Fabric Surface Guide

How to use limewash paint on fabrics

Limewash paint is suitable for painting fabrics such as calico and linen making it ideal for:

  • Artist’s Canvases
  • Photographic Backdrops

Supply Checklist

For this project you may need…
 
  • Whisk
  • Bucket
  • Limewash Paint
  • Prep Coat (If fabric is primed)
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Lime Wash Brushes

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Limewash Paint

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Whisk Mixing Tool

Limewash Coverage on Fabric

  • For canvases and artwork: 250ml Sample Pot of limewash paint should suffice, as very little paint is needed.
  • For larger photographic backdrops: 1 litre should be enough to cover approximately 10 square meters.

Surface + Paint Preparation

Surface Preparation

  • Limewash paint can be applied directly onto raw, unprimed canvas or linen fabric.
  • If your canvas is already primed, you can still use limewash paint, simply apply a layer of Bauwerk Prep Coat first.

Paint Preparation

  • 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 the job. Our natural bristle brushes are specially designed to retain and evenly distribute limewash paint which may differ from other brushes. Our all-rounder brush, the 4×14 limewash brush, is great for large photographic backdrops or large expanses. Try our 3x 10 limewash brush or 3 x 7 limewash brush for smaller surfaces. Our small tapered brush is great for artwork and murals.

Limewash Paint Application

Apply 2 coats of Bauwerk Limewash Paint

  • Dip your brush into the paint and flick off the excess. The brush can hold a lot of paint, but should not be dripping.
  • If painting a larger expanse like a backdrop: start in a corner–holding the brush at a right angle to the fabric. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Apply the second coat more loosely and quickly, wet-in-wet. Don’t worry if you miss small areas—the first coat provides coverage. Let dry fully.
 

Limewash Paint Artwork + Mural Tips

  • Limewash paint has a flat appearance.
  • When using limewash paint for artwork, ensure to spread the paint evenly as it requires only a small amount, typically no more than a Sample Pot’s worth.
  • Using Bauwerk Colour Eggshell provides the application and texture of Gesso when layered.
  • Fabric will no longer be washable with limewash paint applied.

Fabric FAQs

Can I paint limewash onto fabrics or canvas for use as a photographic backdrop?

Yes, limewash can be used decoratively on canvas and photographic fabric backdrops, like linen.

Limewash paint can be applied directly onto raw, unprimed canvas or linen fabric. If your canvas is already primed, you can still use limewash paint, simply apply a layer of Bauwerk Prep Coat first.

When painting onto fabric, ensure thorough spreading of the paint; only a small amount, typically no more than a Sample Pot, is needed.

  • Limewash can be applied decoratively on canvas.
  • It can be applied directly to raw, unprimed canvas, or over a primed canvas if it is prepared with Bauwerk Prep Coat first.
  • Limewash paint has a flat appearance.
  • When using it for artwork, ensure to spread the paint evenly as it requires only a small amount, typically no more than a Sample Pot’s worth.
  • Using Bauwerk Colour Eggshell provides the application and texture of Gesso when layered.

For canvases and artworks, a Sample Pot should suffice, as very little paint is needed. For larger photographic backdrops, 1 litre should be enough to cover approximately 10 square meters.