Limewash rather then silicate paint?

[Nigel Watts]

I am having a change of heart over the external finish to my newly stripped stucco. I had been planning on using silicate paint, as recommended by Bryan, my builder, but am now veering towards a limewash coloured with copperas. When I suggested this to Bryan he looked reluctant "it will need at least eight coats", but admitted it will look better as it will come closer to a stone effect than the paint which, although breathable will be more uniform. He is going to obtain a sample.

 

[andrew gayton]

Limewash; but take great care with adding pigment to prevent dusting.

 

[JoceAndChris]

I think I see what you mean Nigel and Andrew, looking at this pic of Silicate paint it's very, boringly, even compared to limewash piccies.

http://www.mikewye.co.uk/Somerset_Render_Silicate.htm

(I do think that house looks lovely though, and do you want to be committed to scaffolding every few years?)

 

[andrew gayton]

p.s - I doubt that it will require 8 coats of limewash. My flint house took 4; little suction (key) on flint as opposed to stucco! if pigmenting the limewash for the final coat, do yourself a big favour and prime the stucco with 2 coats of plain limewash first - this will ensure a much better result. 2 coats of each should see an acceptable result. If making your own limewash, add no more than 1% raw linseed oil in total. My mix - 100 litres of water, 25 kilos of non-hydraulic lime and 750 ml of raw linseed oil. I applied 4 coats of this to my house and it is still all there 6 years later - pretty amazing when I thought it would frost off the noses of the flints pretty quickly to leave a 'lutyenesque' appearance :wink: .