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Portola Paints Lime Wash: A Traditional Finish with a Modern Twist

Portola’s Lime Wash is a traditional lime-based finish. This natural brush-applied coating dries to create a beautiful weathered patina with subtle movement and natural color variation that softens and streaks with age. Due to its high pH, Lime Wash also acts as a mild fungicide, and is eco-friendly—all while being formulated with no VOCs! This organic and highly breathable finish makes Lime Wash ideal for historic restorations, interior/exterior masonry, and interior drywall applications.

Suggested Applications

Portola’s Lime Wash finish can be applied to a wide range of surfaces and textures and is suitable for interior and exterior use. However, your final texture may vary depending on the surface. Lime Wash is not meant to mask or hide any existing texture currently on your walls or surfaces. Lime Wash is not suggested for use on floors, wood, glazed bricks and tiles, metal, or other non-porous surfaces.

Finish

Lime Wash is a matte, textured finish that weathers, ages, and develops a mottled patina. On an interior application, Lime Wash will typically have a soft, suede-like appearance. Streaking and color variation will continue throughout the life of the product and will appear more prominent around moldings, window/door trim, etc. With exterior use, Lime Wash remains soft and gradually washes away over 10 to 12 years.

Colors

Lime Wash is available in a range of colors in our standard Lime Wash collection. Colors can appear different in each space due to levels of light, reflection, flooring, and even furniture selections, so we always recommend sampling in the space before deciding on the right color for the project. The lighter the color, the more subtle the visual movement will be. The darker, more pigmented colors show much more variation, so sampling is essential to ensure the correct color is chosen. Custom color matches and variations to standard collection colors are possible, with limitations. Each can is individually tinted to order, so slight variation between containers is possible.

Limitations

Lime Wash is a non-wipable surface. Lime Wash is generally not achievable in dark/saturated or bright/vibrant colors as it lightens as it dries. The lime particles in the paint are white, which will naturally mute colors. Lime Wash is 4-6 times darker when wet than when it dries, and it continues to lighten with each coat. Darker colors are much more unpredictable in the way that they bloom, and the variation happens naturally. It is common for the wall to look completely different when wet versus fully dried. All of our samples are hand-painted, but color and textures are approximate, not exact. The movement and texture of Lime Wash can vary from samples to the actual application. Lime Wash should not be applied below 55 degrees Fahrenheit or in direct sun or extreme heat.

Samples

Samples are available for all of our standard Lime Wash colors. We have a selection of hand-painted paper samples ranging from Sample Chips (2.5”x2.5”), Drawdowns (8.5”x5.5”), and custom-order Sample Boards (16”x16”). Please call or email for ordering and availability. We also have 4oz. Sample Jars available for purchase on our website, portolapaints.com. *Samples are not available for custom colors.

Available Sizes

Lime Wash is available in 1 quart, 1 gallon, and 5-gallon quantities.

Coverage Rates

These square footage estimates are based on the average to include two coats of coverage.

• 1 quart: Approximately 40-50 sq ft
• 1 gallon: Approximately 150-200 sq ft
• 5 gallon: Approximately 800-1000 sq ft

*Coverage can also depend on the porosity and texture of the surface.

Availability, Lead Times, and Shipment

Every can of Lime Wash is tinted to order, and we do not keep colors on the shelf. Lead times can vary, typically ranging from 2-5 business days for production with standard ground shipping orders. Expedited options are also available. Shipping transit times will vary based on weight and destination zip code as we ship directly from our North Hollywood warehouse. Our products are available for shipping domestically and internationally.

Lime Wash is a water-based product and should not be allowed to freeze as it will affect the viability of the product. We ship year-round but do not recommend shipping material if it is going to travel through regions that experience 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below temperatures. We ask that you wait to place your order during warmer temperatures if there are concerns of product potentially freezing in transit. Portola Paints is not responsible for shipments that are frozen since weather is uncontrollable.

