Enhance Your South Florida Home with This Historic, Eco-Friendly Finish
At Tru Colors Contracting, we know that paint does more than just change the color of your walls—it can transform your entire space. That’s why we love introducing our clients to unique, timeless options like limewash paint, a centuries-old technique that’s making a serious comeback in modern interior and exterior design.
If you’re looking for a natural, breathable, and environmentally friendly paint option that adds texture and character, limewash might be the perfect choice. Whether you’re revamping your South Florida home’s interior walls or giving your exterior a European-inspired makeover, here’s everything you need to know about limewash paint.
What Is Limewash Paint?
Limewash is one of the oldest types of paint known to humanity. It dates back to ancient Roman times and has been used for thousands of years to coat and protect homes, churches, and public buildings. This historic finish is made from limestone that’s crushed, burned, slaked with water, and aged into a putty, which is then thinned and tinted using natural pigments.
The result? A soft, suede-like matte finish with a unique, mottled texture that gives walls an ethereal, velvety look. Unlike modern paints that form a film on the surface, limewash soaks into the substrate, creating a finish that feels organic and full of depth.
Is Limewash Paint Environmentally Friendly?
Absolutely. One of the main reasons homeowners and designers love limewash is its eco-friendly and hypoallergenic nature. Traditional limewash is:
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Solvent-free
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VOC-free
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Made from natural materials
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Biodegradable
It’s a breathable paint, meaning it allows moisture to evaporate instead of trapping it, which makes it an excellent choice for humid South Florida climates. Its high pH level naturally deters mold, mildew, and bacteria—making it a great option for anyone with allergies or sensitivities.
Another bonus? Limewash absorbs odors and CO₂, helping improve indoor air quality. It’s a fantastic option for green-conscious homeowners looking to make eco-friendly upgrades.
Where Can Limewash Be Used?
One of the most appealing things about limewash is its versatility. It can be used on:
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Interior walls
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Exterior facades
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Brick fireplaces
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Stone surfaces
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Concrete
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Plaster
Limewash is best applied to porous surfaces like brick, stucco, or stone—materials commonly found in South Florida architecture. On newer materials like drywall, a mineral-based primer must be applied first to ensure proper adhesion. Without the right base, limewash may not bind effectively.
Our professional painters at Tru Colors Contracting understand the intricacies of applying limewash correctly. We ensure the surface is prepared and primed properly to achieve that signature limewashed look—whether you’re going for rustic charm or modern minimalism.
What Colors Does Limewash Come In?
In its pure form, limewash is a natural off-white. However, it can be tinted with earth-based pigments to produce a wide array of subtle, natural shades like:
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Warm taupes
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Soft browns
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Cool grays
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Dusty blues
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Earthy greens
Keep in mind, limewash dries much lighter than it appears when wet—sometimes up to 10 times lighter! Testing swatches on your surface before full application is key. Depending on how many coats you apply (usually two to three), the opacity and intensity of the final color can vary.
This means that limewash encourages you to embrace variation and imperfection. The irregular patterns and tone shifts are part of what make it so charming.
Can Limewash Be Used in Florida Homes?
Yes! In fact, limewash is an excellent fit for Florida homes, especially those built with stucco or concrete block exteriors. Its breathability makes it ideal for the moisture-prone South Florida climate, and its natural mineral makeup resists mold and mildew growth.
Limewash also provides UV resistance, which helps surfaces reflect sunlight and stay cooler—a great benefit for exterior walls under the intense Florida sun.
Whether you live in a historic Mediterranean-style home in Palm Beach or a modern coastal retreat in Fort Lauderdale, limewash can enhance your home’s aesthetic while protecting your walls from the elements.
Where Can I Buy Limewash Paint?
While limewash is more widely used in Europe, it’s becoming easier to find in the U.S. Some popular brands include:
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RomaBio – Offers breathable, mineral-based paints and limewashes that are perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
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Sydney Harbour Paint Company – Known for their high-quality lime-based paints like Interno Lime Wash and Exterior Lime Wash.
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Kalklitir – A Swedish brand with beautiful, muted tones made from slaked lime and natural pigments.
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BioLime – Carries eco-friendly lime paints for interiors and exteriors.
At Tru Colors Contracting, we can recommend trusted suppliers and help you select the perfect product for your home project.
Can I Make My Own Limewash?
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can make your own limewash with just a few materials. Mix hydrated lime (available at most hardware stores) with water to form a putty, then dilute to a thick cream consistency. Natural earth pigments can be added for color.
However, lime is caustic and requires safety precautions—gloves, goggles, and careful handling. While it’s an affordable option, we recommend professional application for best results, especially for large or visible areas.
How Is Limewash Applied?
Applying limewash is an art form. It’s typically brushed on in thin, overlapping strokes using a long-bristled masonry or limewash brush—never a roller. Each layer must be fully dry before applying the next.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Plan for 2–3 coats for desired depth.
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Don’t worry about perfection—the streaks and tonal shifts add to the look.
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Avoid humid, rainy days during application for optimal results.
Because of its unique texture and finish, limewash is not easily touched up like latex paint. But the good news is that it hides dirt well and ages beautifully.
At Tru Colors Contracting, we specialize in achieving a consistent, elegant look with limewash—even across tricky surfaces.
How Do I Maintain Limewashed Walls?
One of the benefits of limewash is that it requires minimal upkeep. The natural texture of the paint masks dust, fingerprints, and small scuffs. In fact, many homeowners report that their limewashed walls look better as they age.
If needed, touch-ups are simple: just reapply a diluted coat of the original limewash over the area.
However, scrubbing or washing limewashed surfaces is not recommended. Doing so could remove the pigment or create uneven patches. For long-lasting beauty, it’s best to leave the walls undisturbed or rely on professionals for any refinishing.
Limewash Paint Recap: Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Breathable and ideal for damp environments
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Hypoallergenic and non-toxic
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Eco-friendly and solvent-free
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Naturally resistant to mold and bacteria
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Timeless, artistic aesthetic
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Excellent for both interiors and exteriors
Cons:
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Limited color palette compared to traditional paints
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Requires specific surface preparation
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Application technique is more involved
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Not easily washable; touch-ups require repainting
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May require multiple coats for full opacity
Should You Choose Limewash for Your Next Paint Project?
If you’re drawn to finishes that feel organic, artistic, and historic, limewash is a beautiful and sustainable option. It’s perfect for South Florida homes that feature stone, stucco, or plaster surfaces, and it offers a uniquely soft and tactile look that can’t be replicated with modern paints.
At Tru Colors Contracting, we proudly offer limewash application services throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Whether you’re restoring a historic property or giving your coastal cottage a natural refresh, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.
Ready to Try Limewash?
Let our professional painting team guide you through the process of selecting and applying limewash paint. Contact Tru Colors Contracting today for a free consultation—and give your home walls a timeless, breathable finish that stands out.