What is Kalklitir’s lime paint?
Our lime paint is a modernised version of the traditional lime paint that has been used for centuries, particularly in European architecture and design. Our lime paint is highly breathable and porous, which allows it to effectively regulate moisture levels in buildings. The Lime in our products is also highly alkaline which prevents the growth of mold or mildew. It is also highly durable and resistant to fading.
In addition to its functional properties, lime paint is also prized for its aesthetic qualities. It has a unique texture and finish that gives it a distinctive look and feel, with a soft, matte appearance that is reminiscent of natural stone or plaster. Our lime paint is VOC-free, all of the pigments (mineral- or oxides) used in our production are safe to use. We produce and sell our lime paint in powder form which makes our products even more eco-friendly.
How much paint do I need?
- 1 kg bag covers approximately 8 square meters / 85 square feet in two layers (we always recommend applying two layers for best results and coverage) Kalklitir
- 500 gr bag covers approximately 4 square meters / 42 square feet in two layers (we always recommend applying two layers for best results and coverage)
Measure the length and height of your wall. Multiply these numbers to find your square feet/metres.
Our products are manufactured both locally and globally. We carefully select our manufacturing partners to ensure our products are high quality and a fair value.
Help with choosing a colour.
It can be challenging to see the exact version of the colour from computer/phone screens as the final outcome depends on the absorption of the surface you are painting on, the painting technique you use, and the light and surrounding colours.
To get the best indication on how the colour will look on your wall, we recommend purchasing a sample pot offered in the webshop.
If you have a specific colour in mind you can see many photos of that colour on Instagram and search for a tag, for example, #kalklitirnoce if you are interested to see photos of the colour “Noce”. Then you will see how the same colour can look differently in different homes and surroundings. Kalklitir
Next to every colour in our webshop is a description (such as strength, tone, and undertone) that can help you with your choice. If you are still not sure, you can contact them via their chat or kalkpaintasia@gmail.com
How do I mix the paint?
To mix the paint, follow the instructions on the “How to mix” page.
Can I make my own colour with Kalklitir?
If you are looking for a specific colour, you can mix 2–3 colours in their collection together to achieve the custom colour that you desire. They recommend mixing 2–3 colours at most as otherwise there is a risk of the wall becoming uneven.
If you like a specific colour in their collection but wish to achieve a lighter version, you can simply mix one of their lighter shades in. The same applies if you wish to achieve a darker colour or a bit more grey — add darker colours.
When mixing your own colour, they advise mixing the colours in powder form first before adding water. Start slowly, test it out, and then gradually add more powder to the mix until you are satisfied.
Can I use Kalklitir’s lime paint directly on my wall?
Yes — their lime paint can be used directly on surfaces that are painted with matt or semi-matt water-based paint, as well as on most unpainted surfaces such as concrete, gips, plaster, and wood. Wall colour does not have to be white before painting with lime paint. Walls need to be clean and free of dust and grease.
Do I need a Primer before painting with Kalklitir’s lime paint?
If you’re applying lime paint on surfaces that have already been painted with oil-based paint or lacquered surfaces, or if you have plaster on parts of the walls where you have fixed holes and cracks, using a water-based acrylic primer before lime paint is advised. Lime paint will not bond with oil-based surfaces. Also, plaster will absorb differently, and applying an acrylic primer to the whole wall prevents discolouration. When painting on wood, use proper material to prevent knots from bleeding through.
Do I need a Top Coat after painting with lime paint?
Top Coat is a VOC-free, water-based product in powder form that can be applied on top of lime-painted surfaces to add a matte protective layer — useful especially if you want extra protection from stains, spots, splashes, etc. The more layers you apply, the better protection you achieve.
What materials would you recommend I have when painting?
- Kalklitir’s lime paint
- Kalklitir’s bristle brush
- Clean bucket/bowl with lid (2.5–3.0 litres)
- Professional electric whisk (or a simple hand whisk — just clean well after use)
- Measuring jug
- Safety goggles / gloves
- Paper / cover for floor protection
- Paint tape
Which method would you recommend I use on my walls?
There are mainly two techniques recommended when working with Kalklitir’s lime paint: the up-and-down technique and X-strokes. The technique you choose is a matter of taste.
- Up-and-down: All brush strokes done in an up-and-down motion. This gives the least amount of "cloudy" effect and texture.
