Limewash paint VS lime plaster:
What is the difference?
Although these two products are made from the same noble material - lime - they do not have the same use, the same finish, or the same application technique.
Discover their uses, results, and how to choose according to your interior decoration or renovation project.
1. Limewash paint gives a mineral touch by creating a light and nuanced surface effect
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Lime paint is a very fluid liquid, applied in a thin layer with a brush. It penetrates the surface and leaves a very thin layer, almost imperceptible to the touch. Its power is visual and aesthetic only: it changes the light, nuances the surfaces, but does not alter the texture of the wall. It is a very matte decorative paint, applied with a brush, which creates a nuanced and textured effect. Perfect for walls or ceilings.
2. Lime plaster transforms the wall into a sculpted and living material
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Lime plaster is composed of a heavier filler, like a paste, applied with a trowel in a thickness of 2 to 3 mm. It is a real surface material, which adds depth, relief, and even a tactile sensation. Gestures, movements, and intentions can be read in it. It structures the space with greater depth and strength. It can cover architectural elements.
In summary: the paint plays with light, the coating sculpts the surface.
The 3 main families of lime plasters at Domeco
| Finishing plaster with aerial lime (Venetian Plaster type) | Hydraulic lime textured plaster | Structural coating with concrete effect |
|---|---|---|
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| Very fine grain | Average particle size | Strong grain |
| Smooth and very nuanced effect - "Tuscan" style | More varied effect with visible trowel strokes | Raw effect without nuance |
| Ideal for hoods, fireplaces, decorative walls | Furniture, stairs, bathrooms, showers, high-use surfaces | Furniture, stairs, bathrooms, showers, high-use surfaces |
Comparison table: lime paint vs. lime plaster
| Features | Lime paint | Lime plaster |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Brush-brush | Trowel / trowel |
| Visual effect | Nuanced, brushstrokes, matte | Smooth, structured, deep |
| Technical level | Accessible with knowledge | Craftsman required |
| Style | Mediterranean, wabi-sabi | Architectural, refined |
What surfaces should each finish be used on?
| Surface | Lime paint | Lime plaster |
|---|---|---|
| Interior decorative wall | Yes | Yes |
| Ceiling | Yes | Yes |
| Bathroom wall (excluding shower) | Yes | Yes |
| Shower / direct humidity | No | Yes (with waterproofing) |
| Fireplace (chimney) | Not recommended | Yes |
| Kitchen hood | No | Yes |
| Stairs / risers | No | Yes |
| Built-in furniture | No | Yes |
And now?
You can buy our lime paint online for your DIY projects or book an application service with our craftsmen if you want a turnkey project.