Exterior Garden Wall Surface Guide
Everything You Need to Know
Used in the right context, limewash paint offers distinct benefits for garden walls:
- non-toxic, non-polluting product
- helps protect the masonry, prolonging its life
- can be applied over plants (such as creepers) without hindering their breathing
- resistant to blistering or peeling
- light colours help keep walls cooler in high summer temperatures
- easy redecoration: simply brush off loose dirt/dust and paint over areas needing a refresh
Garden walls come in various types and sizes, so here are some key considerations:
Materials
The best surfaces for limewash painting are absorbent surfaces, such as brick, concrete, absorbent stone like limestone, and lime or cement renders.
For new or unpainted surfaces, simply clean off any surface dust and organic matter before applying Bauwerk Limewash paint directly. Apply a minimum of 2 coats.
For walls previously painted with limewash, clean the surface and remove loose particles before applying two additional coats.
If dealing with flaking or bubbling paint (oil or water-based), you have two options. You can strip it back or remove easily removable parts and accept that you may need to touch up areas where old paint comes off for the next few seasons.
Climate
Limewash paints behave differently depending on weather conditions and climate. In rainy, damp environments that are in constant shade, garden walls may need more maintenance coats, possibly yearly. Conversely, in sunny, dry climates, issues like damp and mold are less common.
Type of Garden Wall
Free Standing Garden Walls
Protect free-standing walls with an impervious topping to eliminate a saturation of the wall body from the top. Allow for an adequate overhang with a drip groove or slant it away from the most important face of the wall. For new construction, include a horizontal damp proof course to reduce or eliminate water ingress from below.
Garden Walls Retaining Soil
For retaining walls or raised/terraced garden beds it’s best to apply a waterproof lining on the soil-facing side of the wall. This prevents dampness from permeating the masonry and leaching out tannins, salts, or other matters that can deface the outer surface of your garden bed. If waterproof lining isn’t feasible, inspect the walls for leaks or stains. While limewash paint is easy to maintain, however, it won’t conceal moisture leaks or stains.
Garden Wall Limewash Paint Application
- For external walls made of absorbent materials, begin by thoroughly cleaning them to remove any loose particles, dirt, or organic matter.
- Make sure you have clear weather for at least three days, or have covering material ready to shield the surfaces from rain.
- Cover any areas you want to keep paint-free from splatters.
- Stir the paint buckets well, then use one of our 4×14 limewash brushes for application. Continue stirring the paint throughout the painting process.
- Avoid over-application of paint. Apply a minimum of two coats for optimal coverage.
Garden Wall FAQs
How do I maintain my Limewashed external garden wall ?
Maintaining your limewashed external garden wall is straightforward. You can opt for spot repairs or apply a fresh coat across the entire surface. There’s no need to remove previous layers of limewash paint.
If your walls have flaking or bubbling paint (oil or water-based), you have two options. You can strip it back or remove easily removable parts and accept that you may need to touch up areas where old paint comes off for the next few seasons.
Please note: Horizontal surfaces may receive more weather exposure and therefore may require more frequent touchups. Efflorescence, soluble salts, or other substances like tannins, may seep out of the walls. Limewash paint does not conceal these substances and they may be visible through your paint finish. The need for maintenance coats depends on the wall construction quality and exposure to heavy rain and prolonged humidity.
How much limewash will I need to paint my garden wall?
Limewash over raw absorbent walls: 7–10 m² (75–107 ft²) per litre, per coat.
Note: Recommendations for coverage are to be used as a guide only; variation in 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.
How do I water plants next to a limewashed wall?
When it comes to watering, whether you’re dealing with freestanding garden walls or garden beds that retain soil, it’s essential to consider how you water the plants nearby. Hand watering offers the most control and reduces the risk of overwatering and water spraying against the wall.
However, in many cases, sprinkler systems are used for watering. It’s important to install them correctly to avoid spraying directly onto painted surfaces. Sometimes, it’s best to position sprinklers close to the wall and redirect the spray away, toward the garden bed. Alternatively, you can opt for a watering system that drips water directly onto the ground next to the plants.
How long does it take to paint limewash on garden walls?
Garden wall surfaces can be relatively easy and quickly painted with limewash paint using a professional Limewash Block Brush. For the first coat, take care to cover the entire surface thoroughly. With subsequent coats, you can work more quickly—any small areas missed will already have been coated during the previous application.
How can I protect plants when limewashing garden walls?
- Where possible, protect nearby plants by covering them or gently bending them away from the wall surface.
- For garden walls with creeper plants, you can limewash directly over the branches and stems. The best time to do this is winter, when foliage has dropped.
- Limewash can also be applied to the stems of trees, and is sometimes done intentionally to protect young plants from excess heat and sun exposure.