Apply our limewash in three easy steps
Step 1: Water
To mix the full bag: Add 3L of hot tap water (~50 Β°C) to a bucket. Do not use boiling or cold water, as this can make the paint grainy. This ratio produces a smooth finish with subtle variation; use slightly less water for a more textured look.
To mix a smaller batch: Use 1L of hot water per 520 g of powder. Aim for a consistency like whole milk β this may vary with ambient temperature and humidity. If too thick, add a little more water.
Step 2: Mix
Add the contents of your Dalray paint packet to the bucket. For best results, add the Limewash incrementally, not all at the same time.
Once added, mix thoroughly for 3 minutes until there are no lumps. The consistency should be similar to whole milk. If it is not, add more water.
Step 3: Paint
Apply to prepared walls with a block brush in criss-cross strokes. Where a primer is recommended, ensure it is fully dry before application. The colour will lighten substantially as it dries.
Wait 3β4 hours before the second coat. Between coats, cover leftover paint and store in a cool, dark place. If it thickens, add water and stir again.
Note:Β A slightly chalky feel (up to two weeks) is normal and part of the natural curing process. We recommend Dalray Limewash Primer to reduce chalkiness.
Priming & surface compatibility
The appearance of our limewash paint may vary depending on the surface, lighting, and primer used. Subtle differences in colour or a slightly powdery texture are a natural characteristic of limewash. See below a list of compatible surfaces and whether they require primer. If a surface requires primer, please do not skip the priming stage as your limewash will have different results.
Painted interior walls
Primer recommended: Yes
Notes: A suitable water-based undercoat is sufficient on painted interior walls. For best results and reduced rub-off, the Dalray Limewash Primer can be applied over the undercoat.
Unpainted interior walls (plasterboard)
Primer recommended: Yes
Notes: Apply two coats of a water-based undercoat first. Follow with Dalray Limewash Primer for best results.
Unpainted brick
Primer recommended: No
Notes: Primer generally not needed due to higher absorption of paint. Coverage generally lower. Exterior applications may require sealer to protect finish.
Render
Primer recommended: No
Notes: Primer generally not needed due to higher absorption of paint. Coverage generally lower. Exterior applications may require sealer to protect finish.
Fibre cement (fibro)
Primer recommended: Yes
Notes: Fibre cement is a dense, low-absorbency surface. We recommend the Dalray Limewash Primer to regulate suction and improve bonding. A water-based undercoat is not required unless colour blocking is needed.
Other masonry
Primer recommended: Yes
Notes: Primer recommended. Coverage generally lower. Exterior applications may require sealer to protect finish.
Recommended primers
Primer selection & surface preparation
Different surfaces require different preparation. In some cases, this may involve a water-based undercoat, a mineral prep coat, or both.
Water-based undercoat (sealing & colour control)
Use where the surface needs sealing or colour neutralisation, such as:
- new or patched plasterboard
- very dark existing paint colours
Dalray Limewash Primer (mineral prep & bonding)
Use to regulate suction and improve mineral bonding on:
- fibre cement
- painted walls
- mixed or variable substrates
For best and most consistent results, the Dalray Limewash Primer can be applied over a water-based undercoat where both sealing and mineral preparation are required.
We do not recommend oil-based, glossy, or strong sealing primers, as these restrict breathability and may affect limewash adhesion.
Dalray Limewash Primer
Important information
Safety
As a lime-based product, Limewash is highly alkaline during mixing and while wet. It is recommended to wear a face mask and safety glasses during application. If skin comes in contact with Limewash paint and causes irritation, rinse with water. If Limewash Paint gets into your eyes, flush your eyes with water or an eyewash.
Tools
A bucket, kitchen whisk or mixing paddle and a block brush are necessary tools for the application of Limewash. Limewash application using a paint roller or paint sprayer is not recommended. Paint rollers create lap lines and roller marks which compromise the aesthetic of a Limewash Finish. Limewash will clog a paint sprayer.
Coverage
Typical coverage of Dalray paint is 7.5γ‘ per litre, based on 2 coats of paint.
When our full sized product is mixed with 2.6L of water, it forms approximately 4 litres of limewash paint which is enough to cover about 30γ‘ of primed wall with two coats. In other words, our 1.6kg product should be enough paint to cover an average sized bedroom (approximately).
βCoverage for brick and render will be lower due to the porosity and absorbancy of those surfaces.