Hey everyone! 
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to make my home more eco-friendly, starting with the walls. I decided to go with lime wash for its natural composition and breathability, which is perfect for the old stone walls in my living room. I used LimeWorks.us’s pure lime wash, and I’m thrilled with the matte, chalky finish it gave. But now, I’m at a crossroads. I want to add some fresco layers for a bit of texture and depth, but I’m unsure about the drying time needed between layers.
From my experience, the first coat dried to the touch in about 24 hours, but I’ve read that for fresco applications, it’s crucial to wait until the lime wash has fully carbonated, which can take up to a week or more, depending on humidity and temperature. Has anyone here worked with lime wash and fresco techniques before? How long did you wait between layers, and did you notice any difference in the final outcome based on drying times?
Also, I’m curious about surface compatibility. My walls are old and have a bit of character (read: uneven and porous). Do you think this affects the drying time or the adhesion of the fresco layers? Any tips or product recommendations for someone just starting with natural paints and finishes? Looking forward to hearing your experiences and advice!
Hey @EcoPainterJane! 
I’ve worked with lime wash and fresco techniques on a couple of projects. From my experience, waiting at least a week for the lime wash to fully carbonate before applying fresco layers is crucial. The humidity and temperature in your area will definitely play a role in drying times. In more humid conditions, I’ve waited up to two weeks to be safe. The key is to ensure the lime wash is completely dry and carbonated to avoid any moisture being trapped, which could affect the fresco’s adhesion and longevity.
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I agree with @GreenThumb88 on the drying time. Also, regarding your old and porous walls, they might actually help with the drying process by absorbing moisture more efficiently. However, make sure to clean and possibly prime the surface before applying the lime wash to ensure even application and drying. For fresco layers, I recommend using EcoFresco products. They’re specifically designed for natural paints and have excellent adhesion properties.
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Thanks, @GreenThumb88! That’s super helpful. I’ll definitely wait longer this time around. I’m in a pretty humid area, so I’ll aim for two weeks to be safe. Do you have any tips on how to test if the lime wash is fully carbonated?
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@EcoPainterJane, a simple test is to press a piece of clear plastic wrap against the wall and leave it for a few hours. If you see condensation forming on the inside, it’s a sign that the lime wash is still releasing moisture and hasn’t fully carbonated yet. No condensation means you’re good to go!
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Just chiming in to say that patience is key with natural paints and finishes. Rushing the process can lead to disappointing results. Also, consider the time of year you’re working on this project. Summer months might speed up the drying process, while winter could slow it down significantly. Good luck with your fresco layers!
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@ArtisanPete, thanks for the seasonal tip! I hadn’t considered that. I’ll keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly. It’s all a learning process, and I’m enjoying every step of it!
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Hey @EcoPainterJane! I’ve worked with lime wash and fresco techniques on a couple of projects. From my experience, waiting at least a week for the lime wash to fully carbonate before applying fresco layers is crucial. The humidity and temperature in your area will definitely play a role in drying times. In more humid conditions, I’ve waited up to two weeks to be safe. The key is to ensure the lime wash is completely dry and carbonated to avoid any moisture being trapped, which could affect the fresco’s adhesion and longevity.
I agree with the previous comment about the drying time. I’d like to add that the porosity of your old stone walls might actually work in your favor here. Porous surfaces can help the lime wash dry more evenly, as they allow for better air circulation. Just make sure to test a small area first to see how it reacts. Also, consider the type of fresco technique you’re planning to use. Some methods might require a slightly tacky surface for better adhesion, so timing is everything.
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Just chiming in to say that patience is key with lime wash and fresco. Rushing the process can lead to disappointing results. I’ve found that using a dehumidifier in the room can help speed up the drying process without compromising the quality of the finish. Also, don’t forget to check the weather forecast. A sudden drop in temperature or a spike in humidity can set you back a few days. Good luck with your project, and don’t hesitate to share some before and after photos!
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I’ve been using lime wash for years, and I can tell you, patience is key. For fresco layers, waiting at least a week is crucial. The carbonation process can’t be rushed, especially in humid climates. Your old walls sound like they’ll handle the lime wash beautifully, but definitely clean them well first. Uneven surfaces can add character to the final look, so embrace it!
Just jumping in to say, I tried rushing the drying process once, and it was a disaster. The fresco layers didn’t adhere properly, and I ended up with a patchy mess. So, definitely wait the full week, maybe even longer if it’s been rainy. Also, seconding the recommendation for EcoFresco products. They’re a game-changer for natural paint finishes.
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Interesting discussion! I’m curious, has anyone tried adding natural pigments to their lime wash before applying fresco layers? I’m thinking of experimenting with some earth tones but worried it might affect the drying time or the final texture. Any tips or experiences to share?
I’ve added pigments to lime wash, and it’s totally doable. Just make sure they’re natural and finely ground to avoid clumping. It didn’t seem to affect the drying time much in my experience, but it did add a beautiful depth to the color. Start with small amounts and test on a sample area first. It’s all about experimenting and seeing what works for your space.
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To the person asking about pigments, I’ve used ochre and it turned out great. Just a heads-up, though, the color can change slightly as the lime wash dries and carbonates, so don’t panic if it looks different wet versus dry. It’s part of the charm of working with natural materials. Also, make sure to mix thoroughly to avoid streaks.
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This might be a bit off-topic, but has anyone tried sealing their lime wash and fresco layers with a natural sealer? I’m worried about durability, especially in high-traffic areas. I’ve heard beeswax can work, but I’m not sure how it affects the breathability of the lime wash. Any experiences or recommendations?
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I’ve been using lime wash for a few years now, and I can tell you, waiting is indeed crucial. For fresco layers, I usually wait at least a week, sometimes longer if it’s humid. The difference in outcome is noticeable. The layers adhere better and the colors are more vibrant when you give it enough time to carbonate properly. As for your walls, the porosity might actually help with the adhesion, but it could also mean longer drying times. Just keep an eye on it.
Totally agree with the patience part. I rushed my first project and ended up with a patchy mess. Now, I always wait a full week, no matter the season. And yeah, summer does speed things up, but I’ve found that the quality isn’t as good if it dries too fast. Slow and steady wins the race with lime wash and fresco. Also, for uneven walls, I’ve had good luck with a primer designed for porous surfaces before applying the lime wash. It helps even things out a bit.
Just wanted to add, the type of lime wash you use can also affect drying times. I’ve noticed that some brands dry faster than others. LimeWorks.us is pretty consistent, but I’ve tried others that took forever. Also, if you’re adding pigment to your fresco layers, make sure it’s compatible with lime. Some pigments can react weirdly and affect the drying process. Always do a test patch first.
I’m a bit of a newbie too, but I found that using a dehumidifier in the room helps control the drying environment, especially in humid climates. It’s made a big difference in my projects. And for those uneven walls, I’ve heard that a lime plaster base can help create a smoother surface for the fresco layers. Haven’t tried it myself yet, but it’s on my to-do list.