How Much Does It Cost to Limewash Interior Walls?
The cost to limewash interior walls often ranges from $1,000 to $2,900, with an average cost of $1,950. Price is influenced by surface area, prep work, and other factors.
The cost to limewash interior walls is between $1.50 and $6 per square foot.
The main factor affecting the price is the size of your room.
Cost is also influenced by prep work, materials, and the number of coats.
You can limewash your own walls, but you should hire a painter to get a flawless finish on a large project.
The average cost to limewash interior walls is $1,950, though it can range from as low as $150 to as high as $6,000 depending on factors like wall size and prep work. This breaks down to $1.50 to $6 per square foot.
Limewashing is a centuries-old technique that involves coating your walls with a mixture of water, lime, and optional pigment for color. It results in a chalky and textured surface that has antibacterial properties. You can limewash your walls to get a rustic, antique-looking interior, and understanding the cost factors can help you budget for the project, whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional.
Cost Factors for Limewashing Interior Walls
You can limewash breathable surfaces like drywall, plaster, brick, stone, stucco, and concrete. Limewashing is more expensive than a standard paint job because it requires more labor. The cost depends on several factors, such as the wall's size, the materials you choose, and the prep work.
Size of the Wall
The cost to limewash interior walls is $1.50 to $6 per square foot. Naturally, if you’re working with larger surface areas, the price will increase. Limewashing multiple different rooms that total 1,000 square feet, for example, can cost up to $6,000. But limewashing decorative features (like accent walls, arches, and columns) will be less—possibly as low as $150.
| Wall Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost to Limewash |
|---|---|
| 100 | $150–$600 |
| 250 | $375–$1,500 |
| 500 | $750–$3,000 |
| 750 | $1,125–$4,500 |
| 1,000 | $1,500–$6,000 |
| 1,500 | $2,250–$9,000 |
Surface Type
If you’re applying limewash to a porous surface like brick or stone, prep work will be minimal—simply wipe it down to remove dirt. More preparation is needed when limewashing drywall or a previously painted surface. That’s because the limewash will not adhere properly without a primer. Expect to pay $10 to $20 per gallon for most primers.
Labor
You will pay a premium to find a local interior painter who offers limewashing services. Keep in mind that limewash is a labor-intensive process, so you’ll likely pay more than for a standard paint job. House painters often charge at least $75 per hour for limewashing.
Prep Work
Primer is needed when limewashing drywall or previously painted surfaces, which adds additional expenses. The cost of limewashing will also increase for other necessary preparations like sanding drywall, filling holes, mending cracks, and repairing dents.
| Prep Work | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Priming walls | $20–$100 |
| Filling holes | $20–$20 |
| Fixing nail pops | $10–$60 |
| Mending cracks | $60–$400 |
| Repairing dents | $20–$150 |
Number of Coats
The cost to limewash interior walls also depends on the number of coats needed. It can take several hours to apply a single coat to a mid-sized room, and most walls need two coats (and possibly primer) to achieve the desired finish. If you’re working with a saturated pigment, the walls might need three coats.
Limewash Pigment
Instead of using limewash in its natural off-white hue, some homeowners add pigment to alter the color. These pigments often come in earthy, muted tones that contribute to the rustic appearance of limewash.
The price depends on the brand, the color intensity, and the type of pigment used. Opting for custom colors instead of pre-tinted pigments will raise costs. Saturated hues tend to be more expensive because they require a greater amount of pigment and additional coats.
Materials
You can expect to pay between $25 and $100 per gallon for the limewash itself. Some professionals buy lime for $5 to $15 per bag, then add water to make their own limewash.
In addition to the limewash paint, you’ll need other materials to complete the project. These include a ladder, drop cloth, brush, and primer (if limewashing certain surfaces like drywall). The price depends on what you already own, but it can be upwards of $300.
The quality of your materials also matters. For example, high-quality limewash paint results in increased durability and smoother appearance, but it can raise the price of your project.
| Materials | Cost |
|---|---|
| Limewash paint | $25–$600 |
| Primer (if needed) | $20–$100 |
| Ladder | $75–$150 |
| Drop cloth | $20 |
| Brush | $10–$40 |
Interior Limewash Ongoing Costs
Limewashed surfaces require minimal upkeep, but homeowners should factor in a few ongoing costs.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance involves wiping limewashed surfaces with a damp microfiber duster, which often costs less than $15. To avoid damaging the finish, don’t scrub limewash or use harsh chemicals.
