Whitewash vs. Limewash – What’s the Difference?
When you search for home painting services in Edmond OK, you may occasionally come across whitewashing and limewashing services. While these terms sound similar, they refer to very different things. By investing in the right painting services, you can improve your property value and boost your home’s overall appearance.
How Whitewash Works
Whether you are updating your brick fireplace or want to change the exterior of your home, you might be thinking about using a whitewash. This technique involves using a kind of water-based paint that is blended with extra water. Then, the paint is applied to the surface of your home in thin layers.
Painters generally use whitewashing to tone down natural colors on wood or brick surfaces. By doing this, they can create a weathered look. After applying the whitewash with a soft paintbrush, the painter can use a wet cloth to wipe some of the paint away. This reveals some of the natural wood or brick. You will often see examples of this beautiful technique on Pinterest and Instagram.
No matter where you search for painters near me, whitewashing will always involve white paint. It cannot be done with a different color of paint, which is the biggest difference between whitewashing and limewashing. Other than its beauty, whitewashing has become a popular painting style for the following reasons.
- It is easy to apply.
- You can use it indoors and outdoors.
- Whitewashing is great for smoothing out rough surfaces.
- It dries quickly.
If you have unfinished wood, whitewashing is an excellent choice as long as you sand away any finish before you apply the paint. When this paint is applied properly, it can last for up to 30 years. To make it last even longer, you can use a water-based matte sealant or satin polyurethane.
How Limewash Works
Limewash is created through an entirely different process. Initially, manufacturers crush and burn limestone. Then, they add water to the burned limestone until a type of putty is formed. This putty must be aged and thinned out with water.
After all of this processing, the putty develops a chalky texture and a mottled appearance. Once it is finished, it can be sold in shades of white, gray, taupe, or brown. While limewash is naturally white, the other shades can be made by mixing in specific pigments. When you use limewash, you can enjoy some of the following benefits.
- This material can resist moisture, fungi, odors, and insects.
- It can be used inside and outside your home.
- If you change your mind, the limewash can be removed during the first five days.
- After you use a mineral-based primer, you can limewash on drywall.
- Limewash can protect your walls from outdoor elements.
- It is great for plaster, stone, and other porous surfaces.
- Because of the pH balance, limewash is hypoallergenic.
- Once it is applied properly, it only has to be touched up every 5 to 7 years.
One of the reasons why people turn to Kaleidoscope Paint for home painting services is because of the skill it takes to apply limewash. First, the painter has to pick the right color and get a masonry brush. Then, the paint must be applied using thin, feathered strokes. Ideally, the painter should apply at least three coats of paint.
If you want to try a different painting technique, you can use a mortar wash. Basically, this technique involves smearing white mortar on top of your brick or wood walls. Once it dries, the mortar wash will give your walls a rustic appearance.
Discover the Best Home Painting Services in Your Area
Painting your home is a daunting process. You can make your painting project easier by searching for home painting services in Edmond OK. With the help of a professional team, you can get the premium materials and high-quality work you deserve.
At Kaleidoscope Paint, our goal is to bring your dreams to life. Our team is fully licensed and insured, so you can feel confident about the quality of our work. To learn more about our home painting services and get a professional color consultation, reach out to our team today.