Limewash and paints for walls

What is limewash?

Lime is a calcium-containing mineral. Limewash is basically lime suspended in water, and is the traditional protective coating for lime plaster. It gives a good waterproof cover on rough plaster and fills surface cracks.

Limewash was the principal plaster finish in Suffolk, up until the twentieth century, and is suitable for:

limestone
lime render
wattle and daub
cob or clay lump buildings

Limewash allows a building to 'breathe', so that any damp may evaporate and not get trapped in the walls. It has a textured and matt finish, and helps to consolidate and improve the surface of old plaster - whilst allowing the building's texture to show.

It is slightly antiseptic, which prevents mould and discourages insects and vermin.

Additives are sometimes added to limewash, which can improve its performance (particularly in areas of high exposure to the elements). Traditional additives include tallow (hard, clarified animal fat), linseed oil, and casein (a dairy protein).

Common alternatives to limewash on walls are modern masonry paints, and mineral paints. Mineral paints are also 'breathable', whereas masonry paints tend to be quite 'unbreathable' by comparison.

Masonry paints and mineral paints produce a more solid finish than limewash - mineral paint also produces a more matt finish; masonry paint is glossier.

Some mineral paints use lime - but in combination with other materials, which may still give them a different appearance.

The main disadvantage of limewash - when compared with paint - is that it can sometimes be rubbed off walls on unprotected parts of a building. Traditionally, walls were limewashed annually.

However, the use of paint can lead to other problems. For example, where the surface of paint becomes broken, moisture can become trapped between the plaster and the paint layer. This can lead to the disintegration of the plaster surface, in extreme cases.

All forms of plaster finish are designed to be both decorative and protective. They often serve as a partly sacrificial layer by protecting the render or plaster behind it.

Please note: The following guidance is advice only and does not guarantee that your proposal will or won't need an application. It also doesn't guarantee that any specific proposal will or will not be considered acceptable, as this often depends on the specific nature of the case.

Proposed works	Will I need Listed Building Consent?
Repainting or washing external walls in same colour and type of paint	Unlikely. An exception might be for highly decorative areas of paintwork
Repainting or washing external walls in a different colour and or type of paint	Potentially. You will need to apply to change the external colour of a listed building to find out whether you will need Listed Building Consent
Repainting or washing internal walls	Unlikely. As interior walls of most listed buildings have been altered so often, historic internal paint and plaster schemes rarely survive. Therefore we do not, by default, request information about proposed internal paint changes. However - if confirmed or potential historic finishes do survive - please contact us for further advice
Painting unpainted surfaces - external or internal	Very likely - unless, for example, it is an internal finish in part of the building of no historic interest
Removing or stripping paint (for example, to expose masonry or timber)	Very likely (as above)

Change the external colour of a listed building

If you want to repaint the external surface a different colour, or use a different type of paint or product, you need to apply to change the external colour of a listed building.

This is a shortened application process that negates the need for Listed Building Consent. When we receive your application, we will decide whether the proposed changes would affect the significance of the building. If they would not, we will respond to let you know that the works can go ahead.

If they would, you will need Listed Building Consent - however, this might also indicate that an application for Listed Building Consent will not be supported.

Please include details about both the existing and proposed colours and types of paint (include manufacturer's details or RAL numbers of the proposed paints). You should also provide photographs that show the areas to be repainted (annotated as needed) - photographs of adjoining buildings can also be useful.

Which alterations to limewash and paint finishes on listed buildings are acceptable?

Changes to the type of paint

Generally, the appropriateness of the proposed type of paint will depend upon the existing type of paint used, and the material the paint is being applied to. The building may have many layers of paint - but the top-most layer is usually the most relevant.

As a general rule, using the same type of paint as the existing one is most likely to be acceptable.

If you are unsure what the existing paint is, manufacturers may be able to conduct tests to find out.

