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Limewash paint is a trendy preference nowadays for interior design. The rustic, soft matte chalky look of a limewash wall gives off an old natural charm that is a popular choice among new HDB and condo owners.
What is limewash paint?
As its name suggests, limewash paint is made from crushed limestone mixed with water, and combined with other natural colour pigments. It is a traditional and environmentally-friendly type of paint.
What is good about limewash paint?
Limestone is highly permeable which prevents moisture from getting trapped beneath, ensuring that the building does not turn damp and moldy easily. Limewash also contains high levels of alkaline, making it anti-bacteria and anti-fungi.
Can you DIY with limewash paint?
According to Qanvast, limewash painting is much more labour intensive and engagement of professional painters could cost up to $10-20 per square foot.
DIY limewash paint is possible but tedious. The condition of the wall surface and humidity needs to be at a specific standard for the limewash to work. Limewash works best on porous surfaces such as stone, brick, and plaster. Smooth surfaces such as wood or dry wall will need to be specifically prepared before application.
If you plan to DIY, it is recommended to sand and prime the wall before painting. Also, any dirt or stain on the wall should not be wiped off as it will leave a patch on the limewash.
How to DIY limewash paint?
First, you will need to prepare the limewash mix in a specific powder-water ratio. Next, you will need tools such as lime brushes to mix the paint, a rigid brush to achieve the brushstroke effects and also an extended pole and ladder to paint the ceiling.
The first layer of paint needs to be dried completely before the next layer is added. Depending on the weather and humidity, this process could take days just for one room.
Durability is also a challenge in limewash paint. Sunlight and frequent activity could lead to discolouration and peeling of the paint. So you will have to plan the rooms that are suitable for limewash paint and take the measurements to gauge how much paint will be needed.
R.Limewash paint is sold at $65/1L and $180/5L.
Raffles Paint
One of the popular local brands, Raffles Paint was used by celebrities and influencers such as Jamie Yeo and Cherylene Chan for their homes.
Raffles Paint offers a wide range of limewash paint with a total of 44 amazing colour options. Mineral lime primer is also sold at $59/1L so you can buy them together and save the hassle of sourcing your own lime primer.
Buy R.Limewash paint at $65/1L and $180/5L from Raffles Paint. Contact number: 69092781 / 91464165 .
BASA
Official stockist & applicator of Bauwerk Colour, BASA has a beautiful showroom with limewash walls at Joo Chiat. There are 33 different limewash colour options to choose from, ranging from neutrals to bolder colours.
They also have colour charts on sale for you to bring home and decide which colour suits your home best. If you are still unsure, they have sample pots sold at $27 per 250ml for you to try before committing.
Bauwerk limewash paint is sold at BASA for $65/1L and $270/5L. BASA is located at 171 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427442. WhatsApp 8808 7048.
Kalklitir
One of the most used limewash names by interior designers, this Belgium brand does not sell the usual 2-in-1 ready liquid paint. What you will get is a sachet of powder which has to be mixed into water before use. DIY literally!
Kalklitir Palladio 500 grams sample sachet.
Offering a wide range of 46 colours, the lime powder can be purchased from the website and shipped to Singapore directly. 3 different sizes are sold, the smallest is a sample sachet packet sold at 8.90 Euros (SGD12.70*).
Kalklitir Signature collection is sold at 49 Euros (SGD69.90*)/500g and 89 Euros (SGD127*)/1kg. Shipping cost to Singapore at 23.39 Euros (SGD33*).
Aratamete
If you are interested in Kalklitir’s lime paint but don’t wish to wait for delivery, Aratamete is the local retailer to go to! Besides offering lime paint, they also offer services for curtains, blinds, rugs and flooring. Some of their commercial projects include curtain works for Hilton and Andaz Hotel Singapore.
Even though Aratamete doesn’t carry the full range of Kalklitir lime paint colours, the price is almost the same as the original, making it worthwhile to purchase.
Kalklitir Paint powder is sold on Aratamete website at $42/500g and $128/1kg. Aratamete is located at 276 River Valley Road Singapore 238317. Contact number: 8500 8703.
Vasari
An expert in plasters and paint, Vasari’s lime and mineral-based paints are specifically designed to endure the humidity and heat of homes in Singapore. Made of natural minerals, Vasari lime paint is eco-friendly and long-lasting as it allows moisture to escape without causing blistering or peeling.
The range of colours offered lean towards a grey and cooler hue, so if you are into the modern industrial interior design, you may be able to find something suitable here.
Vasari lime paint is sold at $60/1kg, $180/5kg, $240/10kg and $450/20kg. Vasari is located at 24 New Industrial Road, InSpace, #07-04 Singapore 536210. Contact number: 9888 9819.
Wallhub
Wallhub produced their own line of limewash paint called Terra Texture paint, and has an impressive collection of 60 colours. The colours are categorised into neutral, warm, gray and aurora tones. You can first pick the general tone you are going for, then zoom into the specific preferred colour.
Terra texture paint can be purchased from the showroom at Sin Ming Lane and a video tutorial will be provided to demonstrate how to use the product.
Terra texture paint is sold at $80/1L. Wallhub is located at 18 Sin Ming Lane, Midview City, #01-08/09/31/32 Singapore 573960. Contact number: 8202 4145 / 9183 0634.
Forest3 Design
Forest3 Design sells Murobond limewash paint, an Australian brand that specialises in water-based paint. It is one of the most affordable DIY limewash paints we could find. At just $26, you can get 1L of quality limewash paint.
Although the colours are limited, the collection is sufficient in fulfilling different preferences. From bright colours such as yellow and green, to more neutral shades of beige and grey are included. Forest3 Design does not hold any stocks and the lead time is around 7 to 14 days upon order.
Murobond Special Effect Limewash paint is sold on the Forest3 website at $26/1L. Contact number: 9002 4830.
Vertic
Vertic is a renovation contractor that sells Vasari lime paint on top of other works like decking, hacking, fluted panels and more. Vertic offers the full range of Vasari lime paint at all sizes and orders will have to be self collected at their showroom.
Vasari lime paint is sold on Vertic website at $40.50 to $405. Vertic is located at 82 Lorong 23 Geylang Atrix, #04-09 Singapore 388409. WhatsApp: 9112 2826.
Waldec
Waldec is a master in coating services and has many years of experience in import, distribution and sale of high quality special architectural coatings. Its online store supplies various materials including concrete, mineral plaster and lime paint.
The lime paint that Waldec carries, Era A Pennello, is from renown paint producer, Novacolor Italia. White and tintable, the Era A Pennello lime paint is made of seasoned lime for interiors and exteriors to achieve soft & vibrant shades.
There are 2 colour charts for you to choose from and you can simply insert the colour code into your online order upon purchase. Delivery and self collect options are also available.
Novacolor Era A Pennello Lime paint is sold on Waldec website at $150/20kg. Waldec is located at 48 Hillview Terrace, Hillview Building, #02-02 Singapore 669269. WhatsApp: 9620 6575.
Kutler
Kutler’s decorative paint, Fresco Di Calce, is the collection of textured paint that produces limewash effects. It is a water-based paint that comes in varying shades of white, grey, blue, pink, yellow, orange and green.
Besides limewash paint, Kutler also offers other textured paint that could help you to achieve marble and granite finishes for different spaces.
Fresco Di Calce limewash paint is sold at $535/3.5kg. Kutler is located at 23 Kaki Bukit road 4, #01-18B Singapore 417801 (By Appointment Only). WhatsApp: 8428 8451.