of tannin (new oak or teak, for instance); pinewood is fine. 

You can use Limewash paint on pinewood ceilings, as well as plywood – both as an opaque finish or as a wash where the grain is still visible. 

Our 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.

Surface Requirements

Lightly sand surface before applying Limewash.

Lightly dust off timber with a clean rag.

Paint Application

Option 1: If your wood is perfect without patches and spots or filler, and or jointing compound you can paint directly over it

Painting directly on wood will allow you to see the wood underneath.

Option 2: If you wish to not see the wood or you are painting MDF,  use our Bauwerk Prep Coat

Step 1. Apply 1 coat of Bauwerk Prep Coat

Step 2. Apply 2 coats Bauwerk Limewash Paint

Option 3: If you have patches and repairs or jointing compounds on either wood or MDF

Step 1. We recommend 2 coats of a good quality undercoat/sealer primer

Step 2. Apply 1 coat of Bauwerk Prep Coat.

Step 3.  Apply 2 coats Bauwerk Limewash Paint

Limewash Application Tips

Dip the brush into the bucket and flick off excess paint. The brush can hold a lot of paint, but should not be dripping. Maintain a wet edge at all times to prevent colour overlays. Do not leave drips or runs. Continue to stir paint regularly while painting.

Allow 1–2 hours between coats. When wet, the colour will appear darker and transparent. As the paint dries the colour will lighten and become opaque.

*Note: We have specially developed our interior Prep Coat as a bridge coat between standard paint and primers to make limewash more durable, and easy to apply. Bauwerk Prep Coat is not a primer. It is important to understand that our Limewash and Prep Coat have no capacity to mask what is on your wall, it allows all the history and the materials of the wall to come through.

High quality, natural Limewash needs adequate curing time. This will be longer in colder weather and in humid conditions. The ideal temperature for applying Bauwerk Limewash is 8°–30°C (46°F–86°F). Do not paint if the surface and/or air temperature falls below 5°C(41°F) during application or curing.

Not if you want to have a seamlessly matte 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.