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Synopsis
Lime Wash Coatings
Traditional lime wash coatings may have gone out-of-style centuries ago, but the zero VOC coating is making a comeback. Masonry experts and need to know lime wash recipes and techniques in order to preserve new and historic architecture. by Jack Innis
In Mark Twain’s 1875 story “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” the title character is told to whitewash his Aunt Polly’s fence, a project that, like all other chores, he detests. To avoid doing the work, young Sawyer persuades neighborhood kids that painting is a form of amusement. So thoroughly does he convince them that he ultimately collects an apple, a kite, marbles, and other items for the privilege of allowing them to whitewash his aunt’s fence.
Perhaps it is fitting that Tom Sawyer’s famous whitewash scene was published in the last quarter of the 19th century. In that period massive changes were occurring in the masonry and coatings industries. Due to the advent of portland cement, bricks and mortar became tougher. The traditional protective coating for masonry, lime wash (a variant of which is whitewash) fell out of use.
Today, masonry experts involved in restoration of older brick, stucco, and stone buildings are relearning the skills and recipes necessary to apply lime wash coatings to preserve architectural and physical integrity. These experts are also beginning to notice renewed interest in the use of lime wash as a decorative coating.
