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Limewash and whitewash are two techniques used to give brick a light, matte finish, but they differ in composition, application, and permanence. The best choice depends on your aesthetic goals and the specific surface.

Composition

• Limewash: A natural and environmentally friendly option made from limestone, water, and sometimes pigments. It is breathable and soaks into porous surfaces like brick.

• Whitewash: Traditionally made from lime, water, chalk, and binders, but a similar look can be achieved with watered-down white paint. It is paint-based and sits on top of the surface.

Appearance and Finish

• Limewash: Provides a natural, textured appearance that allows the brick's character to show through. It offers a more traditional finish.

• Whitewash: Creates a softer, more opaque finish, often used for a rustic or shabby-chic style.

Application and Permanence

• Limewash: Is semi-permanent and can be removed, making it a good choice if you might want to change the look in the future. It requires more skill to apply and cannot be used on previously painted brick.

• Whitewash: Is a more permanent solution. It is more forgiving to apply and can be used on painted brick. However, because it sits on the surface, it can trap moisture.

Ultimately, if you want a breathable, natural, and reversible finish for unpainted brick, limewash is a great option. If you need a more permanent, opaque coating that can be applied over painted surfaces, whitewash is the better choice. Whitewashing may also be more economical, costing approximately $1.40 to $4.20 per square foot.

You can apply stain over peeling stain, but it’s not a good idea. Your old stain will get in the way of your new stain bonding to the wood, so you’re likely going to see the same issue again shortly after application. Your best option is to sand off the old stain and clean the surface thoroughly before applying new stain.

There are several ways to make a wooden fence more visually appealing and keep it that way for years to come.

• Treat the fence with a wood sealant to protect it against the elements. It’s recommended to reseal a fence every two to three years, but if you live in a harsh climate, you may want to do it more frequently than that.

• Restore the fence if it’s old, corroding, or fading. That includes cleaning it and making small repairs where needed.

• Paint the fence in a color that you like, whether that’s a simple white or more vibrant option. Fences usually need to be repainted every one to three years.

• Decorate the fence with planters, string lights, birdhouses, mirrors, shutters, and more.

If your cedar fence is new, don’t delay. Unlike treated pine, you don’t need to wait months for the wood to dry out for it to accept stain. With cedar, the sooner, the better. Seal cedar within two weeks of installation to prevent the sun from fading its red color.