Lime wash is basically lime putty that has been watered down and can be easily applied to various surfaces. The slaked lime putty can be administered with the natural hue, or just about any color can be added to the limewashing before the actual application. Because the typical lime wash contains small calcite crystals, the finish of the wash will often seem to provide a slight glow in the open light.

Lime washing is conducted in the same manner as any type of white wash. The purpose of the lime wash is not to add a total covering to a structure, but to include a thin layer of protection that will help to enhance the underlying appearance of the structure. Like white washing, the lime wash is not a permanent cover. Constant exposure to the elements will eventually wear away the lime washing and a new coat will need to be applied.

As an example, a wooden wall that is painted red and treated with a pure lime wash will still appear to be red, just a muted red. The lime wash can be adjusted to allow more or less of the underlying color to show through by adjusting the amount of liquid in the wash solution. Some people prefer the added texture that a light washing will add to a painted surface, while others prefer to go with the thicker application and the enhanced protection.

The art of the lime wash has been around for thousands of years and practiced in several cultures. One of the facts that not everyone understands is that a lime wash is not a painting technique, although it may be applied with paintbrushes. In fact, the lime wash is more of a staining technique. The properties of the lime seep into the pores of the wood or masonry and effectively become part of the material. Over time, the natural aging process will give the lime wash a certain glossy patina that is considered to be very attractive. Even when most of the lime wash has faded way, traces will remain that help to enhance the look and character of the surface.