BRICK LIMEWASH TUTORIAL

I was very nervous to paint over our original 70’s brick fireplace. In fact, it took 10 years of living in our home before I got the nerve to take on this project. My only regret now is not having done it much earlier. After significant research, and having first tested this concept on our 70’s stone fireplace, this is the method I would recommend hands down. Limewash is very similar to the whitewash concept. It is forgiving, it is not permanent, it is naturally beautiful and it can easily update your home for $100 or less + time. The medium is similar to paint, but a much thinner, water-like consistency, making it easier to apply and wipe off to expose brick. The product is Italian slacked-lime and the description from the company is right on. I was only able to find the product online via Home Depot or Amazon. I also ordered this masonry brush, but ended up using a regular large paintbrush. Either works well, but bristles must be sturdy since you’re painting on a hard, rough surface. I definitely give Romabio Classico Limewash a 5 STAR rating as well as the masonry brush, although the brush isn’t a must if you already have a large paintbrush on hand. Romabio Description:

• Romabio Classico Limewash is an authentic slaked-lime paint specially formulated so you can instantly distress it.
• As seen on HGTV Atlanta Flip or Flop show!
• Romabio products are “bio-logical,” manufactured with intelligence and care, and inspired our name: “Roma” for Rome, Italy, and “Bio” for organic and natural.”
• Keep the warmth of your brick or stone exposed, without having to fully commit to completely painted brick.
• Ideal for interior or exterior unpainted brick or stone.
• Hand crafted in Italy with Dolomite lime using 2,000 year old techniques and modern technology for a revolutionary product.
• Easy to use, 1-coat paint process that is applied with the Romabio Large Masonry Brush or a traditional paint sprayer.
• Perfect DIY for one-story homes or fireplaces!
• Superior coverage of 325-450 ft2 per average gallon (after dilution).
  No stress when deciding the color or look that you want because it’s removable within the first 5 days.

UPDATE
3 months post-limewash: We still absolutely love our lime-washed brick fireplace. It withstands the wear and tear of a family of 4 + a 96 pound black lab very well. We have spilled a glass of lemonade on the mantle. It wiped away very easily and slightly exposed more brick in the area of the spill. The beauty of lime wash is that it is semi-permanent and tells the stories of time via its distressed areas.