Fabulous Whitewash – DIY Basics

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White ChurchIf you see sparkling white buildings on a Greek island, they have most likely been “painted” with whitewash. It has also been used throughout the world, indoors and out, on plaster, concrete, masonry, and stone.

Whitewash is made of mason’s hydrated lime and water, and is sometimes called limewash.

The fabulous part of whitewash? It is also a natural antiseptic and deters insects. In addition, it is fire resistant, a zero-voc (volatile organic compound), and a zero-synthethic biocide paint.

1 gallon of whitewash covers:
225 square feet of wood
180 square feet of brick
270 square feet of plaster
250 square feet of concrete (and other masonry materials)

Simple Outdoor Whitewash Formula
The salt adds antiseptic qualities to this whitewash.

Ingredients
7 1/2 pounds salt dissolved in 2 1/2 gallons hot distilled water
25 pounds mason’s hydrated lime mixed with 3 gallons distilled water
Natural earth pigment (optional).

Dampen the surface with water before applying the whitewash, then dampen before every new coat.

In separate tubs, prepare the salt and lime mixtures. Combine, stirring to remove all lumps. Add more distilled water if the paint is too thick, and add pigment if desired.

Makes 6 gallons

Shelf Life: A few days

If you want a cooler white, add 1 teaspoon laundry bluing per gallon.

Alternatives: A simpler version involves simply dissolving 25 pounds mason’s hydrated lime in 3 gallons of distilled water. A more complex version, used on lighthouses, includes lime, water, salt, rice flour, titanium dioxide, and white glue. (Let me know if you are interested in the Lighthouse Whitewash and I will publish that.)

 

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By Annie B. Bond, best-selling and award-winning author of five green living books, thousands of blogs, and all the tips in the Greenify Everything App. Called "The Godmother of Green" by Martha Stewart Sirius Radio, she has been named the foremost expert on green living.

4 COMMENTS

  1. how long does it last.  I remember they used to whitewash the trunks of the fruit trees in the orchards but it had to be done every year

  2. I whitewashed my block home over 5 years ago and it’s still as bright as when I first put it on. Ideally, you want to whitewash a clean, unpainted, porous surface. Whitewashing wood is not recommended, as the lime in whitewash will dry the wood out.

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