Touch-Ups
Interior walls are subject to wear and tear, so you might refresh your limewashed walls every several years. Touch-ups are especially important in areas with high traffic and high moisture.
To do this, brush off dust and apply a fresh coat of limewash paint. The cost depends on the amount of paint needed, as well as necessary materials like brushes. Hiring a professional for touch-ups will raise the price. If you used a custom pigment for your limewash, you’ll also need to buy this (though keeping extra pigment on hand can help for color matching purposes).
DIY Limewashing vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY limewashing is a doable project for most homeowners and a great way to save some money, as labor often costs $75 per hour at minimum. However, keep in mind that limewashing a large area takes a bit of elbow grease, patience, and skill.
If you decide to DIY limewashing, you’ll pay for the materials and supplies. Limewash paint costs $25 to $100 per gallon, depending on brand and quality. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of materials like brushes, drop cloths, and ladders. Of course, the price will depend on what’s already in your arsenal, but expect to pay up to $300 for additional materials. Other factors can impact the cost of limewashing interior walls, including whether you need to repair your drywall beforehand.
Hiring a professional raises the cost of limewashing interior walls, but it can make a labor-intensive process less tedious. Outsourcing makes sense if you’re planning to limewash a large section of your home or areas with tall ceilings. Pros often complete a limewash job in several days, whereas homeowners typically spread the project over several weekends.
As another bonus, professional painters can achieve a smoother finish without streaks or unevenness, and some homeowners consider this a worthwhile investment. Contact an interior painter near you for an accurate estimate so you can start your project.
5 Ways You Can Save Money While Limewashing Interior Walls
Whether you’re hiring a pro or attempting the DIY route, you can reduce the costs of limewashing interior walls with these tips.
Scale down. You don’t need to limewash an entire room to reap the benefits. Limewashing an accent wall or decorative feature (such as a fireplace) can add visual appeal with a smaller price tag.
Prep the walls yourself. Do you need to fix nail pops or sand uneven surfaces? Completing prep work before hiring a professional will save money.
Borrow materials. If you’re completing the limewash project yourself, consider asking a friend or family member to borrow their ladder, drop cloths, or other materials.
Use light tints. Custom-tinted limewash is more expensive, and it also requires more coats. Choosing a limewash tint that’s similar to its natural white shade will cut costs.
Choose surfaces that don’t need priming. If you limewash a porous surface like brick or concrete, you don’t need primer, which can save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
When comparing limewash versus paint, the cost to limewash interior walls is greater, especially when hiring a pro. That’s because limewashing is more labor-intensive and takes more time to complete. While limewashing costs between $1.50 and $6 per square foot, a standard paint job will cost between $1.50 and $4 per square foot.
Limewash provides a durable finish that can last 20 years or longer, especially when it’s properly maintained. Indeed, if you use high-quality limewash and touch it up every five to seven years, it could last many decades. Limewash requires more frequent reapplication in areas with high traffic and high moisture, such as bathrooms, hallways, and kitchens.
If you’re deciding between limewash versus whitewash, know that both have a chalky matte appearance. Limewash is made from lime, water, and sometimes pigment, while whitewash consists of lime, water, white chalk, and binders (though you can get a similar look with watered-down white paint). Whitewash has fewer options for color customization, and it sits on surfaces instead of being absorbed into them, which can trap moisture. Whitewashing costs less—about $1.40 to $4.20 per square foot.
Some homeowners compare German schmear versus limewash because they look similar, though they’re different techniques. German schmear involves a thin application of mortar to stone or brick, which is then partially wiped off the surface. German schmear is more affordable ($1 to $4 per square foot), and it lasts one or two decades with minimal maintenance. As a downside, it only comes in white or gray.
One drawback of limewash is that it doesn’t work on non-porous surfaces such as glass, plastic, or metal. If you’re limewashing drywall or painted surfaces, you’ll need to prime them beforehand. Also, limewash isn’t very durable in high-traffic or high-moisture areas, so touch-ups are often necessary. Application can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, with long drying times between coats, and it’s prone to streaks and uneven coverage. Finally, limewash doesn’t have many color options compared to paint.
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