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Already painted with other paint

Painted With Other Paint

Words
© Andreas Riedel
Published
2024.09
Preparing previously painted walls for limewash paint

BAUWERK Limewash Paint needs a moderately absorbent surface to bond properly. Most previously painted surfaces are not absorbent enough as-is, but can be prepared to create the ideal surface. For an even finish, ensure ALL surfaces are uniformly absorbent. Repairs or crack fillers should be properly primed to avoid inconsistencies.



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

  • limewash internal walls previously painted
  • limewash external walls previously painted
  • prepare your previously painted surface before limewashing


Select the condition and location of your surface below for instructions:

Limewash over previously conventionally painted walls
Limewash over previously conventionally painted walls
Helpful Product Terminology
May need to prime walls with conventional paint before limewashing
Internal Surfaces
Primer/Sealer
Good quality water-based drywall/plasterboard undercoat primers isolate stains and even out absorption differences, ensuring a uniform surface. Avoid solvent-based products. Most building merchants can recommend the right product for your project.
Bauwerk Colour Prep Coat assists Limewash Paint application
Internal Surfaces
Bauwerk Prep Coat
Prep Coat is specially designed as a bridging layer to enhance limewash durability and application. It’s not a primer or sealer; it's a preparatory paint that creates a uniform, matte white background with the right absorbency for limewash. Typically applied over primer or well-adhered emulsion paint, it ensures a consistent surface for limewash.
External surfaces previously painted may need a thin layer of render applied before limewashing
External Surfaces
Acratex Primer / Acryclic Render
A thin acrylic render product/Acratex Primer provides an absorbent layer for limewash paint to adhere to exterior surfaces.

Internal Surface Preparation: Previously painted walls that are free from damage, repairs, or stains


Step 1: If previously painted walls have gloss paint, lightly sandpaper over. Matte finishes don't require sanding.


Step 2: Apply 1 coat of BAUWERK Prep Coat. Prep Coat can be rolled, brushed, or sprayed. Ceilings should be coated before walls. Begin at a window and apply Prep Coat away from the light.

To avoid visible lines, or picture framing effect that may appear once limewashed, always paint wet on wet, even when cutting in. Keep the finish consistent and even. Beflend your vertical strokes with horizontal strokes without loading any additional paint. Finish one wall in a single application.

Surface will be dry and recoatable after 4-6 hours at +20°C.

Bauwerk Colour prepping wall to limewash over existing conventional paint

Internal Surface Preparation: Previously painted walls with repairs or stains


Step 1: First, apply 2 coats of a good quality water-based drywall/plasterboard undercoat-primer to ensure even absorbency across the wall surface. Avoid solvent-based products. Most building merchants can recommend the appropriate product for your project. It doesn't matter whether the primer is tinted or clear; the key is that it equalises absorbency to prevent "ghosting" over repaired areas.


Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, applying at least two coats, with proper drying and curing time between each before moving forward with any additional products.

Step 2: Apply 1 coat of BAUWERK Prep Coat. Prep Coat can be rolled, brushed, or sprayed. Ceilings should be coated before walls. Begin at a window and apply Prep Coat away from the light.

To avoid visible lines, or picture framing effect that may appear once limewashed, always paint wet on wet, even when cutting in. Keep the finish consistent and even. Blend your vertical strokes with horizontal strokes without loading any additional paint. Finish one wall in a single application. Surface will be dry and recoatable after 4-6 hours at +20°C.

Modern Lime Wash Paint | Bauwerk Colour

External Surface Preparation: Previously painted masonry | render, Concrete, Mortar, Brick + Stone

Step 1: make necessary repairs and remove dust and loose particles. Sand wall if the previous paint has any level of gloss.


Step 2 On previously painted exterior surfaces, we recommend applying a coat of thin acrylic render before applying limewash.

Bauwerk Colour Limewash Paint on external Render

Once you're properly prepared your surface, you're ready to apply limewash paint as your surface guide outlines.

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