To modernise the look of your traditional bricks with a fresh and bright vibe, you might be considering painting your bricks with limewash or the more translucent whitewash.
Whitewash and limewashed brick have become some of Perth’s most popular exterior looks. Before you commit to a certain look, it’s important to understand the differences, how long they last in WA’ climate, and whether a breathable finish is right for your home.
What are they?
- Whitewash (paint-based): A diluted acrylic or latex paint brushed thinly across brick. It gives the brick a translucent look and creates a film, this makes it less breathable than mineral coatings.
- Limewash (mineral based): Made from slaked lime mixed with water that soaks into masonry. It ages with a soft patina, and cures by reacting carbon dioxide in the air.
Will it Last in Perth’s Climate?
Peth’s high UV, salty coastal breezes, and hot summers are tougher on the exteriors of homes than almost any other Australian city. This means:
- Sun-blasted walls (especially north and west-facing) will weather faster need more frequent touch ups.
- Sheltered areas under awnings and verandahs hold their colour due to natural protection and will last longer.
- Efflorescence (white salty deposits you may see on bricks) should always be treated before coating, finish may not bond correctly if maintenance is avoided.
- Breathable finishes like limewash are often preferred on older WA bricks, as they reduce the risk of trapped moisture and salt damp.
How Long Will These Finishes Last?
- Whitewash (dilute paint): Soft, translucent finish with limited breathability. Expect similar upkeep to thin paint films; preparation and sealing are critical.
- Lime wash (mineral): Matte, variegated look with a soft patina effect. Light touch ups are often needed every 5 years, though shaded or indoor areas can last much longer. Some mineral systems in mild condition can last for decades with proper maintenance.
- Full paint system: Offers the most uniform and opaque coverage but is the least breathable. Works best on dry, stable masonry and require strict surface preparation to avoid peeling and blistering.
Step-by-step: How to whitewash or Limewash Brick
- Preparation: start with clean brickwork, no cracks over here! Repair any damaged mortar and treat efflorescence before coating.
- Test area: Always apply to a small, hidden section first to confirm the colour and effect of the wash.
- Mixing: For whitewash, dilute exterior acrylic paint with water (often 1:1 or 1:2 depending on desired look). For limewash, mix lime putty with water until the consistency closely resembles that of milk.
- Application: Dampen the brick, surface, then apply in thin coats with a large brush. Two coats is a safe bet.
- Finishing: Limewash can be gently washed back or distressed while still wet, if you’re going for an aged look. Whitewash, once cured, is harder to adjust.
- Maintenance: Expect touch ups on exposed surfaces every few years, particularly in Perth with the blistering sun.
Is whitewash removable from brick?
Whitewash brick is not permanent, but removal requires a specific water and trisodium phosphate solution – and a whole lot of patience and persistence.
If getting your whitewash bricks right the first time is important to you, call in the professionals.
