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Actual product color may vary from the images shown Digital swatches and images are a rough estimation of color and may vary based on digital display capabilities. To see colors accurately, we recommend testing in-person with a sample jar or sample chip.
Portola Paints

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$28

Earth toned gray.

Standard Finish:
Our paints and pigments consist of natural ingredients - there can be slight variation between batches

FAQ

Product Information

Data Sheets available upon request via email

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.

Our Lime Wash color palette features 75+ hand crafted colors designed to showcase the beauty of the soft but subtle finish of mineral paint. Each color was designed to give an organic feel.

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 that is currently on your walls or surfaces.

Lime Wash is not suggested for use on millwork, floors, wood, glazed bricks and tiles, metal, or other non-porous surfaces.

Lime Wash is a non-wipable finish.

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

  • 1 Quart (40-50 sq ft)
  • 1 Gallon (150-200 sq ft)
  • 5 gallon (800-1000 sq ft)

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

Don’t know how much material you need? Click Here

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.
  • A bonding primer may be necessary in some situations. Due to the high PH & chalky nature of Lime Wash, a bonding primer is necessary when restarting or painting over existing Lime Wash. 


Primer

  • For new drywall surfaces - Use two coats of a water-based, 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. 

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.

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.
  • *Additional coats of Lime Wash can lighten and alter the effect of the finish.

  • 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.

  • Pro Tip - As the lighter colors naturally show much less visual movement, applying a diluted third coat may add variation.


Matte Wall Sealer (optional)

  • The Matte Wall Sealer is only recommended on light to light medium colors, as it can leave a milky white cast which may 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.

Make sure you properly seal your can when finished between coats and once you are completed with your application. Please make sure you store the can in a cool area out of direct sunlight.

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 can be difficult to touch up, especially in darker more saturated colors. We always recommend contacting our support team for the best advice before attempting any touch ups.
  • Pro Tip - 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 bonding primer with stain-blocking properties is sometimes necessary before restarting your Lime Wash application. 

Important health & safety cautions: Inhalation of mist, dust or similar particulate matter resulting from spraying or sanding can be harmful. Use or apply only with sufficient ventilation. Wear NIOSH-approved N95 particulate filter mask when spraying or sanding.  Do not ingest! If inadvertently swallowed, immediately drink 1 or 2 glasses of water and contact a physician. Dial 911 emergency services in the event of severe adverse reaction. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. In the event of eye contact,  immediately flush with water for 15 minutes. In the event of skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Check to ensure that container is completely sealed after each use. Keep away from children.

Applicable to California residents: 

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

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Key Features - Lime Wash

Lime Wash

Lime Wash is specifically formulated paint that allows the lime to gently "bloom" creating soft variation in color which add depth and texture. Ideal for interior or exterior surfaces, Lime Wash can be applied to drywall, plaster, stucco and masonry surfaces.

Portola's Lime Wash is applied in 2 coats with a 5 inch stain brush. It is important to keep a wet edge, working from one corner to the other, cutting in as you go without stopping.

Lime Wash will naturally give you a soft, suede like appearance. The overlapping brush strokes give movement and dimension to the walls. Depending on the color and how it is applied, the results will vary.

Lime Wash will naturally show variation in color. Highlights and lowlights. The Lime in the paint is white, so the lighter the color, the less movement you will see. It is common to apply a 3rd coat diluted with water to bring out a bit more variation.

The white lime in the paint will bloom to the surface when you apply 2 coats. The darker the color the more movement and variation you will see.

Learn about the differences between Lime Wash & Roman Clay! This informative video will help you choose the perfect finish for your space.

Which one will you choose?