Limewash walls are currently trending on social media, famous for their chalky texture and distinctive look. However, this particular type of paint is expensive, hard to find, and usually has limited colors available, so the clever TikToker has come up with a cheaper way to recreate the aesthetic. The hashtag #DIYlimewashpaint has been viewed over 27.9 million times on his TikTok, and #limewashpainttutorial has been viewed over 23.9 million times on his TikTok. Want to get in on the trend? Paint expert Michael Rolland, managing director of The Paint Shed, has some top tips.
Faux lime wash is TikTok's latest interior trend
What is lime washing?
“Limewash paint is made from crushed limestone, water, and other natural additives such as pigments and fibers,” explains Roland. “Throughout history, it has been used to paint, decorate, and protect the surfaces of buildings. It is popular for its breathable, matte, chalky finish that allows the texture beneath the surface to show through.”
Is lime cleaning a good alternative?
“In addition to creating a really gorgeous finish, limewash is breathable, natural, and solvent-free,” Roland says. However, getting it right is not easy. “You must be very careful and cannot work in haste. Limewash will not hide imperfections that have not been previously treated, and if multiple primers are required to create the desired finish. there is.
“Lime wash is so easy to mistake that without the proper expertise, DIYers are left with very uneven and patchy walls. Lime paint is also unexpected! Usually originally appeared It will be much brighter than the original, so the finished project will not necessarily be what you expected.”
You can get the same results with far less skill (and money) by starting with lime cleaning. “Faux lime wash is a great option for inexperienced people who want to create this marble-like effect themselves,” says Rowland. “Limewashing is much less likely to fail, and if it does, it's much easier to fix.”
How to do fake lime wash
To make DIY limewash paint, you need to mix the paint with water to thin it (about 1 part paint to 3 parts water). Use an old dishwashing bowl and fill it with water first to prevent paint from sticking to the bowl.Then apply the paint Move in circular motions towards the wall (it's worth practicing on a piece of cardboard first). Use neutrals, as a traditional lime wash will result in an off-white color. Roland recommends the following:
preparation
“First, it's always important to prepare the surface, which means removing dust and dirt from the walls, filling or repairing any cracks or holes, and taping off any areas you don't want painted to leave them clean and tidy. means ensuring “finishing.” Then apply a primer or undercoat.
chalk emulsion
“Using chalk wash paint over a chalky emulsion is a great way to achieve the desired rustic marble effect of lime wash.”
chalk wash paint
For chalk washes, use a wide synthetic brush and start applying in random crosshatching from the top corner to ensure good coverage. Once the coating is complete, take a clean sponge or muslin cloth and press lightly and quickly on the surface to create a soft, mottled effect. To ensure a textured, translucent finish, use only one layer of wash paint.
Fake lime cleaning inspiration
@brokerayyy_ I'm totally obsessed with how this turned out! It looks so expensive, but it was so easy. Inspired by @Hailey Devine's daughter's nursery video. 🤍✨🪩 #diy #limewashwall #fauxlimewash #home #project #painting #homeimprovement #limewashpainting #diylimewash ♬ Aquarium/terrarium Warm and wonderful (1313927) – ChillStars
@casacrank Fake lime wash wall…subtle but very effective! Would you like to add some texture to your walls? ♬Original song – Beyinternet
@taytru_ I made a DIY fake pink lime wash for my daughter's nursery. It turned out to be much better than I expected! ! ! #DIY #diylimewasheffect #diylimewashwall #diynursery #girlnurseryroom #girlnurseryinspo #fyp #interiordesign ♬ Storytelling – Adriel