Limewash painting in Brampton, Toronto & the GTA
A soft, matte, hand-brushed finish for brick, stone, stucco and fireplaces. Limewash soaks into the masonry instead of coating it, so the wall keeps breathing and the finish never peels.
Where limewash works
Brick exteriors
Unpainted brick is the classic limewash surface. The wash soaks into the brick instead of sitting on top, so the wall keeps breathing and some of the brick's texture and colour can show through.
Stone, stucco and block
Natural stone, cement stucco and concrete block take limewash well too. We check each surface first, since sealed or water-repellent masonry needs to be stripped or primed before it will absorb.
Fireplaces and feature walls
Inside, limewash gives brick fireplaces and accent walls a soft, cloudy, old-world look. Over drywall or previously painted surfaces we use a mineral primer so the wash can bond.
How we apply limewash
- Wash the masonry and let it dry so the limewash can absorb evenly
- Repair loose mortar and cracks before any finish goes on
- Mask windows, trim, landscaping and anything that shouldn't be washed
- Lightly pre-wet the wall, then brush on the first coat
- Brush a second coat for even coverage and depth of colour
- Optional wash-back while it's fresh for a more weathered, see-through look
Prefer a solid colour on your brick or siding? See our exterior painting service, or get help choosing a shade with colour consulting.
Limewash questions
What is limewash?+
Limewash is a traditional finish made from slaked lime, water and mineral pigments. It soaks into porous masonry rather than forming a film like paint, which gives it a soft, matte, mottled look and lets the wall breathe.
Limewash vs paint on brick: which is better?+
Limewash is breathable and won't peel, because it doesn't form a skin over the brick, and it ages to a gentle patina. Masonry paint gives a solid, uniform colour and lasts longer between coats. If you want brick texture to show through, limewash is usually the better fit; we'll talk it through at the estimate.
How long does limewash last?+
It depends on exposure. Limewash wears gradually instead of peeling, so walls that get hard rain or full sun may want a refresh coat sooner than sheltered ones. Touch-ups blend in easily, since it's the same material going back on.
Can you limewash brick that's already painted?+
Not directly. Limewash needs bare, porous masonry to soak into. Painted brick has to be stripped first, or primed with a mineral primer made for it. We'll look at the wall and tell you which option makes sense.
When can you limewash an exterior?+
From late spring to early fall, when temperatures stay comfortably above freezing day and night so the lime can cure. Interior fireplaces and feature walls can be done any time of year.