Thinking of limewashing your brick home? Whether you’re going for timeless elegance, rustic charm, or a soft Mediterranean vibe, limewash is an incredible way to enhance your Premier Brick and transform the look of your home.
This guide has everything you need—what limewash is, why it’s amazing, how to apply it, maintain it, and where to get it right here in New Zealand.
🧱 What is Limewashed Brick?
Limewashed brick is created by applying a thin coat of slaked lime and water to the surface of brick. Unlike paint, limewash penetrates porous brick and mortar and chemically bonds with the surface through a process called carbonation, giving it a soft, chalky finish that’s breathable and natural.
Think: European farmhouse, Tuscan villa, or modern rustic retreat.
✨ Why Choose Limewash?
Here’s why homeowners and designers are loving it:
✅ Breathable – Won’t trap moisture like paint
✅ Eco-Friendly – Made from natural lime and water
✅ Antimicrobial – Naturally resists mould and bacteria
✅ Beautifully Aged Look – Develops character over time
✅ Easily Customisable – Apply sheer or solid, distress or recoat
✅ Easy Touch-ups – Blends well for future refreshes
⚖️ Limewash vs Paint: Pros & Cons
| Feature | Limewash | Paint |
| Look | Soft, matte, natural | Opaque, more artificial |
| Breathability | Yes (great for old homes) | No (can trap moisture) |
| Durability | 5–7 years, touch-up friendly | 10+ years, harder to touch up |
| Application Surface | Needs raw, porous brick | Can go over most surfaces |
| Maintenance | Light & easy | More involved |
| Cost | Lower for DIY, moderate with pros | Moderate to high depending on paint |
🛠️ How to Apply Limewash to Premier Brick (Step-by-Step)
1️ Prepare the Surface
- Clean the bricks with water and a brush—remove dirt, grease, and debris.
- Ensure the bricks are unsealed and porous (limewash won’t stick to painted or sealed surfaces).
- Cover nearby surfaces with plastic drop cloths and tape.
2️ Dampen the Bricks
- Mist with a spray bottle or hose—this slows the drying so the limewash penetrates evenly and doesn’t crack.
3️ Mix the Limewash
- Pre-mixed (e.g. Porter’s, Romabio): Follow product instructions for dilution.
- DIY Mix: 1 part hydrated lime (builders lime) to 1.5 parts water. Adjust for desired thickness.
- Stir well—aim for milk-like consistency.
4️ Apply the Limewash
- Use a masonry brush (not a roller) and work in sections.
- Apply with light, crisscross strokes—don’t over-brush.
- Keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
5️ Optional Distressing
- After 10–60 minutes (when slightly tacky), use a damp sponge or cloth to remove some limewash for that worn, rustic look.
6️ Let It Dry
- Fully cures over 2–3 days.
- It will lighten as it dries—don’t panic if it looks darker at first!
7️ Add More Coats (Optional)
- Want more coverage? Add a second coat once the first is dry. You can go from transparent to full whiteout depending on your vision.
👷 Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?
✅ DIY is great if:
- You’re tackling a small area (like a fireplace or garden wall).
- You enjoy hands-on weekend projects.
- You like the idea of a wabi-sabi, slightly imperfect finish.
👷♂️ Hire a pro if:
- You’re doing a full exterior or large space.
- You want an even, clean application.
- Your home is high-set or needs scaffolding.
Who can apply limewash?
- ✅ Painting Contractors (check if they’ve done limewash before)
- ✅ Special Finishers (e.g. Special Finishes NZ)
- ✅ Heritage Restoration Experts
Tip: Ask for photos of previous limewash work and request a test patch before they start the full job.
🛍️ Where to Buy Limewash in New Zealand
Here are your best options locally:
🖌️ Porter’s Paints NZ
- Offers Original Lime Wash and Interno Lime Wash
- Classic European-style finish
- Available in various natural tones
🖌️ Special Finishes NZ
- Offers Mediterranean Limewash
- Tinted options available (think terracotta, stone, ivory)
🖌️ Dulux Trade Centres
- Stock Porter’s range at select locations
🖌️ Guthrie Bowron
- Can special-order limewash products
🧱 Important: Make sure your bricks from Premier Brick are unsealed and porous. Limewash won’t stick to sealed or glazed surfaces.
🧼 How to Maintain Limewashed Bricks
✅ Do:
- Gently hose off dust or cobwebs
- Use soft brushes—no pressure washing
- Keep some product for future touch-ups
- Spot refresh faded areas every few years
❌ Don’t:
- Use harsh detergents or chemical cleaners
- Worry if it weathers a bit—it adds character!
- Paint over it (you’ll lose the breathable beauty of limewash)
Optional: Apply a breathable sealer (like Romabio Mineral Shield) in high-rain or south-facing areas for extra durability.
📸 Limewash Brick Inspiration
Here’s what limewashed brick can look like:
Want to see how it could look on your Premier Brick home? We can help you test it!
🏁 Final Thoughts
Limewashing is a stunning way to elevate your brick surfaces with natural texture, elegance, and charm. Whether you’re refreshing a feature wall or reimagining your home’s whole exterior, limewash is a low-maintenance, high-impact finish you’ll love for years.
💬 Have Questions or Want a Limewash Sample?
Contact us at Premier Brick and we’ll help you find the perfect limewash look for your home.
Written by Bernard Powell – Brick Consultant at Premier Brick
