Fixing the Appearance of Lines in Limewash Finish
Understand what causes visible lines in limewash and learn how to fix and prevent them with the right preparation and technique
Q: Why can I see joint lines or patches through my limewash paint?
If you’re seeing lines forming a grid or patches showing through your finished limewash walls, you’re likely dealing with an issue known as ghosting.
'Ghosting' occurs when patched/repaired areas or plasterboard joint lines show through after walls are limewashed. This happens when parts of the surface absorb the paint differently—typically due to inconsistent sealing or priming before painting.
To avoid ghosting, it's important to properly seal any new or repaired surfaces with a water-based primer specifically designed to event out absorbency. Not all primers do this, so ask your paint supplier or builder’s merchant for the right type of primer. Apply a minimum of two coats, and if in doubt do a Simple Water Absorption Test to see if the Primer has done its job.
It’s important to note that Bauwerk Limewash Paint and Bauwerk Prep Coat are not sealers—and will allow the history of the wall to show through. Some people intentionally embrace ghosting for a more characterful, raw look—but for most projects, careful preparation with the correct primer is the key to avoiding unwanted patches and lines.
Q. How do I prevent 'ghosting' on my limewashed walls?
New Surface Materials
When painting over new set plaster or new plasterboard/gyprock/drywall surfaces we recommend starting with the application of 2 consistent coats of a good quality water-based acrylic primer/sealer before applying Bauwerk Prep Coat. Ensure that repairs and join lines are properly sealed to avoid these lines or repair patches showing through in the final finish. For the best results do not dilute the Primer/Sealer. A quickly applied mist coat is not sufficient.
Previously Painted Surfaces with Patches or Repairs
If you are painting over a previously painted surface that has been patched or repaired you will need to ensure that these areas are also sealed with 2 coats of a good quality water-based acrylic Sealer/Primer. Follow this with one coat of Bauwerk Prep Coat to ensure no ghosting comes through in the final finish. Ensure wall surfaces are clean and free of oil or sticky marks before you proceed with your project, this will ensure that these patches will not ghost through.
Visit our Surface Guides for more application instructions for your surface material
Q: Why is there a thick line around the edges of my limewashed wall?
If you're seeing a defined border around the edges of your walls after limewashing, you're likely dealing with an issue called picture framing.
Picture framing occurs when there’s a noticeable line along the wall edges, usually caused by uneven application of primer/sealer or Bauwerk Prep Coat. A mismatch in absorbency between brushed cut-in edges and rolled sections can cause limewash to absorb differently, leading to visible colour variation once the limewash paint has been applied.
To avoid picture framing, when applying primer or Prep Coat:
- Cut in and roll your at the same time, working wet into wet to blend edges seamlessly.
- Avoid letting brushed edges dry before rolling the rest of the wall.
- Apply primer and Prep Coat evenly, ensuring consistent coverage across both rolled and brushed sections.
This technique also helps prevent defined lines around fixtures like light switches and power points.
Q. How do I fix 'picture framing' on my limewashed walls?
To fix a 'picture framing' effect on your limewash finish, begin by properly preparing the surface. While re-priming isn't necessary, you will need to reapply a coat of Bauwerk Prep Coat. Be sure to cut in and roll simultaneously, blending the brushed cutting-in areas with the rolled sections while both are still wet. After that, you can proceed with applying your Limewash Paint.
