Concrete + Concrete Bricks Surface Guide
How to apply limewash to concrete surfaces
Bauwerk Limewash Paint is suitable for all new or previously unpainted absorbent concrete surfaces, including fairface concrete, rough concrete, concrete blocks, and similar materials. If your concrete walls have already been painted, view preparation instructions for Interior walls or Exterior walls.
This is the right guide for you if you want to:
- limewash internal raw concrete or concrete brick walls
- limewash external raw concrete or concrete brick walls
- prepare your surface before limewashing
- apply limewash paint
Supply Checklist
- Whisk or Electric Mixer
- Bucket
- 4 x 14 Limewash Brush
- Water
- Limewash Paint
Lime Wash Brushes
Limewash Paint
Whisk Mixing Tool
Planning + Preparation
During construction or renovation, it is advisable to schedule Bauwerk painting as the final trade to prevent damage to the final finish caused by other trades or building equipment.
To test your colour (which we recommend) on an unpainted concrete surface, apply it to a separate piece of the same material or a discreet, hidden area. Sampling directly on the surface may leave a visible patch.
The coverage of Limewash Paint on unpainted, absorbent concrete is 7-12 m² (75–129 ft²) per litre, per coat, with 2-3 coats required for full coverage.
Note: Recommendations for coverage are to be used as a guide only; variation in the quantity needed will depend on the porosity of the surface to be painted. We always recommend the use of sample pots for an accurate colour representation and consumption for your particular surface and light conditions.
Surface Preparation
Concrete surfaces should be free from any dirt, dust and loose material.
- Brush down the wall.
- Dampen walls with clean water using a brush or a light mist spray to ensure easy application of limewash paint.
Previously painted internal and external concrete walls can be limewashed, but some extra preparation steps are required to ensure effective limewash absorption.
Prepare Limewash
- Thoroughly stir limewash paint and decant into a suitable container or bucket. Ensure no pigment remains in the original container.
- Continue to stir the paint regularly throughout the painting process.
- Select the right limewash paintbrush for your surface. Deeper recesses are easier to paint with shorter, stiffer bristles. Flat or moderately undulating surfaces are best painted with our 4×14 limewash block brush.
Prepare Limewash
Apply 2 coats of Bauwerk Limewash Paint
- Dip your Bauwerk natural bristle brush into the paint. Remove excess paint with a flick of the wrist. The brush can hold a lot of paint, but should not be dripping.
- Start in a corner of the wall–holding the brush at a right angle to the wall. It may be best to hold the brush on the brush body, rather than the handle for more control.
- Using loose, free strokes stretch the paint as far as possible, varying the direction of strokes constantly. Let the bristles do the work. There is no need to apply too much pressure. To reach deeper recesses make smaller movements, either back and forth or in small circular motions.
- Brush out the paint evenly in a thin coat, preventing runs or drips, while covering every part of the surface in the first coat. Maintain a wet edge at all times to prevent lines in your finished surface*. Finish each coat in one continuous application. Do not try and patch walls once the coat is finished, as missed areas can be covered in the next coat. With large expanses, it helps to work to a natural break in the wall, such as mortar joints.
- When wet, the colour will appear darker and transparent. Do not compensate for this by applying more paint. As the paint dries, the colour will lighten to the chosen colour and become more opaque.
- Allow a minimum of 1-2 hours between coats. Apply a second coat (no need to dampen again). Paint the second coat faster, wet-in-wet and a lot looser. Missing spots is okay, as the first coat should have covered everything. Allow the paint to dry.
If you’re painting with our ‘whites’, maintaining a wet edge is not required. These colours patch easily and are great for spot touchups.
Cleanup + Maintenance
- There is no need for a sealer or additional top coat over the limewash. A third coat of limewash can be applied, based on your colour and coverage preferences.
- All brushes, tools, and containers wash out quickly with minimal water and without harm to groundwater.
- Following these steps ensures a natural, dust-free surface with a fantastic texture, making it easy to repaint and maintain.
Concrete + Limewash FAQs
What type of concrete can I paint with limewash paint?
You can use Bauwerk Limewash Paint on all new or previously unpainted, absorbent concrete, including fairface concrete, rough concrete surfaces, and concrete blocks.
For concrete surfaces that have already been painted, see our Render Surface Guide for more on how to prepare your surface for limewashing.
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What do I need to know when selecting my colour and sampling limewash for concrete surfaces?
Some of our colours may look lighter once applied in exterior light. This is normal and is due to the amount of light outside. To be sure of your colour, paint onto a board that you can carry around the space. This method enables you to view the sample colour in different lighting conditions, while also avoiding show-through of sample areas on your final finish. Use this method if you are painting naturally breathable walls like render, lime plaster or unpainted concrete or brick.
If your concrete wall is internal and has been previously painted with conventional paint, you will require Bauwerk Prep Coat before applying limewash paint. If your concrete wall is external and has been previously painted you will require a coat of exterior primer such as an acrylic render. This means that you will be able to sample directly on the wall, as any sample patches will be covered with Prep Coat/ exterior primer and will not show through on your final finish.
How much limewash paint will I need for a concrete surface?
Limewashing over Raw Absorbent walls: 7–10 m² (75–107 ft²) per litre, per coat (2 coats required)
Note: Recommendations for coverage are to be used as a guide only; variation in the quantity needed will depend on the porosity of the surface to be painted. We always recommend the use of sample pots for an accurate colour representation and consumption for your particular surface and light conditions.
Will Bauwerk Limewash Paint cover my concrete bricks/concrete wall completely?
Yes, 2 to 3 coats of Bauwerk Limewash will cover the colour of your walls
Will my limewash colour fade outside?
The pigments used in Bauwerk Limewash Paints are mineral-based, colourfast and UV stable. This means that our colours are not affected by the sun’s ultraiolet rays (which can cause paints to fade). Our paints have been fully tested in the extreme temperatures of Australia and the Middle East.