Lime wash a wall

Add interest with this chalky eco-friendly method

Protect floors and surfaces and prepare your walls. Pull out nails or screws, fill any holes, scrape off peeling paint and sand down any bumps to create a smooth base. Seal any stains that show though and make sure the wall is clean. Cover the walls with an acrylic-based primer; this will help the lime wash adhere to the surface and prevent peeling and cracking.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, prepare the lime wash. Using a long-haired brush, apply the wash onto the wall using crisscross strokes, and keep a wet edge as you work. Add more wash to start feathering in the strokes, and work in any drips. Allow to dry.

Apply a second coat. This layer can be slightly watered down to allow the first coat to show through. Apply a third, watered-down coat for the finished effect.

For easy maintenance, either reapply a dilute coat when necessary, or seal with a matte wall sealer.