This article walks through how to install Earthaus Limewash, from substrate preparation through mixing, brushing techniques, and application. It is a summary of the official Earthaus Limewash Installation Guide, adapted for clarity and ease of reference. To view the full document, see the Earthaus Limewash Installation Guide (PDF).
What Is Limewash?
Earthaus Limewash is a thin, breathable lime paint that is hand brushed to create a velvety matte finish with soft tonal variation for depth and dimension.
Formulated with high-quality hydrated lime and <3% acrylic additive by weight to prevent dusting.
Available in 43 mineral pigment colors.
Performance CharacteristicsS
No VOCs, microplastics, phthalates, or toxic additives
Excellent adherence and workability
Durable and breathable
Will not dust off over time
UV resistant
Colorfast
Suitable Substrates
Adobe — interior, porous
Cob — interior, porous
Brick — interior or exterior, porous or primed
Drywall — interior, primed
Compressed Earth Block (CEB/Earth Block) — interior, porous
Painted walls — interior, primed
Plaster (Lime, Clay, Gypsum) — interior, porous
Stone — interior or exterior, porous or primed
Stucco (Lime or Cement) — exterior, porous
Form, Coats, Sizes & Coverage
Form: Dry powder, bagged
Coats: 2 coats standard
One gallon: 2.2 lbs (1000 g) → coverage ~200 ft²
Five gallon: 11 lbs (5000 g) → coverage ~1000 ft²
Color Options
43 colors (see Brushed Finishes Color Palette).
Comes pre-tinted.
Custom colors are not available.
Pot Life & Storage
Mixed Limewash stores indefinitely if kept tightly lidded in a frost-free location.
Unmixed Limewash stores up to 1 year if kept dry.
Safety Precautions
As a lime-based product, Earthaus Limewash is highly alkaline during mixing and while wet.
Prevention:
Wear eye protection, gloves, long sleeves, and pants.
Wear a particle mask or respirator covering nose and mouth.
Do not wear contact lenses when working with hydrated lime.
Response (First Aid):
Eyes: Flush immediately with copious cold water; seek immediate medical attention.
Skin: Wash with plenty of cold water followed by mild soap and water.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air.
Ingestion: Seek immediate medical attention due to alkali content.
Design Considerations
Lighting:
In bright light, lighter hues can appear washed out, reducing the visible tonal movement characteristic of Limewash.
Mid- to darker-range colors show more subtle movement and tonal variation.
View color samples in project lighting before selection.
Interior Drywall Joints:
If drywall joints are not thoroughly primed, extra absorption can cause "ghosting".
Consider two coats of primer over joints and screws.
Exterior Weather Protection:
Roof overhangs: Direct rainwater away.
Rain gutters: Prevent splash-up onto lower Limewashed areas.
Ground clearance: Maintain proper clearance using stucco stops and flashing.
Substrate Preparation
Interior Substrates to Be Primed:
Limewash is very thin and will not hide surface texture or imperfections.
Prime interior surfaces to ensure a uniform substrate.
Earthaus does not make a primer; any latex or PVA primer is acceptable.
Porous Interior or Exterior Brick & Stone:
Thoroughly clean to remove dirt, dust, mold.
Pressure wash or scrub with stiff brush + water.
Porous Plaster & Stucco:
Check for loose or flaking material; brush clean.
Ensure surface is smooth and dry before application.
Tools & Equipment
Do not use a paint roller — creates lap lines.
Do not use a paint sprayer — Limewash will clog a sprayer.
Use a Block Brush with blended natural + artificial bristles.
Mixing Limewash
One Gallon:
Add 3 quarts of water to one 2-gallon bucket.
Add Limewash incrementally and stir with cordless drill + paddle.
Mix 2 minutes until smooth and lump-free.
Pour through included paint strainer into second bucket.
Pour 1 quart into working pail; cover remaining Limewash.
Five Gallons:
Pour 2 gallons of water into a 5-gallon bucket.
Mix while a helper slowly pours the full contents of Limewash.
Mix at high RPM for 3 minutes.
Slowly add an additional 2 gallons of water; mix 1 minute.
Pour through 5-gallon paint strainer; cover remaining Limewash.
Brush Stroke Techniques
Feathered: Light, feathery strokes in random directions.
Crosshatch: Short, overlapping diagonal strokes ("X" pattern).
Figure-Eight: Small, overlapping ∞ motions.
Layering: First coat darker, second coat lighter for tonal variation.
Application — Interior Primed Substrates
Apply mixed Limewash in a single thin layer.
Dry 12 hours.
Apply second coat; dry 12 hours.
Clean brush with water after each coat.
Application — Porous Substrates (Interior & Exterior)
Dampen surface with spray bottle (interior) or hose (exterior).
Apply Limewash in a single thin layer.
Dry 12 hours; apply second coat.
Care & Maintenance
Dust to keep finish fresh.
For superficial stains: lightly sand, then apply Limewash over the sanded area.
For deep stains: apply Limewash over stain; if oil-based, prime first.
Earthaus Plaster, LLC — Last Updated: 10/1/25
Still Have Questions?
Email [email protected] or text 1-800-917-2414.