Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’m super excited to share some thoughts and hear your experiences. I’ve recently been experimenting with lime wash, specifically from the brand EcoLime, and I’m absolutely in love with its matte finish and the way it allows walls to breathe. But here’s my burning question: can lime wash be used on modern materials like drywall or concrete?
I’ve successfully applied it to plaster walls in my 1920s home, achieving that dreamy, chalky look that’s so in vogue. However, I’m curious about its compatibility with more contemporary surfaces. I’ve heard mixed reviews about its adhesion and durability on drywall and concrete. Has anyone here tried it? I’m particularly interested in hearing about your prep work, application techniques, and any long-term observations regarding wear and tear.
Also, if you’ve used other eco-friendly paints on these materials, I’d love to hear about those experiences too. I’m always on the lookout for sustainable alternatives that don’t compromise on quality. Let’s discuss and share our eco-friendly painting adventures!
I’ve used EcoLime on both drywall and concrete with varying degrees of success. On drywall, the key is in the prep work. I recommend using a high-quality primer designed for porous surfaces before applying the lime wash. This helps with adhesion and ensures a more uniform finish. On concrete, it’s a bit more forgiving, but still, surface preparation is crucial. Make sure the concrete is clean and free of any sealants or coatings that could prevent the lime wash from adhering properly.
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@GreenThumb99 Thanks for the tips! Do you have any specific primer brands you’d recommend for drywall? Also, how has the lime wash held up over time on concrete? I’m particularly concerned about wear in high-traffic areas.
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@EcoPainter88 For drywall, I’ve had great results with PrimerPro Eco. It’s specifically designed for eco-friendly paints and really helps the lime wash stick. As for concrete, the lime wash has held up surprisingly well, even in high-traffic areas. However, I did apply a natural, breathable sealer over the top to protect it, which I think made a big difference. Just make sure whatever sealer you use is compatible with lime wash to avoid any issues.
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I tried using lime wash on drywall without any primer, and it was a disaster. The finish was patchy, and it started peeling in some areas. I wish I had seen @GreenThumb99’s advice before I started! I ended up having to strip it all off and start over with a primer. Lesson learned: never skip the prep work with lime wash!
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@NatureLover23 Ouch, that sounds like a tough lesson! Thanks for sharing your experience though; it’s a good reminder of how important prep work is. Did you end up trying again with a primer? How did it go the second time around?
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@EcoPainter88 Yes, I did! I used PrimerPro Eco as recommended by @GreenThumb99, and the difference was night and day. The lime wash went on smoothly and has stayed put ever since. It’s been about six months now, and it still looks great. Definitely worth the extra step!
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Has anyone tried lime wash on textured drywall? I’m curious if the texture affects the application or the final look. I love the idea of using natural paints, but I’m worried the texture might make it look uneven.
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@SkyWatcher45 That’s a great question! I haven’t tried it on textured drywall myself, but I’m curious to hear if anyone else has. The texture could definitely add an interesting dimension to the finish, but I can see how it might also make application more challenging.
I’ve tried EcoLime on drywall in my bathroom, and honestly, it was a bit of a hassle. The prep work is no joke, and even with a good primer, I noticed some areas didn’t take the lime wash as well as others. It’s been a few months, and there’s slight peeling in high humidity areas. Maybe it’s just not the best fit for bathrooms?
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That’s interesting about the bathroom experience. I used EcoLime on my living room walls, which are drywall, and it turned out amazing. I followed the prep advice to the letter, though, and made sure the room was well-ventilated during application. No issues so far, and it’s been over a year. Maybe the key is really in the prep and the environment?
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I’ve had a different experience with concrete. Used EcoLime on my garage floor after a thorough cleaning and etching process. It’s held up surprisingly well against foot traffic and even some light vehicle movement. The finish is unique and has gotten a lot of compliments. Definitely recommend giving it a try if you’re considering it for concrete surfaces.
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I’m curious about the color options with EcoLime. I’ve only seen it in a few shades, and I’m wondering if it’s possible to customize or mix colors to get something more specific. Has anyone tried that, or do you know if the brand offers more variety than what’s shown online?
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Regarding color customization, I mixed a bit of natural pigment with EcoLime for a project on my patio’s concrete walls. It worked out, but the color was a bit lighter than expected once it dried. It’s a trial and error process, but definitely doable if you’re willing to experiment a little.
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Has anyone considered the environmental impact of the prep work, like primers and cleaners, when using EcoLime? I’m all for eco-friendly paints, but I wonder if the overall process is as green as we think, especially with all the additional products needed for proper application on surfaces like drywall and concrete.
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Oh man, that sounds rough. I’ve had my share of painting disasters too. Lime wash is tricky, especially on drywall. I always use a primer now, no matter what. It’s a bit more work upfront, but it saves so much hassle later. Have you tried any other eco-friendly paints since then?
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I’ve used lime wash on concrete with great success, but drywall is a whole different beast. The key is definitely in the prep. I used a high-quality primer designed for porous surfaces before applying the lime wash. It adhered beautifully and has held up for over a year now. Maybe give that a shot next time?
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That’s a bummer to hear about your experience. I’ve been curious about lime wash for a while now, but stories like yours make me hesitant. I wonder if there’s a specific type of primer that works best with lime wash on drywall. Anyone have recommendations? Also, how does lime wash fare with humidity and moisture? That’s a big concern in my area.
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I’ve actually tried lime wash on textured drywall in my living room. The texture does add a unique dimension to the finish, but it’s not necessarily uneven. It gives a more rustic, handcrafted look which I personally love. Just make sure to apply it with a brush in a crisscross pattern to really get into all the nooks and crannies.
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I was skeptical about using lime wash on concrete, but after doing a small test patch, I was pleasantly surprised. It adhered well and gave a beautiful, soft matte finish. The key is in the prep work. Make sure the concrete is clean and slightly damp before application. It’s been a few months, and it’s holding up great, even in high traffic areas.
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