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Colour and Light

Colour + Light

Understanding the role light plays when choosing limewash paint colours

Words
© Andreas Riedel
Published
2024.09

Q. How do I select the perfect Limewash colour? 

Bauwerk Colour Cards are hand-painted and come in a generous 10cm x 15cm format. This size allows you to view your chosen colours as they will appear on your wall. 


The appearance of colours can vary under different lighting conditions, and whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look at your colours in the location you expect to paint. Hold your colour card vertically up against the wall as this can also impact how you see the colour. 


We recommend that you test selected colours with a Sample Pot


How we see colour is due to light refraction. Our colours refract light differently to other paints, due to the crystalline nature of our base mineral, limestone, which refracts light in crystals making it glow and look like no other paint.

Bauwerk Colour Testing Limewash Paint Colour Light

Q. Why do colours look so different between images on your site, the liquid in the container, and the colour on my wall? 

How we see colour is determined by light, which explains why a colour may look different in person than it does in an image or on a computer screen. This is particularly pronounced with limewash, as it refracts light more than other paints, a large part of its unique beauty. 


When viewing limewash paint in the container in its liquid form, it’s normal for it to appear much darker. Once the paint is applied and dries, you’ll notice it lightens to the desired colour. 


We always recommend the use of Sample Pots for an accurate colour representation on your particular surface and in your light conditions. We also offer Colour Consultation services to help guide your colour choices. 

White is not so much a colour as an expression of light quote

Q. How does light affect the outcome of my limewashed wall?

Colour is the daughter of light, meaning how light hits your wall, the time of year, and the surrounding colours in your room can all influence how your limewash paint colour appears. In fact, the colour may vary from winter to summer in the same room. Don’t be daunted by this; it adds a personal touch that makes your home or project uniquely yours.


We have colour consultants to help with your choices, plus Colour Cards and Sample Pots so you can be see how the colour will look in your lighting.

Bauwerk Colour 'Reflection' Limewash Paint
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