Limewash Paint
The most natural wall finish in the world. Made in Sicily.
What Is Limewash?
Limewash — known in Italian as pittura alla calce — is one of the oldest and most beautiful wall finishes in the world. It is made from slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), water, and natural pigments. Nothing else.
When applied to a wall, limewash doesn't form a plastic film like modern paint. Instead, it undergoes carbonation — a chemical reaction where the calcium hydroxide absorbs carbon dioxide from the air and converts back to calcium carbonate, which is limestone. Your walls literally turn to stone.
This process creates a finish unlike anything else: chalky, luminous, and alive with subtle color variation. Light plays across limewashed walls in a way that flat paint cannot mimic — shifting from warm to cool, from bright to muted, as the day progresses. It is the wall finish of Tuscan farmhouses, Pugliese trulli, Sicilian palazzos, and the most photographed interiors on social media today.
ATRIA's Pittura alla Calce is imported from Colorificio Atria in Partanna, Sicily — where lime finishes have been crafted for generations. This is not a “limewash-look” acrylic paint. It is the real thing.
Six Reasons to Choose Lime
Natural & Breathable
Made from slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) and natural pigments. Limewash is inherently breathable — it allows moisture to pass through walls, preventing mold and mildew. The most natural wall finish available.
Living Patina
Unlike paint that sits on the surface, limewash bonds chemically with the substrate through carbonation. Over time it develops a beautiful, layered patina with natural color variation that no synthetic paint can replicate.
Zero VOC
Pure lime-based paint contains no volatile organic compounds, no plastics, no synthetic binders. It's the healthiest wall finish for homes, especially for those with chemical sensitivities or allergies.
Naturally Antibacterial
Lime is naturally alkaline (pH 12+), making it inherently antibacterial and antifungal. For centuries, lime has been used to whitewash everything from wine cellars to hospitals for its sanitizing properties.
European Authenticity
ATRIA's Pittura alla Calce is imported from Colorificio Atria in Partanna, Sicily — made with traditional Italian formulations. This is the same material that has adorned Mediterranean villas for centuries.
Unlimited Color Range
Custom-tinted in our Dallas facility to any color. From classic white and soft cream to bold terracotta, sage green, or deep charcoal — limewash takes pigment beautifully while maintaining its signature textural depth.
How Limewash Is Applied
Surface Assessment
Limewash works best on porous substrates — bare plaster, brick, stone, or properly prepared drywall. We assess the surface and prepare it for optimal lime adhesion.
Surface Preparation
The substrate must be clean, damp, and free of sealers or glossy paint. For drywall, we apply a lime-compatible primer to create the right porosity. For bare plaster or brick, minimal prep is needed.
First Coat — Base Layer
A diluted first coat is brushed on with natural bristle brushes in cross-hatch strokes. This creates the bond layer and begins to build the characteristic color variation. The lime carbonates as it dries, literally turning to stone.
Second & Third Coats
Additional coats are applied while the previous coat is still slightly damp. Each layer adds depth and complexity to the finish. The brushwork direction, pressure, and overlap create the signature mottled, cloud-like effect.
Curing & Carbonation
Limewash cures through carbonation — absorbing CO₂ from the air and converting back to calcium carbonate (limestone). Full cure takes 2-4 weeks, during which the color lightens and the finish hardens naturally.
Where to Use Limewash
Living Rooms & Great Rooms
Limewash transforms living spaces with warmth and character impossible to achieve with flat paint. The natural color variation creates visual depth that makes walls feel alive — catching morning light differently than evening light.
Bedrooms & Private Spaces
The soft, chalky texture of limewash creates a serene, cocoon-like atmosphere perfect for bedrooms. The breathable nature of lime also contributes to healthier indoor air quality — you're literally sleeping in a room that breathes.
Kitchens & Dining Areas
Mediterranean kitchens have used limewash for centuries — and for good reason. The antibacterial properties, easy touch-up ability, and timeless aesthetic make it ideal. Pair with open shelving, natural stone, and warm metals for the complete European farmhouse look.
Restaurants & Hospitality
Limewash is the finish of choice for farm-to-table restaurants, boutique hotels, and wine bars. It communicates authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection to tradition — values that today's most discerning patrons seek.
Limewash vs. Flat Paint
| Property | ATRIA Limewash | Standard Flat Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Natural lime + pigments | Acrylic/latex polymer |
| VOC Content | Zero | Low to moderate |
| Breathability | Fully breathable | Non-breathable film |
| Antibacterial | Naturally (pH 12+) | No |
| Depth & Texture | Unique color variation | Flat, uniform |
| Touch-Up | Seamless re-coat | Visible patches |
| Environmental Impact | Carbon-negative curing | Plastic-based |
| Longevity (interior) | Decades — improves with age | 5-10 years before repainting |
Common Questions
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Ready for Authentic Limewash?
Experience the most natural, breathable wall finish available — imported from Sicily, custom-tinted in Dallas, applied by artisans who understand lime.