You can paint over Limewash paint as the paint is highly breathable (porous) and doesn’t prevent paint penetration.
To paint over Limewash paint, clean the surface, sand the finish, apply primer, apply the new paint, and seal the finish.
You can’t mix Limewash paint with latex paint as both have different formulas and aren’t compatible.
Can You Paint over Limewash Paint?
You can paint over Limewash paint as the paint is breathable and allows paint penetration and adhesion. But, you must sand the limewash finish and apply a primer before painting it.
Limewash paint is made from a mixture of natural ingredients, such as slaked lime and water. The paint is highly breathable, it allows the underlying moisture to evaporate and allows moisture to penetrate its finish.
Since limewash paint doesn’t prevent paint penetration, you can paint over it. But, you must sand the limewash finish as it will show once the new paint dries. A primer coating will cover the limewash rough finish and help the new paint adhere better.
Note: Painting over Limewash will alter its porous and breathable characteristics.
How To Paint Over Limewash?
To paint over Limewash, do the following things.
- Clean the Surface.
- Sand the Finish.
- Apply Primer.
- Apply the New Paint.
- Seal the Finish.
The tools you need for this project are listed below.
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- The required paint
- Brush
- Wire brush
- Tape
- Rags
- Paint thinner (optional)
- Bucket (optional)
1. Clean the Surface
Clean the surface to remove dust, dirt, or stains that can prevent the new paint from penetrating or adhering. To clean the finish, use a mild detergent or warm soapy water.
2. Sand the Paint
Use fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) to sand the Limewash paint to remove imperfections, bumps, its rough finish, and help the new paint to adhere better.
The sandpaper creates tiny pores (holes) over the existing paint finish that the new paint can penetrate and adhere to.
While Limewash paint finish is highly porous (or breathable), sanding creates a rougher surface and helps paint for a better grip.
3. Apply Primer
Apply two (2) coats of primer designed for porous surfaces. The primer will improve the adhesion between the new paint and limewash. Ensure to use a primer that is compatible with the new paint you will use.
4. Apply the New Paint
Apply 2-3 paint coats over the Limewash paint. The best paints to use over limewash are chalk, latex, or emulsion paint. They are flexible, easy to apply, and produce a colorful finish.
6. Seal the Finish
Seal the new paint finish with a moisture-resistant sealer, such as polyurethane or varnish. The sealer produces a glossy protective barrier over the paint finish and protects it from water, moisture, scratches, and other damage.
If the new paint finish is placed indoors, sealing is optional.
Can You Mix Limewash Paint With Latex Paint?
You can’t mix limewash with latex paint as both paints have different formulas, properties, and behaviors, so they aren’t compatible. If you mix them, the new paint will have an inconsistent color shade and viscosity, and won’t adhere properly.
Limewash paint is designed to be breathable (porous), while latex paint isn’t. Both paints have different dry times and are designed to age in different ways.
However, you can apply limewash paint, wait for it to dry, and then apply latex paint over it.
Can You Tint Limewash Paint?
You can tint Limewash paint by mixing it with mineral paint pigments. Simply add a small amount of paint pigments to the limewash paint and increase the pigment amount while mixing to achieve the desired color shade.
Don’t tint Limewash paint with water-based or oil-based paints as they aren’t compatible and will ruin it.
