A limewash plaster texture is something that any room could use for that artisanal feel. However, the price of getting professional materials for doing so is just downright costly. Fortunately, with a few inexpensive and easy-to-find supplies, you can create this lovely application on your own. Here is how you achieve the limewash/plaster look for your walls with inexpensive materials.
🧰 Materials You’ll Require:
Chalk Paint (preferably matte in your desired shade)
Baking Soda (adds texture)
Water
Plaster of Paris (optional, gives a more authentic plaster look)
Brushes (flat for base coat; angled for details)
Large Sponge or Rag (for texture and blending)
Plastic Drop Cloth (to protect floors)
Painter’s Tape (for clean edges)
Small Bucket or Mixing Container
🛠️ Step-By-Step Guide:
- Prepare The Room
Begin by cleaning furniture away from the walls, and lay down a plastic drop cloth to trap any spills or drips on the floor.
Use the painter’s tape to mask off anything you don’t wish to have painted—trim, windows, and door openings.
Dust off the walls to remove impurities and promote better adhesion for the new finish.
- Mix Paint For The Limewash/Plaster Look
To achieve a limewash look: Mix 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda with about 1 cup of chalk paint. Once the baking soda is mixed in, add in very small amounts of water until the mixture is thinned down to the point of a creamy but slightly runny consistency.
Pro Tip: Adjust water amounts based upon whether you want thin or thick paint. A thinner paint will create a smooth, more translucent effect, while a thicker paint will give a textured look more like plaster.
Plaster look: For a very thick splatter effect, add plaster of Paris to the paint mixture where a small amount is added first, increasing the amount slowly to whatever consistency you desire, approximately 1 cup of plaster for 1 gallon of paint is about all you would ever need.
This mix must be thick enough to create a visible texture on the wall but smooth enough to be used with a brush.
- Apply the First Coat
Using the flat paintbrush, the first coat of paint mixture is applied on the wall from the top downwards using long and steady strokes of the brush.
Apply generously, but do not concern yourself with smoothing the finish; it’s all part of the character of limewash or plaster to have its own deliberate imperfections and naturalistic texture.
Let the first coat dry completely before moving on to the next step. It usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the thickness of your paint.
An appended Synthesize with a Rag or That Sponge
4. After the first coat dries, dip a large sponge or rag into the same paint mixture and pounce with it to the wall in a pseudo-random circular motion. It would leave a treatment on the wall somewhat similar to the subtle uneven surface texturing that usually characterizes limewash or plaster walls.
Focus on areas where you require more texture, leaving the remainder of the section somewhat smoother, applying the sponge technique multiple times for a more complex effect.
If the plaster effect gets really dramatic, brush it on dry for a second coat and add even more depth and interest.
- Seam and Smooth
Smooth and blend certain areas of your rag; this will lessen the noticeable effect of the texture if you want and as well maintain the texture in place.
Finish important areas that would keep the surface irregular, giving it an authentic plaster look.
- Apply a sealant if needed
When the texture and color are satisfactory already, you can apply a clear matte sealant to protect this finish. Depending on your preference, use a spray or brush-on product. It will guarantee a well-kept intact limewash/plaster wall, which later will be easier to clean.
If you want it more natural and matte, skip this step and let the paint breathe like traditional limewash does.
💡Tips and tricks:
Choose the Right Color: Softening the washed-out lime effect is best done with lighter shades chalk paint. You might consider whites, creams, beige, or muted pastels for an aged, rustic, timeless look.
Make depth with layers: Layer different colors without hesitation, or apply more than one technique. You can mix paint colors to find greater depth and variety.
Test a small spot first: If you are quite unsure about the intended outcome, just test the technique beforehand on a very small area of the wall to see how it’s going to turn out before doing the same for the entire room.
Add the True Look of Old Buildings: For a real weather-beaten authentic look, combine watered-down chalk paint used for a translucent layer and a thicker plaster mix for more dimension.
Play with the Finishes: You can always leave the limewash finish for that shining moment. If you want to add a little sheen, perhaps just consider using soft wax on top of the limewash to give the surface a slightly glowing finish.
Why DIY Limewash/Plaster Walls?
Inexpensive: Limewash or plaster-like paint you prepare at home is the cheapest alternative to expensive ready-made finishes.
Sustainable: It will be much more sustainable and low-VOC for your walls if you use chalk paint, baking soda, and plaster of Paris as the main ingredients.
Textural Interest: This is a technique that adds dimension and warmth, even a bit of hand-crafted charm. It allows you to make a room come alive, where the texture will give your walls a very strong accent piece.
Endless Customization: Color, versatility, and layers use-the new fresh wall treatment becomes personalized and specific to your space.
Final Thoughts:
DIY limewash or plaster-look walls are a fantastic way to infuse natural texture and elegance into your home without the high costs. By following these simple steps and using affordable materials, you can achieve a timeless, earthy aesthetic that’ll elevate any room. With a little creativity and elbow grease, your walls will be transformed into a true work of art!
Happy painting!
💡Tips and tricks:
Choose the Right Color: Softening the washed-out lime effect is best done with lighter shades chalk paint. You might consider whites, creams, beige, or muted pastels for an aged, rustic, timeless look.
Make depth with layers: Layer different colors without hesitation, or apply more than one technique. You can mix paint colors to find greater depth and variety.
Test a small spot first: If you are quite unsure about the intended outcome, just test the technique beforehand on a very small area of the wall to see how it’s going to turn out before doing the same for the entire room.
Add the True Look of Old Buildings: For a real weather-beaten authentic look, combine watered-down chalk paint used for a translucent layer and a thicker plaster mix for more dimension.
Play with the Finishes: You can always leave the limewash finish for that shining moment. If you want to add a little sheen, perhaps just consider using soft wax on top of the limewash to give the surface a slightly glowing finish.
Why DIY Limewash/Plaster Walls?
Inexpensive: Limewash or plaster-like paint you prepare at home is the cheapest alternative to expensive ready-made finishes.
Sustainable: It will be much more sustainable and low-VOC for your walls if you use chalk paint, baking soda, and plaster of Paris as the main ingredients.
Textural Interest: This is a technique that adds dimension and warmth, even a bit of hand-crafted charm. It allows you to make a room come alive, where the texture will give your walls a very strong accent piece.
Endless Customization: Color, versatility, and layers use-the new fresh wall treatment becomes personalized and specific to your space.
Final Thoughts:
DIY limewash or plaster-look walls are a fantastic way to infuse natural texture and elegance into your home without the high costs. By following these simple steps and using affordable materials, you can achieve a timeless, earthy aesthetic that’ll elevate any room. With a little creativity and elbow grease, your walls will be transformed into a true work of art!
Happy painting!