Tools for Application

Lime Wash is applied with a stain brush. The size of brush you choose will depend on the size of the project, as well as the amount of variation you wish to achieve. The smaller the brush, the less paint it will hold and you will have to dip your brush back in the paint more often, typically resulting in more variation. The larger the brush, the more paint it will hold and will allow you to stretch each application a little further, often resulting in a more subtle application.

Primers + Sealers

To achieve a more consistent appearance with proper blooming and more uniform absorption of Lime Wash, priming with Portola’s Limeproof Undercoat is recommended. The Matte Wall Sealer is an optional sealer. It is recommended in high-traffic areas as this sealer will protect from basic dirt and wear. It is not resistant to some oils or liquids, so it is not recommended for areas with constant direct contact with water, or where grease or harsh chemicals might come in contact (e.g., kitchen backsplash). Raw masonry surfaces do not require Limeproof Undercoat, but results and coverage rules vary.

*The Matte Wall Sealer is only recommended on light to light-medium colors, as it leaves a milky white cast which can change the appearance of more pigmented colors.

Application Steps

1. Substrate Preparation
2. Limeproof Undercoat (primer)
3. First Coat (Lime Wash)
4. Second Coat (Lime Wash)
5. Matte Wall Sealer (optional)

1. SUBSTRATE PREPARATION

• Complete the painting of all adjacent surfaces, like joinery, prior to application as you will not want to apply tape to any Lime Wash surface after application to avoid pulling the finish off the wall.
• All loose, defective concrete or masonry, and any surface contaminants such as dirt, oil, grease, acid, mildew, chalk, excessive salt and efflorescence that adversely affect the product adhesion and performance should be removed.
• Painted semi-gloss surfaces should be de-glossed and cleaned prior to applying 2 coats of Portola’s Limeproof Undercoat.

2. PRIMER

• For new drywall surfaces - Use two coats of an all-purpose stain-blocking drywall primer before applying our Limeproof Undercoat Primer.
• For previously painted walls - If your walls are already painted in a flat white finish you may apply our Limeproof Undercoat Primer.
• Best practice is to prime the surface with a stain-blocking primer to prevent any of the existing history of your walls from showing through. Oils and existing stains can show through if not properly prepped.
• If your walls are painted with a finish that has a sheen, lightly sand the surface, clean the surface of residue then proceed with our Limeproof Undercoat.
• Limeproof Undercoat can be rolled on, unlike the Lime Wash itself which must be brushed on.

3. FIRST COAT

• Make sure you properly stir the Lime Wash before using to ensure that nothing is separated and sitting at the bottom of the can to allow for a more consistent color.
• When applying Lime Wash it is important to work corner to corner while maintaining a wet edge. Make sure you do not cut in around the edges as you would with traditional paint finishes. Cut in as you go.
• Using a 4-6 inch stain brush, work your way across from corner to corner in a cross-hatch pattern. Typically, each brush stroke should be approximately 1 to 2 feet in length.
• Do not stop your application halfway through and allow the material to dry as it will result in seam lines showing through if you resume from the same area.
• Do not go back and try to fix or touch up areas once it begins to dry as you may get white flashes in the areas you try to fix/touch up.
• Continuously stir the Lime Wash during application to avoid settling of the lime.
• Let dry for 2-4 hours.
• PRO TIP - If you are working on a large wall or space, sometimes multiple people and scaffolding are necessary to ensure the application is completed in one motion, not stopping at all.

4. SECOND COAT

• If you are completely satisfied with the outcome and look from your first coat, you may not want to apply a second coat. However, a second coat is typically recommended for full color coverage/hide and can add more blooming and dimension.
• Darker colors can be much more unpredictable in the way they bloom, and a second coat will change the variation achieved in the first coat.
• Repeat first coat steps for additional coats.
• *Unlike most paints, Lime Wash will lighten with each additional coat, so excess coats are typically not recommended.
• PRO TIP - Lime Wash becomes more porous and highly absorbent with each coat. Use a fine mist spray bottle to lightly mist the wall as you go to help the Lime Wash spread across the surface more effectively.

