Hey everyone! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’ve been experimenting with lime wash for its breathability and eco-friendly properties. I’m currently working on refreshing the exterior of my old cottage, which is currently painted with a conventional latex paint. I’ve been wondering, can lime wash be applied directly over existing paint, or do I need to strip it all off first?
I’ve used Earthborn Limewash in the past for interior walls, and I absolutely love the matte finish and the way it allows the walls to breathe. However, I’ve never tried it over existing paint before. I’m curious if anyone has experience with this? Specifically, I’m looking for advice on surface preparation. Do I need to sand the walls down, or can I apply a primer to ensure the lime wash adheres properly?
Also, I’m considering the environmental impact. Lime wash is known for its low VOC content and natural ingredients, but I’m wondering about the compatibility with the existing paint. Has anyone found a way to make this transition without compromising the eco-friendly benefits?
Looking forward to hearing your experiences and any tips you might have! Let’s make our homes beautiful and sustainable together. 
Hey @EcoPainter88! Great question. From my experience, applying lime wash over existing paint can be a bit tricky. The key is ensuring the surface is properly prepared. You don’t necessarily need to strip off all the existing paint, but a good sanding to rough up the surface can help the lime wash adhere better. Also, using a primer designed for lime-based paints can make a big difference. I’ve had success with EcoPrimer in the past. It’s specifically formulated for natural paints and helps with adhesion on previously painted surfaces.
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Thanks @GreenThumb99! I’ll definitely look into EcoPrimer. Did you notice any issues with the lime wash’s breathability after applying it over the primer? That’s one of my main concerns, as I really value the breathability aspect for the health of my old cottage walls.
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@EcoPainter88, great follow-up question! I didn’t notice any significant reduction in breathability. The EcoPrimer is designed to be compatible with natural paints, maintaining their eco-friendly properties. However, I’d recommend testing a small area first to ensure you’re happy with the results before committing to the whole exterior.
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I’ve been experimenting with lime wash on various surfaces, and I found that the key to a successful application over existing paint is not just the preparation but also the number of coats. Applying multiple thin coats allows for better adhesion and a more uniform finish. Also, consider the weather conditions during application; lime wash dries best in mild, dry weather.
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@SunnyDaysAhead, that’s a great point about the weather! I hadn’t considered that. How many coats would you recommend for optimal coverage and durability?
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@EcoPainter88, I usually go for 2-3 coats, depending on the color and the surface. The first coat acts as a base, and the subsequent coats build up the color and texture. Just make sure each coat is completely dry before applying the next one. Patience is key!
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I’m a big fan of Earthborn Limewash too! For anyone considering this route, it’s worth noting that lime wash can change color slightly as it dries, so don’t be alarmed if the wet color doesn’t match the final result. It’s all part of the charm of using natural materials.
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@NatureLover23, that’s a good tip! I’ve noticed that with my interior projects. It adds a unique character to each wall. Do you have any favorite colors from the Earthborn range?
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@EcoPainter88, I’m particularly fond of their ‘Clay’ and ‘Stone’ shades. They blend beautifully with natural surroundings and have a timeless quality. Highly recommend giving them a try!
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Hey @EcoPainter88, I’ve been down that road before. Sanding the surface is a must if you want the lime wash to stick properly. I didn’t use a primer though, just made sure to sand it well and it worked out fine. But yeah, using a primer like EcoPrimer sounds like a solid plan if you’re looking for extra adhesion.
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I tried applying lime wash over old paint without sanding once, and let’s just say it was a lesson learned. The finish was patchy and it started peeling in places. So, definitely sand it down or use a primer. Also, consider the type of existing paint. Some might not play nice with lime wash.
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Just a heads up, if your cottage’s exterior has been painted with a glossy finish, you might need to do more than just sanding. Glossy surfaces can be a nightmare for adhesion. Maybe test a small area first to see how it goes. And yeah, a primer designed for natural paints could be a game-changer.
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I’m all for the eco-friendly approach, but don’t forget about the durability aspect. Lime wash is beautiful and breathable, but it might not hold up as well over existing paint, especially if the paint is in bad shape. Maybe consider the condition of your current paint job before deciding.
Interesting discussion! I wonder if anyone has tried mixing lime wash with a bit of natural adhesive to improve its sticking power over existing paint. I’ve heard of people using casein or even a bit of natural soap. Could be worth experimenting with on a small section before going all in.
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I’ve tried applying lime wash over existing paint before, and honestly, it’s a bit hit or miss. The key is definitely in the prep work. I sanded down the walls lightly to rough up the surface and then used a primer specifically designed for lime-based products. It worked out pretty well, but I did notice that the lime wash didn’t adhere as evenly as it does on bare surfaces. Maybe try a small test area first?
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Weather conditions are crucial when working with lime wash. I learned the hard way that applying it on a humid day can lead to a patchy finish. Also, multiple thin coats are the way to go. It might seem like more work, but it ensures a more durable and even finish. Just make sure each coat is completely dry before applying the next one.
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I’m all for eco-friendly solutions, but have you considered the type of existing paint you’re covering? Some paints might not be compatible with lime wash, leading to peeling or bubbling over time. It might be worth consulting with a specialist or doing a bit more research on the specific paint you’re dealing with. Better safe than sorry, right?
I love the idea of using lime wash for its breathability and eco-friendly properties. Have you thought about the color options? Lime wash can offer a beautiful, natural look, but the color can change based on the number of coats and the underlying surface. It might be interesting to experiment with different shades to see what works best with your cottage’s exterior.
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I’ve actually tried applying lime wash over existing paint before, and it worked out pretty well for me. The key is in the preparation. I didn’t strip the old paint off but made sure to clean the surface thoroughly and lightly sanded it to help the lime wash adhere better. I also used a primer designed for lime-based paints, which seemed to do the trick. Just remember, the texture and color might not be as uniform as applying it on bare surfaces, but it adds character!
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