Green Building Forum - Is it OK for limewash not to dry out fully? Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:23:53 +0000 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Is it OK for limewash not to dry out fully? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303436#Comment_303436 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303436#Comment_303436 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:04:03 +0100 DannySheffield
Will the limewash stay on alright if it doesn't dry out fully, or is it worth pursuing drying it fully once, before it inevitably gets damp again through the winter?]]> Is it OK for limewash not to dry out fully? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303439#Comment_303439 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303439#Comment_303439 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:51:50 +0100 Dominic Cooney Is it OK for limewash not to dry out fully? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303443#Comment_303443 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303443#Comment_303443 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:14:13 +0100 DannySheffield Posted By: Dominic CooneyI would have gone for a paint-on tanking slurry, usually 2 coats, the second at right angles to the first. Ideal solution for high ground against a wall. Our 2 last places had this as the solution.

I did consider that route, but it's connected to a garage that's been built into the house and I thought there was a risk that tanking the outhouse would force more water into the garage. So I'm sacrificing the outhouse to save the garage! I don't know if that was the right call, but now its limewashed so I'd like to give that route a try.]]> Is it OK for limewash not to dry out fully? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303446#Comment_303446 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303446#Comment_303446 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:05:08 +0100 Nick Parsons Is it OK for limewash not to dry out fully? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303447#Comment_303447 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303447#Comment_303447 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:18:42 +0100 DannySheffield Posted By: Nick ParsonsIronically it may even stay on better if a bit tacky. If it dries completely it may tend to flake anyway.

That's good to know, thanks very much. I'll turn the dehumidifier off then!]]> Is it OK for limewash not to dry out fully? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303454#Comment_303454 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303454#Comment_303454 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 22:31:25 +0100 Dominic Cooney so in theory it can go off wet, eventually.
The usual adivce is several thin coats that go off between coats.
whether those coats actually go off, or just dry out enough to be stable, is a research project in itself!]]> Is it OK for limewash not to dry out fully? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303459#Comment_303459 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303459#Comment_303459 Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:13:54 +0100 Nick Parsons Is it OK for limewash not to dry out fully? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303465#Comment_303465 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303465#Comment_303465 Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:39:11 +0100 djh Posted By: Dominic CooneyLimewash actually 'goes off' in reaction to CO2
so in theory it can go off wet, eventually.Limewash is generally made from fat lime, which does not go off under water - you can keep lime putty for years. Hydraulic lime is so named because it *does* go off underwater. Fat lime is sprayed (misted) with water for a few weeks after application to slow down the rate of carbonation.]]> Is it OK for limewash not to dry out fully? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303468#Comment_303468 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303468#Comment_303468 Thu, 21 Sep 2023 20:58:03 +0100 DannySheffield Posted By: djh
Posted By: Dominic CooneyLimewash actually 'goes off' in reaction to CO2
so in theory it can go off wet, eventually.
Limewash is generally made from fat lime, which does not go off under water - you can keep lime putty for years. Hydraulic lime is so named because it *does* go off underwater. Fat lime is sprayed (misted) with water for a few weeks after application to slow down the rate of carbonation.

That's helpful to clarify, thanks. This is made of fat lime (from putty).]]> Is it OK for limewash not to dry out fully? https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303474#Comment_303474 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17964&Focus=303474#Comment_303474 Fri, 22 Sep 2023 08:03:54 +0100 Dominic Cooney