Limewashing Your Facade

Limewashing is a traditional method where a thin lime plaster is applied to the facade. This not only gives your facade an authentic and rustic look but also provides a breathable and durable finish. At Paintfactory, we offer both Kalei Mineral and Muur Buiten Kalei Fijn/Grof. Both products have their unique properties and benefits, but your choice depends on the desired effect and the substrate.

Why limewash and not paint? Limewash paint offers not only a protective layer but also a natural, matte finish that is breathable and prevents moisture problems. Kalei Mineral provides a characteristic lime appearance and is perfect for heritage conservation. However, please note that with Kalei Mineral, typical discolorations may occur when the surface gets wet, for example during rain. This effect adds a natural charm to the facade. This is not the case with Muur Buiten Kalei Fijn and Grof; the color remains consistent, even when the surface gets wet.

Limewashing a facade: coarse or fine grain?

With limewash, you can completely change the appearance of your facade. At Paintfactory, we offer two types of limewash paint, each with its own unique effects:

• Muur Kalei Fijn: This paint provides a refined and subtle finish. Ideal for sleek, modern homes where a smooth look is desired. The fine texture gives the color an even and elegant appearance, perfect for those who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic.
• Muur Kalei Grof: For a more robust and textured look, choose Muur Kalei Grof. This variant gives the facade more relief and character, which is ideal for a rural or classic appearance. It adds an extra dimension to your facade, with an unmistakable artisanal look.

Both types of limewash paint are easy to apply with a limewash brush and are available in all Paintfactory colors.

Facade limewash colors

Color choice plays a crucial role in creating the right ambiance for your facade. While white remains a timeless choice due to its neutral appearance and broad applicability, there are numerous other inspiring colors available that can bring your facade to life.

At Paintfactory, we offer limewash paint in a wide range of Paintfactory colors, including:

• Cashmere White: A soft, warm hue that exudes elegance and timelessness. Perfect for those who want a subtle yet refined look.
• Sand Grain Beige: This natural beige hue adds warmth to your facade without being overwhelming. Ideal for those who want to create a calm, harmonious atmosphere.
• Anthracite Grey: A bold, deep grey color that perfectly suits modern architecture and makes a powerful statement.
• Oyster White: A light and refined shade that, like white, gives a fresh appearance but with a little more softness.
• Chalk White: A pure, fresh color that adds brightness and light to any facade.

The colors in our FAVO color palette have been specially selected to match both modern and classic buildings. Whether you are looking for a minimalist look or a more pronounced color, there is always a shade that suits your style and wishes.

To help you choose the right color, we offer the option to order our Paintfactory color swatch. This allows you to calmly view the colors at home and determine which shade best suits your facade. Moreover, you can always contact us for personal advice through our color consultation, where one of our experts will help you at your home to choose the perfect color and finish.

Limewashing your facade yourself?

Limewashing your facade yourself is quite manageable with the right preparation and products. Here are some basic steps to help you get started:

Step-by-step plan for Kalei Mineral:

1. Substrate preparation: Kalei Mineral is only suitable for unpainted substrates. Ensure that the substrate is clean, free of dirt, lime, moss, and algae, and treat it with Bonotools Groen Weg. Lightly moisten the substrate the evening before you start, so it is touch-dry when applying.
2. Preparing the limewash: Mix the Kalei Mineral powder with the corresponding liquid until a smooth mixture is formed. You have about 2 hours to use the mixture, so stir regularly.
3. Applying the limewash: Apply the first coat with a limewash brush and let it dry for 24 hours. Then apply a second coat. Any cracks in the first coat will be corrected in the second coat. Please note that Kalei Mineral may show natural discolorations when the surface gets wet, which contributes to its authentic appearance.
4. Finishing: If desired, after 30 days you can apply an additional finishing coat such as Muur Buiten Pearl for an even and low-maintenance finish.

Step-by-step plan for Muur Buiten Kalei Fijn/Grof:

1. Substrate preparation: Ensure that the substrate is clean, stable, and dry. Remove dirt, moss, and loose paint. Use a primer such as Primer Fixatie or Primer Muur Buiten to ensure good adhesion, depending on the substrate.
2. Applying the limewash: Apply two coats of Muur Buiten Kalei Fijn or Grof with a limewash brush. It is best to apply limewash on a cloudy or dry day. It is best to apply limewash on a cloudy day or in damp weather to prevent cracking. Muur Buiten Kalei retains its color, even when the surface is wet.

What is the cost of limewashing your facade?

The cost of limewashing a facade depends on the size of your house and the type of limewash paint you choose. A standard terraced house has a front facade of 25 m² of paintable surface, for which you can expect the following costs:

• Muur Kalei Fijn or Grof: approximately €250.
• Kalei Mineral: approximately €700.

These prices are based on a standard white color and 2 coats of limewash, including standard primer for Muur Buiten Kalei. Costs may vary depending on the chosen color and any finishes. For an exact calculation, you can use our handy paint calculator on each product page, which tells you exactly how much paint you need for your facade project.

Our limewash products

At Paintfactory, we offer various types of limewash paint, each with unique properties and benefits. Here is an overview of our three main limewash paint products:

• Muur Buiten Kalei Fijn:
  A paint with a fine texture that provides a smooth and subtle finish. Ideal for modern buildings or homes where a sleek look is desired. The fine texture gives your facade an elegant, even appearance that looks timeless.
• Muur Buiten Kalei Grof:
  For a more robust look, Muur Kalei Grof is the perfect choice. This paint adds more texture and relief to your facade, creating a characteristic and artisanal appearance. Suitable for both rural and classic homes.
• Kalei Mineral:
  A 100% mineral mortar based on hydraulic lime, specially designed for unpainted substrates. Kalei Mineral is particularly suitable for heritage conservation and provides an authentic, natural appearance. Please note that this limewash shows typical discolorations when wet, which gives a natural and rustic effect. 

Ready for a stunning result? We'd love to see it! Don't forget to share your final result with us!