1Primer (PrepCoat) — essential
Our ZUBRA COLORS PrepCoat is specially formulated for lime paints and water-based Limewash paints. It does two things at once: it improves adhesion (working like a universal primer) and evens out absorbency so the paint can “sink into” the surface — the key to the Limewash effect.
How to apply it
White skim coatsDilute PrepCoat with ~20% water.
Dark / coloured surfacesDo not dilute — cover the surface completely to “switch off” the colour underneath.
Plasterboard with filled joints2 coats: 1st coat with ~20% water — evens out the different absorbency of the board and the filler; 2nd coat undiluted.
Tools: brush, roller or spray.
⚠️ A note on other primers
40% of the Limewash effect depends on the right primer. You can test other primers at your own risk — always do a trial with our paint on your own wall first.
2Primer drying time
Wait at least 6–8 hours. Even if the surface is “dry to the touch”, there may still be moisture inside. Painting too early mixes the layers and spoils the effect.
3Painting with Limewash
Use a brush only (a wide block brush or our double Limewash brush). A roller will not give the Limewash effect — the result will be flat, not what this technique is about.
The paint is ready to use — do not dilute it.
Technique
- Paint in random, criss-cross strokes, spreading the paint across the wall.
- Don't paint “clouds” like the ones in online drawings — it is easy to overdo it and lose the natural look.
- The standard is 2 coats (6–8 h between coats).
- 3 coats: when you want softer transitions, or with near-white (very light) shades where the primer may show through.
Where does the cloud-like finish come from?
Limewash is slightly translucent. The difference between the primer colour and the paint colour, plus areas with more or less paint from each brushstroke, creates irregular, mineral transitions.
What will you see after the 1st coat?
🎨 Darker / neutral coloursEdges and streaks may look sharp — that is normal. After the 2nd (sometimes 3rd) coat they even out.
🤍 Near-white coloursSometimes a 3rd coat is needed, because a light paint over a white primer can look flat.
Working with two colours (options)
In layers1st coat darker, 2nd coat lighter → subtle show-through and depth.
Two colours on one brushA special effect — best kept to a single accent wall rather than large areas (on big walls it can look too “handmade”).
💡 Important
Before you order litres, get 250 ml testers and check the colour, the number of coats and any combination of two shades. It is the only reliable way to see how your wall will turn out.
4Protective coat (optional)
Natural Limewash finish = no sealer
- The surface is stable (no dusting, does not mark your hands);
- It keeps its deep, mineral matt look.
Downside: it is not washable — a stain is usually touched up with a thin “patch” of paint.
With a protective sealer (matt)
✅ ProsBetter resistance to dirt and moisture (e.g. around hidden doors and splash zones).
⚠️ ConsIt slightly darkens the colour and changes the character of the matt finish; it is a thin “film” that can be damaged by aggressive cleaning.
For direct contact with water (e.g. a shower) you need a two-component polyurethane — a different category of protection.
📌 Our recommendation
Use a sealer only where it is really needed. You can always ask us for advice on the right product and technique.
💡 Extra tips
- Do not dilute the paint (it is perfectly prepared for brushwork).
- 250 ml testers before every larger order — you will see the colour in your own light and on your own wall texture.
- Limewash paint is odourless and friendly to your household, children and pets.
- If you really want to use a primer other than ours, do a trial with Limewash on your wall before you paint the whole area.
