Clay, Rammed Earth, Mud Bricks + Adobe Surface Guide

Some of our colours may look lighter once applied in exterior light, this is normal and is due to the amount of light outside. To be sure of your colour, paint onto a board that you can carry around the space. This method enables you to view the sample colour in different lighting conditions, while also avoiding show-through of sample areas on your final finish. Use this method if you are painting naturally breathable walls like clay, rammed earth, mud bricks, adobe, render, lime plaster or unpainted brick.

If your rammed earth wall is internal and has been previously painted with conventional paint, you will require Bauwerk Prep Coat before applying the Limewash. If your wall is external and has been previously painted you will require a coat of exterior primer such as an acrylic render. This means that you will be able to sample directly on the wall, as any sample patches will be covered with Prep Coat/ exterior primer and will not show through on your final finish.

Limewash paints have been used for centuries to preserve our built environment. They will not alter the permeability of your wall surface - moisture can freely escape and your walls will keep ‘breathing’. Any surfaces that may require maintenance will come from issues within the walls themselves. These issues may include rising damp, salt/mineral leaching or poor construction. Our paints won’t hide these issues, unlike conventional film-forming paints which can cause blistering, peeling and damage to the substrate.

Limewashing over Raw Absorbent walls: 7–10 m² (75–107 ft²) per litre, per coat (2 coats required)

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.

Yes, 2 to 3 coats of Bauwerk Limewash will cover the colour of your walls.

The pigments used in Bauwerk Limewash Paints are mineral-based, colourfast and UV stable. This means that our colours are not affected by the sun's ultraiolet rays (which can cause paints to fade). Our paints have been fully tested in the extreme temperatures of Australia and the Middle East.

Yes, Bauwerk Limewash Paint is ideal for raw masonry surfaces where it can be absorbed into the walls, leaving a breathable surface that is protected by the natural properties of the paint. With no undercoat or sealer required, the process is quick and simple.

Surface Requirements

Step 1: Brush down the wall.

Step 2: Dampen walls with clean water using a brush or light mist spray, to ensure easy application of Limewash.

Paint Application

Step 3: Apply 2 coats of Bauwerk Limewash using a Bauwerk natural fibre brush. Dip the brush into the bucket and flick off excess paint. The brush can hold a lot of paint, but should not be dripping. Using loose, free strokes, stretch the paint as far as possible in all directions. 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.

View a step-by-step guide above.

Yes, you can limewash an interior wall made of mud brick, rammed earth, adobe or clay that has previously been painted, but there are some additional preparation steps to consider to ensure absorption.

View the preparation steps in our Render Surface Guide.

Bauwerk Limewash paint is ideal for raw masonry exteriors where it can be absorbed into the walls leaving a breathable surface that is protected by the natural properties of the paint. With no undercoat or sealer required, the process is quick and simple.

Surface Requirements


External brick surfaces should be free from any dirt, dust and loose material.

Step 1: Brush down the wall.

Step 2: Dampen walls with clean water using a brush or light mist spray, to ensure easy application of Limewash.

Paint Application

Step 3: Apply 2 coats of Bauwerk Limewash using a Bauwerk natural fibre brush. Dip the brush into the bucket and flick off excess paint. The brush can hold a lot of paint, but should not be dripping. Using loose, free strokes, stretch the paint as far as possible in all directions. 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.

Limewash can be applied over previously painted or sealed exterior walls, but expect a shorter maintenance period. Reduced absorption into the substrate reduces the longevity of the Limewash. However, a simple coat of limewash is sufficient to maintain and restore the finish.

We do not recommend painting limewash over a sealed exterior wall if it's in a highly exposed weather area. For best results over previously painted exterior walls, we recommend applying a coat of a thin acrylic render product before limewashing. This acts as an absorbent layer for the limewash to adhere to on the wall and will make your limewashed wall more durable.

View the preparation steps in our Render Surface Guide.


Notes + Tips

Scheduling

With large expanses, it helps to work to a natural break in the wall such as a mortar join or V joint, or with the assistance of another person. 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.

Weather

Paint only with a minimum of three clear days without rain, or protect the surface from rain after painting. 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 (46–86°F). Do not paint if the surface and/or air temperature falls below 5°C (41°F) during application or curing.

Sealers

Generally, we do not recommend sealing outside walls. Our paints perform best when applied to absorbent materials. If you do wish to paint a previously painted exterior surface, we recommend applying an acrylic render style of product, see your local paint supplier.

Time Requirement for applying lime wash to stone surfaces

Even quite rough adobe or rammed earth surfaces can be relatively easy and quickly painted with Limewash paint using a professional Limewash block brush. Take care to cover everything in the first coat. With any subsequent coat you can then be very fast, as it won't matter if you miss a spot here there, that has already been painted with the previous application.

Skill level

Limewash painting onto clay or adobe /rammed earth surfaces is a simple task and does not require any particular training. Observe the general painting tips for lime wash application, such as regular stirring of the paint and spreading out the paint. Avoid adding too much paint and trust the process: opacity will develop as the paint dries.