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Limewash, microcement and plaster: honest wall finishes
Mineral finishes give walls depth that paint can't. Each has a different temperament, and each needs the right wall underneath.
· 5 min read
A mineral finish is visibly made by hand: it varies, it shows the brush or trowel, and it ages. That is the point. We choose between them by asking how the wall will be used and what is under it.
| Limewash | Soft, chalky, breathable; best on mineral plaster; marks easily, touches up easily |
|---|---|
| Lime plaster (polished) | Smooth, deep, more durable; skilled application; good for feature walls |
| Microcement | Thin, continuous, can cover floors and walls; needs a sound, crack-free base and sealing |
| Mineral paint | The easiest route to a matt, mineral look on existing walls |
Before choosing
- Limewash and lime plaster need a porous mineral base; on existing acrylic paint they need a primer made for the purpose.
- Microcement will reflect any crack in the screed or wall beneath. Fix movement first.
- Ask for a 1 m² sample on the real wall, seen in the morning and the evening.