Limewash has been in use since Roman times. Its soft, chalky finish and natural authenticity will appeal to those restoring a heritage property or looking for an eco-friendly, rustic paint solution.
Traditional appeal aside, limewash can have drawbacks in terms of its suitability for use in modern homes. Application can be tricky, it requires regular reapplication, and it is not as durable as more modern paints.
Love the look of limewash but need something with a bit more durability and less fiddly application? Let's take a look at alternative natural paints which have similar characteristics combined with modern paint performance!
Why People Still Love Limewash
Made from slaked lime and water, limewash soaks into the surface instead of forming a layer on top. It creates a naturally matt finish that gently diffuses light and gives walls a beautiful, soft texture. It's breathable too, helping older buildings manage moisture by allowing vapour to pass through.
Limewash Pros and Cons
Limewash is a highly breathable paint, making it suitable for use on older buildings with solid walls.
Here's a quick overview of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Completely plastic free and VOC free.
- Breathable – allows moisture to escape naturally, preventing trapped damp.
- Naturally alkaline – resists mould and bacteria without synthetic additives.
- Creates a soft, chalky, light diffusing finish that looks authentic in period homes.
- Works well on lime plaster, brick, and solid stone surfaces.
Cons:
- Requires multiple thin coats and careful application to ensure a good finish.
- Needs regular re-application every few years to stay looking fresh.
- Rubs off easily and can't be wiped or scrubbed without wear to the surface.
- Difficult to repair – touch-ups often show, meaning full wall repainting is needed if consistent finish is important.
- Sensitive to humidity and temperature, so results can vary with conditions.
Modern Limewash Alternatives
But what are the alternatives? Many modern lime or mineral paints offer similar breathable performance, and unique paint textures. They combine this traditional appeal with greater durability, smoother application, and less maintenance.
Each paint type has different strengths, depending on where it's used.
Silicate Paint
Silicate paint uses a potassium silicate binder that forms a chemical bond with mineral surfaces like lime plaster, brick, and stone. Once cured, it becomes part of the wall itself rather than a separate film.
It offers high breathability and durability, often lasting 15 to 20 years on exterior surfaces. The finish is an attractive velvety matt texture, with a naturally high pH that helps resist algae and mould.
Clay Paint
Clay paint regulates humidity, absorbs odours, and creates a unique soft, velvety finish which is comparable to aged limewash.
Clay paint is easy to apply and ideal for dry living spaces, bedrooms, and hallways. It maintains breathability but has better adhesion and surface strength than pure limewash. The gentle mineral texture suits homes wanting a calm, natural aesthetic.
Modern Lime Paints
Modern lime based paints are a more refined and modern version of traditional limewash. The key ingredients are the same – they use lime for breathability and antibacterial qualities, but with modern natural binders which create improved consistency and coverage.
These paints keep the classic matt look while offering ease of application and more robust durability.
Our Recommended Limewash Alternatives
Here at Organic Natural Paints we have many great alternatives to limewash. All have similar key features, with greater ease of application and durability.
Auro 344 Lime Paint
Auro 344 is based on aged slaked lime. It provides exceptional breathability, with an Sd value of less than 0.05 m.
It can be used on both interior and exterior walls and gives a soft matt finish with better opacity than traditional limewash. Auro 344 offers the authentic mineral character of lime without the mess, making it ideal for anyone who wants the traditional look with modern practicality.
Auro 326 Chalk Paint
Auro 326 offers a similar ultra matt appearance as limewash. It's a natural, breathable interior paint that produces a velvety, mineral look. This is our closest modern match to traditional limewash, and is suitable for application in rooms with large moisture and temperature fluctuations. This is an ideal paint for cellars or utility areas in your home.
Perfect for period interiors, it has higher durability than limewash and doesn't require multiple fine coats. The colour consistency is also better, so you can achieve a classic, soft finish that still feels hand crafted.
NB: Do not confuse this paint with "shabby chic" paint for furniture. This is a traditional chalk based paint!
Best Paints for Kitchens & Bathrooms
Limewash doesn't perform well in kitchens, bathrooms, or other humid rooms. In these settings, you'll need a breathable paint that can resist mould and moisture while maintaining a natural finish.
Auro offers two excellent options:
- Auro 327 – a lime based anti mould paint with high alkalinity, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture prone rooms.
- Auro 303 – a silicate-based paint that provides outstanding breathability and durability, suitable for both interior and exterior use where humidity or condensation are concerns.
Both paints dry to a classic matt surface while helping walls breathe naturally, preventing peeling and surface growth.
Limewash Looks Made Easy
Limewash will always be a popular traditional paint choice. But there are many alternatives offering a more modern paint performance.
If you need advice about the best limewash alternative for your next project, please contact us. One of our team of paint experts will be happy to help with advice on the best paint for your needs.
You can also grab a free colour chart and explore our ranges of beautiful natural colours.
