Wallpaper Surface Guide
Words
© Andreas Riedel
Published
2024.08
How to apply limewash over wallpaper
Most paper-wallpapers can be painted with Bauwerk limewash paint.
This is the right guide for you if you want to learn how to:
- Change the look of your walls without removing wallpaper in good condition
- Limewash over paper wallpapers
- Prepare your wallpapered surface before painting
- Apply limewash paint
Bauwerk Limewash over Wallpaper
Supply Checklist
For this project you may need...
Whisk or Electric Mixer
Bucket
4 x 14 Limewash Brush
Limewash Paint
Water-Based Primer
Prep Coat
Planning
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 over Bauwerk Prep Coat on wallpapered walls is 10-15 m² (107–161 ft²) per litre, per coat, with 2 coats required.
The coverage of Bauwerk Prep Coat over Wallpaper is 6 m² (64 ft²) per litre, per coat, with 1 coat required.
*Recommendations for coverage are to be used as a guide only, variation in 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.
Surface Preparation
Step 1 : Prime
We recommend 2 coats of a water-based undercoat-sealer/primer –not a mist coat and non-diluted.
You do not need to prime if your walls are already correctly primed and without patches and repairs.
Step 2: Prep Coat
Apply 1 coat of Bauwerk Prep Coat. We have specially developed our Prep Coat as a bridging layer to enhance the durability and ease of application of limewash. Bauwerk Prep Coat is not a primer; it’s a preparatory paint recommended for non-porous indoor surfaces to create the ideal conditions for applying limewash paint.
Prepare Limewash
- Stir the limewash well and make sure all pigment is thoroughly mixed into the paint. Do not paint from a full bucket. Decant into a larger vessel and work with only around 8cm (3in) of paint in a bucket.
- Continue to stir paint regularly while painting. We recommend a machine stirrer, like a Bamix stick blender, or an egg whisk.
- Ensure you have the correct brush for the job. You will need an absorbent bristle block brush— our 4x14 limewash block brush is our most popular size, perfect for most applications.
Limewash Paint Application
Step 3: Limewash
Apply 2 coats of Bauwerk Limewash Paint
Dip the brush into the bucket and flick off excess paint. 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Cleanup + Maintenance
- All brushes, tools, and containers 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.
- There is no need for a sealer or additional top coat over the limewash. To maintain your limewashed wall, we recommend simply applying another coat of limewash.
- Simply wipe the walls down with a damp cloth to clean—do not scrub the walls or use cleaning products or harsh chemicals.
- More stubborn stains and damage to the wall can be patched. Refer to our Youtube video for instructions on patching your limewashed wall.
- Following these steps ensures a natural, dust-free surface with a fantastic texture, making it easy to repaint and maintain.
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