Lime Wash Brick Before and After: 8 Incredible Makeovers
Looking to refresh your brick home? Limewash might be your answer.
When homeowners face dated brick exteriors, they often struggle with limited options. Paint can be costly and maintenance-heavy while keeping the original brick might feel too dark or outdated.
Limewash offers a happy medium – a limestone mixture that gets absorbed into porous surfaces rather than coating them like paint. This simple technique lets brick walls breathe while giving them a fresh look.
For centuries, limewash has protected and brightened buildings across the world. Today, it’s making a comeback as homeowners seek budget-friendly, low-maintenance ways to update their homes.
In this article, we’ll show you eight homes that went from drab to fab with limewash, proving you don’t need a fortune to remake your brick exterior.
Limewash vs. Whitewash: Understanding the Difference
When updating your brick home, knowing the difference between limewash and whitewash can save you from picking the wrong finish. Though they sound similar, they’re not the same thing.
Limewash is made from crushed limestone mixed with water, creating a natural lime putty.
On the other hand, whitewash is typically a mixture of lime, water, and sometimes salt or other additives. Both have been used for centuries, but they behave differently on brick.
In terms of staying power, limewash generally wins. It bonds with brick on a chemical level, creating a more durable finish lasting 5-7 years before needing touch-ups.
Whitewash needs more frequent maintenance as it doesn’t penetrate as deeply.
For application, limewash must be worked into the brick with a masonry brush, allowing it to soak in properly. Whitewash is often applied more like traditional paint.
With limewash, you can also create different looks by wiping away portions while it’s still wet.
The final look differs, too. Limewash creates a soft, breathable finish with a natural matte texture that ages into a beautiful patina over time. Whitewash tends to give a brighter white finish initially but may not weather as gracefully.
Benefits of Limewash for Brick
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Allows Brick to Breathe and Release Moisture
Limewash is breathable, which means it lets the brick walls release moisture. This helps prevent mold or mildew from forming inside the wall, keeping the structure healthy and dry. -
Natural Resistance to Fungi and Bacteria
Limewash has natural properties that resist fungi and bacteria. This makes it a great choice for keeping your brick walls free from harmful growths, especially in damp areas. -
Low Maintenance and Ages Beautifully
One of the best things about limewash is that it requires very little maintenance. As it ages, it looks even more beautiful, developing a unique patina and character over time, adding to the charm of your space. -
Cost-Effective Compared to Full Paint Jobs
Limewash is more affordable than painting your brick walls with traditional paints. Since it lasts a long time and doesn’t need frequent reapplications, it’s a cost-effective solution in the long run. -
Environmental Benefits
Limewash is made from natural materials, so it’s eco-friendly. Unlike some paints, which contain harsh chemicals, limewash is safe for the environment and contributes to a healthier home.
8 Incredible Limewash Brick Makeovers
1. Classic Red Brick to Soft White Conversion
This home’s red brick clashed with its light brown roof, creating a visual disconnect.
Two coats of Romabio limewash in Ovario White solved the problem beautifully.
The smart design choice to keep the porch surface and steps in natural brick adds warmth and practicality.
Now, the colors work together harmoniously, and the home has that timeless, bright appearance that makes it look loved and cared for.
2. Stone and Brick Tudor Revival
This Tudor home struggled with too many dark surfaces fighting for attention.
By applying limewash to both brick and stone in the same soft white shade, the home found harmony.
The unified color palette directs your eye straight to the new walkway and welcoming entry.
It’s amazing how one consistent treatment can bring together multiple textures while still letting their character shine through.
3. Two-Tone Traditional Home Update
This 60s-style home had that classic two-tone look – dark brick below and colored siding above.
Instead of painting everything one color, limewash gave the brick new life while preserving its texture.
Now, the shutters really pop against the softer background, and maintenance is much simpler.
It’s a perfect balance between honoring the home’s original character and giving it a fresh, updated appearance.
4. Modern Home with Black Accent Elements
This home had beautiful black grille windows that were hiding behind heavy brick.
The Classico limewash created a stunning contrast that lets those windows become the stars of the show.
Now, the home has a visual balance, with the white brick highlighting the black window details.
It’s a perfect example of how limewash doesn’t cover up features – it actually helps showcase a home’s best elements.
5. Farmhouse-Style Modification
This classic home needed updating without losing its rustic charm.
Limewashing the brick in a soft white created that perfect farmhouse aesthetic while preserving the original texture.
The contrast between the bright walls and dark roofs brings balance, while wooden accents add warmth.
Now, it feels both timeless and trendy – exactly what modern farmhouse style aims for.
The transformation honors the home’s heritage while giving it a fresh appeal that will last for years.
6. Interior Brick Fireplace Makeover
This dated brick fireplace was overwhelming the living space with its dark, heavy presence.
A careful application of limewash brightened the entire room while maintaining the beautiful texture of the original brickwork.
The subtle white finish creates a perfect backdrop for decorative elements and allows the fireplace to be a focal point without dominating.
Now the space feels open, airy and much more contemporary, while the fireplace still provides that cozy charm everyone loves.
7. Cape Cod Style Brick Home Transformation
This home’s red brick clashed with its light brown roof, creating a visual disconnect.
Two coats of Romabio limewash in Ovario White solved the problem beautifully.
The smart design choice to keep the porch surface and steps in natural brick adds warmth and practicality.
Now, the colors work together harmoniously, and the home has that timeless, bright appearance that makes it look loved and cared for.
8. Three-Story Brick Colonial Revival
This stately brick colonial got a major facelift with limewash.
The treatment brightened the entire structure and gave it a lovely French Country vibe, especially with those charming upper balcony and cottage shutters.
The best part? You can adjust how much of the original brick shows through based on your preference. This home went from imposing to inviting with just a couple of coats.
How to Apply Limewash to Brick
Preparation Steps
- Clean the brick thoroughly with a pressure washer or garden hose
- Repair any damaged bricks or mortar joints
- Wet the brick completely before application – damp brick absorbs limewash better
Application Techniques
- Use a stiff masonry brush with natural bristles
- Apply with broad, overlapping strokes
- Work from top to bottom in manageable sections
- Keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks
Number of Coats
- Minimum of 2 coats for basic coverage
- 3-4 coats for a solid, bright white look
- 1-2 coats for a more transparent, subtle effect
- Wait about 24 hours between coats
Drying and Curing
- Initial dry time: 2-3 hours
- Full cure time: 4-5 days
- Avoid heavy rain during the first 24 hours
- Limewash will continue to strengthen over time
Conclusion
Limewash offers a practical way to refresh your brick home without the maintenance that comes with paint.
Its ability to protect while allowing your brick to breathe makes it a smart choice for homeowners.
If you’ve been hesitating about updating your brick exterior, limewash provides that middle ground between keeping the original brick and fully painting it.
The texture remains, but the color becomes fresher and more modern.
Ready to try it yourself? Remember to test a small section first to ensure you like the look.
And if you’re still unsure, consult with a professional who specializes in limewash techniques.
