Lime washing 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, note that with Kalei Mineral, typical discolorations can occur when the surface gets wet, for example, during rain. This effect adds natural charm to the facade. This is not the case with Muur Buiten Kalei Fine and Coarse; the color remains consistent, even when the surface gets wet.

Lime washing a Facade: Coarse or Fine Grain?

With limewash, you can completely transform the look 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 ensures an even and elegant color, perfect for those who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic.
• Muur Kalei Grof: For a more robust and textured appearance, choose Muur Kalei Grof. This variant adds more relief and character to the facade, which is ideal for a rural or classic look. It adds an extra dimension to your facade, with an unmistakable artisanal appeal.

Both types of lime wash paint are easy to apply with a lime wash brush and available in all Paintfactory colours.

Facade Limewash Colours

Colour choice plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere for your facade. While white remains a timeless choice due to its neutral appearance and wide applicability, there are many other inspiring colours available that can bring your facade to life.

At Paintfactory, we offer lime wash paint in a wide range of Paintfactory colours, including:

• Kasjmierwit: A soft, warm tone that exudes elegance and timelessness. Perfect for those who want a subtle yet refined look.
• Zandkorrelbeige: This natural beige tone adds warmth to your facade without being overwhelming. Ideal for those who want to create a calm, harmonious atmosphere.
• Antracietgrijs: A bold, deep grey colour that perfectly suits modern architecture and makes a powerful statement.
• Oesterwit: A light and refined shade that, like white, gives a fresh look but with a little more softness.
• Krijtwit: A pure, fresh colour that adds brightness and light to any facade.

The colours in our Paintfactory collection are specially selected to suit both modern and classic buildings. Whether you are looking for a minimalist look or a more pronounced colour, there is always a shade that matches your style and preferences.

To help you choose the right color, we offer the option to order our Paintfactory colour fan deck . 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 colour consultation, where one of our experts will help you at home to choose the perfect colour and finish.

Lime wash Your Facade Yourself?

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

Steps for Kalei Mineral:

1. Substrate preparation: Kalei Mineral is only suitable for unpainted substrates. Ensure the substrate is clean, free of dirt, lime, moss, and algae, and treat it with Bonotools Green Way. Lightly moisten the substrate the evening before you start, so it is hand-dry upon application.
2. Preparing the lime wash: Mix the Kalei Mineral powder with the accompanying liquid until smooth. You have about 2 hours to use the mixture, so stir regularly.
3. Applying lime wash: Apply the first coat with a lime wash 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. Note that Kalei Mineral may show natural discolorations when the surface gets wet, which adds to its authentic appearance.
4. Finishing: If desired, after 30 days, you can apply an additional finishing coat such as Muur Buiten Pearl for a smooth and low-maintenance finish.

Steps for Muur Buiten Kalei Fijn/Grof:

1. Substrate preparation: Ensure the substrate is clean, stable, and dry. Remove dirt, moss, and loose paint. Use a primer such as Primer Fixation or Primer Muur Buiten to ensure good adhesion, depending on the substrate.
2. Applying lime wash: Apply two coats of Muur Buiten Kalei Fijn or Grof with a lime wash brush.  Lime washing is best done on a cloudy or dry day. Lime washing is best done on a cloudy day or in humid weather to prevent cracking. Muur Buiten Kalei retains its colour, even when the surface is wet.

What is the Cost of Lime washing Your Facade?

The cost of lime washing a facade depends on the size of your house and the type of lime wash 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 lime wash, including standard primer for Muur Buiten Kalei. Costs may vary depending on the chosen colour and any additional finishes. For a precise calculation, you can use our handy paint calculator on each product page, which will tell you exactly how much paint you need for your facade project.

Our Lime wash Products

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

• Muur Buiten Kalei Fijn:
  A paint with a fine structure 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 distinctive 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 lime wash shows typical discolorations when wet, which creates 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!