Existing paint	Proposed paint	Likelihood of acceptance
Limewash	Masonry or mineral paint	Unlikely. The existing limewash - whether old, or fairly recent - likely reflects an ongoing tradition of limewash use that contributes to the building's significance. There are also now not many historic buildings with a limewash finish, which is an important aspect of Suffolk heritage. Masonry paint in particular is also likely to lead to moisture issues
Masonry paint	Limewash	Not strictly objectionable. However, it's not advised as limewash does not bond well to masonry paint
Masonry paint	Mineral paint	Likely
Mineral paint	Limewash	Likely
Mineral paint	Masonry paint	Unlikely. This is likely to lead to moisture issues, due to the impermeability of masonry paint
Unpainted surface	Any paint or wash finish	Unlikely, if it is a historic surface - unless there is clear evidence that it was historically painted. If there is evidence of this, limewash is most likely to be acceptable. Painting exposed non-historic surfaces may not be an issue, and may help to cover unsympathetic material. The type of paint used for this is unlikely to be of concern

When the new finish would be applied in conjunction with a new lime render or plaster, then generally only limewash would be acceptable to fully reinstate traditional details (although there may be some exceptions).

Masonry paint would not be supported - even if that was the finish on the previous plaster or render - given the likely moisture issues this would cause. If you need to improve a previous situation, this would likely be considered as warranted.

Mineral paint may perform better, but it is still not traditional - so it would not be as appropriate as limewash.

Where paint has failed - and you need to strip it before you apply new paint - it is likely that using the same type of paint again would not be supported, or encouraged.

Stripping paint to leave the underlying material bare may be acceptable - particularly if it can be shown that the material was historically exposed. However, you would need to understand the significance of the paint that you are removing. Please note:

a modern finish might obscure historic paint layers
the method of paint removal would need to be agreed. Some methods can cause damage to the underlying fabric, so a discreet trial with the proposed method might need to be carried out beforehand. A chemical poultice is normally the most appropriate method, as it is the least destructive
the underlying material might not be in a condition where it can be exposed - so it might be considered best to repaint it

Changes to the paint colour

We do not have a set list of acceptable and unacceptable colours - changes are considered on a case-by-case basis. However, the guidance below will help you understand changes of colour that are more likely to be acceptable, or not:

Generally, the principle of changing the colour of a building is not an issue (as most buildings have changed colour many times since they were built). However, there are cases where a colour does positively contribute to the significance of a listed building
The pigments historically used for limewash tend to result in pastel colours, or earth tones. Modern paints allow for more variety of colours - but the stronger, darker, more vibrant colours should be avoided as they can appear out of place
Pre-colour photography, there is limited evidence about the colours used on buildings in Suffolk. There is some evidence for the 'Suffolk Pink' colour, and barns sometimes retain signs of red or ochre finishes. There is also evidence to suggest that certain colours - such as blue - were historically more expensive to produce
Whether a colour will or will not be accepted may also depend on the colour of any surrounding historic buildings (especially if you're in a conservation area). If an area is characterised by specific colours, shades, or tones, a contrasting colour might not be acceptable
If your building is attached to another property, your proposed colour might depend on the colour of the adjoining property (or properties)
Single buildings are sometimes subdivided. Emphasising this subdivision via varying paint schemes isn't always appropriate - schemes should respond to the architectural detailing, and historic form, of your building
Before you apply for approval, you should carry out a small test, on a discreet part of your building, with the proposed paint. Paint colours can sometimes have a finish that's different to images from manufacturers. They might also change when drying (they will generally become lighter)
The finish can also depend on the existing colour and/or material that it's applied to. This means that the same base colour might look different on different parts of your building. The type of paint or wash used can also affect a colour's appearance

How to identify the current finish

Limewash tends to have a more matt and textured finish, whereas mineral paint and masonry paint will be glossier and uniform.

Lime will react with vinegar. Spray a small amount of vinegar on the finish and - if it fizzes - it is most likely limewash.

If the finish is applied to render, then the type of render might point to the type of paint. Masonry paint is more likely to be found on a cement render, whereas limewash is more likely to be found on a lime render. Equally - if the paint is obviously failing (for example, easily peeling away) - then it is more likely the other way around, as the wrong finish type has been used for the render type.

A contractor who is experienced in lime-based materials may be able to help you identify the finish type (for example, via a chemical analysis of the paint).

Where to source limewash and paint

We do not recommend the use of specific manufacturers, products, or contractors. However, the websites listed below hold directories that might you find relevant companies:

Have another question? Contact us

If you haven't found the information you were looking for on this webpage, please contact us.

If you still need further advice, please contact our Heritage team.

Email heritage@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk

Phone 0300 123 4000 (Option 5, then Option 3)

Write to us:

Heritage Team

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils

8 Russell Road

Ipswich

IP1 2BX

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