FAQ
Got some questions about BAUWERK Products? You're in the right place.


Q I have been given a lime paint recipe that uses salt to make the paint wipeable. Would you recommend to add salt to lime paints?
A There are many different additives in home recipes for lime paints. When lime paints were almost the only universal paint in use, people added to the paint whatever was at hand or was available locally : larder, fish oil, salt, blood and some more exotic additives. Salt was used in some regions, particularly coastal areas. Generally speaking, the use of salt in or on buildings must be avoided. Salt in either solution or crystalline form is not harmful, only with changing humidity levels will salt become destructive within the body of a wall. As salt crystallises, it's volume is increased by many times and will gradually destroy the surface of any wall by means of exfoliation. BAUWERK paints use a blend of natural oils to achieve a wipeable finish. These will not harm the walls and allow full permeability, that is the exchange of atmospheric moisture in and out of the walls.

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Q I would like to use lime paints, but have found them always too chalky.
A Chalky lime paints are usually found where inferior lime has been used or the paint was too thick when it was applied. The best results are being achieved by several thin applications rather than few thick coats. In a very dry climate BAUWERK recommends to moisten the walls prior to paint application.

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Q Can lime paint be painted over?
A Proper lime paints need no paint stripping when redecorating an existing coat of lime paints. BAUWERK recommends that you free the surface from dust and grime by giving the surface a wash with cold mildly soapy water. Interesting effects can be achieved when the new coat of paint is not fully covering the existing one. Also, when redecorating over existing lime paint, usage of paint in most cases will be less, due to a greater coverage rate.

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Q I have opened my paint tin, the colour of the paint does not match the colour of my colour chart.
A It is completely natural for lime paints to look much darker when in solution. As the paint dries and the process of calcification begins, you will find that the paint will become much lighter and eventually dry to the desired colour.

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Q After applying the first coat, the wall looks streaky and the paint looks transparent. Should I have put it on thicker?
A No, the coats should always be applied as thinly as possible. The first coat often looks transparent. The application of the second coat will be a more realistic reflection of how the paint will look when application is completed.

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Q Can I apply the paint with a roller?
A No, limewash must be applied with a limewash brush. Limewash brushes are large broom-like brushes that allow you to apply limewash with large broad strokes. BAUWERK carries a wide variety of quality brushes at discounted rates for internet shoppers.

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Q My paint is very thin in consistency, should it be thicker, like acrylic paint?
A The consistency of limewash paint is usually thin, much like the consistency of milk.

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Q Can limewash be applied to wood and metal?
A No, wood and metal are not suitable surfaces on which to apply limewash.

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Q What are suitable on which to apply limewash?
A Exterior surfaces, stone, concrete render, brick and composite masonry materials. Most interior surfaces can be painted after the recommended sealer is applied. Plaster glass, gypsum, plaster, and previously painted surfaces.

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Q What precautions must be taken in order to apply limewash safely?
A Although made with natural ingredients, limewash is of an alkaline nature and can break down the natural oils that protect the skin. Appropriate skin and eye protection should be worn to prevent irritation or damage.

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Q Will the paint be stable on the walls? I've seen that limewash can rub off on my finger.
A If the paint is applied correctly, it will adhere well to the wall. The binding component works to stabilise the paint to make for a surface which can be wiped.

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Q After applying the limewash, I notice that the surface is excessively powdery.
A Excessive powdering occurs when the limewash is applied too thickly. Application of thin coats of limewash prevents powdering and assists the paint to bond well with the surface being painted. Should you experience some powdering, try to paint over with water only. In most cases this will alleviate the problem.

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Q If a surface has been painted with an acrylic paint, can limewash be applied on top?
A Yes. Provided that the old paint coat is stable and not flaking, free of dirt, dust, grease and soluble salts, the limewash will adhere to previous paint coats. For interior surfaces we recommend you undercoat with BAUWERK Acrylic Primer Coat before applying limewash. This will prevent inconsistencies from passing through the old paint coat and affecting the limewash finish.

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Q How long will BAUWERK limewash last in comparison to other paints?
A You can expect a similar life expectancy to that of other quality brand paints provided that the paint is applied in the manner recommended by BAUWERK. The pigments used in BAUWERK paints are colourfast and UV stable with the exception of ultramarine pigments which, under the influence of direct sunlight, age over time and fade to develop a textured patina.

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Q The colour has just been applied to the wall and looks much darker than the sample I chose.
A This is normal. When the drying process is complete, the colour will have lightened off and resemble the sample you selected.

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Q Can a smooth finish be achieved?
A BAUWERK limewash is a textured paint finish. Depending on the application procedure, a heavily textured finish can be achieved or a lightly textured finish. For a very smooth finish, it is recommended to use a high quality brush with a thinned down last coat. With this last application, the paint has to be applied with even criss-cross strokes, feathering out at the ends.

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Q Do brushes wash out in water?
A Yes, limewash is a water-based paint and any cleanup can be done in water. For stubborn stains, vinegar can be of assistance in the removal process.

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Q I want to paint some extra areas, can I re-order the same paint?
A As we do not premix batches of paint, every re-order is mixed just for you and in rare circumstances may vary slightly to your first order. BAUWERK suggests to finish painting a complete surface or to stop at a natural break, such as a corner or a corbel. In any case of reordering mix the remaining paint with the new batch.

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Q Do you send your products to overseas customers?
A Yes, BAUWERK offers a door to door service for almost any destination around the world.

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WARRANTY/DISCLAIMER

The information supplied is given in good faith. There are no implied conditions of warranties in the supply of this product. The manufacturer's guarantee is limited to product replacement and does not include surface preparation and application. Specifications and materials used in the manufacturing may change at any time without notice.


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