Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my home renovation project, and I’m particularly intrigued by the idea of using fresh lime putty. I live in a pretty humid area, and I’m curious if anyone has experience with this in similar climates. I’ve been experimenting with different eco-friendly paints, including a milk paint from The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co., which worked wonders on my furniture but I’m not sure about walls.
I’ve read that lime putty is breathable and mold-resistant, which sounds perfect for my damp environment, but I’m concerned about the curing process. Has anyone tried applying it in high humidity? How did it hold up over time? Also, any tips on brands or preparation would be super helpful. I’m all about reducing my environmental footprint, so I’m really hoping this could be a sustainable solution for my walls.
Looking forward to hearing your experiences and any advice you might have. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge!
Hey @EcoPainter88, I’ve used fresh lime putty in my coastal home where humidity is a constant battle. The breathability is indeed a game-changer for preventing mold. However, curing can be tricky. I found that applying thin layers and ensuring good ventilation helped a lot. Over time, it’s held up beautifully, maintaining its integrity and appearance. For brands, I’ve had good experiences with LimeWorks.us. Their products are top-notch for natural finishes.
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Thanks @GreenThumb99! That’s really helpful. How many layers did you end up applying, and how long did you wait between each? Also, did you use any specific tools for application?
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@EcoPainter88, I applied three thin layers, waiting about 24 hours between each. This seemed to be the sweet spot for my climate. For tools, a stainless steel trowel worked best for me, giving a smooth finish without reacting with the lime. Just make sure to clean your tools immediately after use to prevent the lime from hardening on them.
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I’m also in a humid area and tried lime putty last year. While I loved the eco-friendly aspect, I struggled with the application. It was my first time, so maybe it was user error, but it didn’t cure evenly. Parts of my wall stayed tacky for weeks. Any tips for a beginner?
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@NatureLover23, that’s exactly what I’m worried about! Did you try adjusting the thickness of your layers or the waiting time between them?
I did try thinner layers after the first attempt, but maybe I didn’t wait long enough between them. It’s a learning process, I guess. I’ll have to give it another go with more patience this time.
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Has anyone mixed pigments with lime putty for colored walls? I’m curious about the colorfastness in humid conditions.
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@DIYQueen, I’ve used natural earth pigments with lime putty, and the colors have held up well over a year now. The key is to use high-quality, lightfast pigments. I recommend testing a small area first to see how the color develops as the lime cures.
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I’ve been using lime putty in my bathroom, which is pretty much a humidity chamber, and it’s been holding up surprisingly well. The key for me was to really take my time with the application. I did multiple thin coats, letting each one dry completely before adding the next. It’s been a year now, and no signs of mold or peeling. Definitely recommend giving it a try if you’re dealing with dampness.
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Interesting to hear about LimeWorks.us, I’ve been on the fence about which brand to go with. I live in a similar climate and have been considering lime putty for my kitchen walls. How does it handle stains and splashes, especially in a high-use area like a kitchen? Also, did you seal it with anything or just left it as is after the final coat?
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Hey, I’ve used lime putty in my bathroom, which is pretty much always humid. The key is really in the prep work. Make sure your walls are clean and slightly damp before application. I found that applying thin layers and giving it plenty of time to dry between coats made a huge difference. It’s been a year, and no issues so far.
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I had a similar issue with tacky walls when I first tried lime putty. What worked for me was adjusting the mix. I added a bit more sand to the putty, which helped it cure more evenly. Also, try to apply it during a dry spell if you can. Humidity can really mess with the curing process.
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Lime putty can be tricky in humid climates, but it’s doable. I recommend using a dehumidifier in the room where you’re applying it. It helps speed up the drying process. Also, don’t rush the application. Patience is key with natural paints.
I’ve been using lime putty for years in my coastal home, and it’s held up great. The trick is to apply it in the late spring or early summer when the humidity is lower. Also, make sure to use a high-quality lime putty. The cheaper stuff just doesn’t hold up as well.
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I struggled with lime putty at first too. What helped me was watching a few tutorials online. Seeing how others applied it made a big difference. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes, having an extra pair of hands can make the application process smoother.
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For those dealing with high humidity, consider using a lime wash instead of putty for your first project. It’s easier to apply and more forgiving if you make a mistake. Once you’re comfortable with that, you can move on to lime putty. It’s all about building up your confidence and skills.
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I’ve actually mixed pigments with lime putty for a project in my bathroom, which is pretty much always humid. The color held up surprisingly well over the last year. I used natural earth pigments, and the key was making sure the mix was consistent. It did take a bit longer to cure, but the result was worth it. Just make sure to test your color mix on a small area first.
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Mixing pigments with lime putty can be a bit tricky in humid climates, but it’s definitely doable. I used a synthetic pigment for a brighter color on an exterior wall, and it’s been holding up for two years now. The trick is in the preparation and application. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before you start, and apply the lime putty in thin layers. It might take longer to dry, but patience pays off with a durable finish.
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