5. MATTE WALL SEALER (OPTIONAL)

• The Matte Wall Sealer is only recommended on light to light medium colors, as it leaves a milky white cast which can change the appearance of more pigmented colors.
• When possible, we recommend waiting several days after applying the second coat of the Lime Wash before applying the Matte Wall Sealer. Lime Wash will continue to bloom days after application, so allowing it the time to fully develop before sealing will result in the best finish.
• Portola’s Matte Wall Sealer should be applied in the same fashion as the Lime Wash finish.
• It should be applied using the same 4-6 inch stain brush and should never be rolled or sprayed on.
• Add 6-8 ounces of water per gallon to help with the adhesion to the Lime Wash finish as well as reduce the added sheen.
• We recommend testing the sealer on all colors as results can vary.
• The Matte Wall Sealer is a water-based sealer and was not designed to be waterproof or to prevent oils or grease from staining.
• Never apply adhesive tape on the Matte Wall Sealer. 

Clean up + Storage

Lime Wash is water-based and can be cleaned up with water. Make sure to properly seal your can when finished between coats, and once you have completed your application. Lime Wash should be stored fully sealed in a cool area out of direct sunlight. 

Care

Lime Wash is a delicate, non-wipeable surface. Avoid wiping, rubbing, or applying harsh cleaning agents to the surface as it will damage the material and can result in staining or white flashing.

• If it is sealed using our Matte Wall Sealer, a barely damp rag with a little mild, dye-free dish soap can be used to gently wipe it down. The Matte Wall Sealer is water-based and is not waterproof or stain-proof, so we recommend avoiding excess moisture, heavy scrubbing, or harsh cleaning agents. 

Touch ups

Lime Wash is very difficult to touch up. We always recommend contacting our support team for the best advice before attempting any touch-ups.

• A flat acrylic paint matched in the same color as your Lime Wash can be used to cover up small scratches or scuffs. Using a small artist brush, you can apply the acrylic paint over the Lime Wash, matching the direction of the brush strokes on your wall. It is important to note that there can always be variation in tone and movement between the Lime Wash and the Ultra Flat color match, so this might not always work perfectly.
• For larger touch-ups, you may need to recoat the entire wall with the Lime Wash finish. Keep in mind, a third coat can change the look or lighten the color, especially in mid-tone to dark/rich colors.
• As mentioned, Lime Wash becomes more porous and highly absorbent with each coat. Use a fine mist spray bottle to lightly mist the wall as you go to help the Lime Wash spread across the surface more effectively.
• *If the stain is oil-based, it will most likely continue to saturate through the fresh coat of Lime Wash, so a stain-blocking primer is sometimes necessary before restarting your Lime Wash application.

Technical Services and Support

We have customer service representatives available to assist with all sorts of technical questions and support. We are available by phone or email during normal business hours.

• Phone: (323) 655-2211
• Email: info@portolapaints.com

Safety

Keep out of reach of children. Do not ingest. Avoid contact with eyes. As with all paints, it is important to protect yourself by wearing protective eyewear and a NIOSH-approved N100 filter mask (particulate type) when spraying or sanding. During application, use protective eyewear as it can irritate the eyes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse immediately with water. Provide adequate ventilation. Store fully sealed in a cool area out of direct sunlight. Check color and material consistency before use. 

Warranty

Portola Paints warrants its products to be of the highest quality. The information supplied here is given in good faith. There are no implied conditions or warranty in the supply of this product. The manufacturer’s guarantee is limited to product replacement only and does not include surface preparation or application.

SDS: SDS are available upon request via phone or email.

*“Zero VOC” means “No organic solvents added.” (Trace amounts of VOC may be present as residual components of other ingredients. Portola Paints uses Zero VOC colorants; other additives may increase VOC emissions.)