- X-strokes: Strokes are crossed in a 45° angle across each other. This gives a nice even surface with medium to high texture and effect.
There’s no “right or wrong” outcome — because you’re working with a natural material such as lime paint, and the final result will vary depending on your methods.
How do I paint the wall?
Start in the corner at the top of the wall, painting in sections of about 45–90 cm (1.5–3 ft) down towards the floor. The colour will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Make sure to stir well in the bucket before you start and continuously during painting so pigments don’t sink to the bottom (that can cause discolouration).
Try to apply even pressure on your brush strokes — varying pressure can lead to uneven colour (heavier strokes can crush more pigments). Work in the defined sections until the whole wall is covered. They always recommend applying at least two layers — the second layer usually gives the desired depth, effect and texture, and ensures full coverage.
How long does it take to dry?
When finishing the first layer, normally it takes around 2–5 hours before you can start painting the second layer — though this depends on humidity and temperature (hot/dry rooms dry faster than cold/damp ones).
Once the wall is finished, expect a longer drying time for the second layer. Full hardening can take from 4 to 10 days, depending on the colour and environment. Even if the wall seems dry, treat it with extra care during the first few days while it fully hardens.
Do’s and don’ts when using Kalklitir’s lime paint:
Do paint your wall in one go — prevents overlapping dry and wet areas, which can cause discolouration. Kalklitir
Do let the first layer dry completely before applying the second layer. Kalklitir
Do keep a wet cloth around when painting to wipe spills while the paint is still wet. Kalklitir
Do dip your brush well — don’t be afraid to dip more than half-way; this makes painting faster and improves coverage. Kalklitir
Don’t try to fix spots or areas once paint starts drying — this will produce a patchy result. Kalklitir
Don’t allow any water contact with the newly painted wall for at least the first 72 hours — water contact can leave white spots on the wall if the paint hasn’t fully dried.
Tips and tricks:
If you see tiny sand-grain-sized spots from your brush stroke (commonly in darker shades), this usually means there are undissolved pigments. Rubbing them out with your brush during painting should help them dissolve and blend in.
Where can I use Kalklitir’s lime paint?
You can use it on most indoor surfaces — as long as the surface is stable (not flaking), free of dirt, grease and soluble salts, and absorbs the paint well. Suitable surfaces include cement, brick, wood, plasterboard, and surfaces already painted with water-based paint or an acrylic primer (free of Alkyd).
Before painting, prepare surfaces as you would for conventional paint — clean, dust, repair holes, and (where needed) apply an acrylic-based primer to prevent discolouration.
Will lime paint cover embossed or uneven surfaces?
Lime paint’s matte texture will not mask imperfections or variations in underlying uneven or embossed surfaces. It does not fill cracks or holes. That said, Kalklitir notes that using lime paint on uneven surfaces can still yield beautiful results.
Where can I use Kalklitir’s lime paint?
You can use it on most indoor surfaces — as long as the surface is stable (not flaking), free of dirt, grease and soluble salts, and absorbs the paint well. Suitable surfaces include cement, brick, wood, plasterboard, and surfaces already painted with water-based paint or an acrylic primer (free of Alkyd).
Before painting, prepare surfaces as you would for conventional paint — clean, dust, repair holes, and (where needed) apply an acrylic-based primer to prevent discolouration.
Can I use lime paint on floors?
No — Kalklitir’s lime paint is not suitable for floors. The paint is not hard enough and any water absorption could damage it.
Can I use Kalklitir’s lime paint in the bathroom or kitchen?
Their lime paint is not suitable for permanently damp areas or places with constant water exposure (e.g. inside showers).
If you use lime paint around sinks or cooking areas, they recommend applying a Top Coat to protect the wall.
However, because their lime paint has a naturally high pH and is alkaline, it offers natural protection against fungus — so it can be ideal for certain bathroom walls (provided moisture isn’t constant).
Can I use lime paint directly on top of wallpaper?
Can I use lime paint directly on top of wallpaper?
How long will Kalklitir’s lime paint last in powder form or once mixed with water?
Once you mix the powder with water, the paint can be kept for one year in an airtight container. In powder form, it can be kept for years.
Leftovers (mixed or unmixed) can be used for other purposes — for example, painting terracotta flowerpots (letting them “breathe naturally”) or refreshing walls later with a new layer, if you have enough.
Can I change back to "plastic paint"?
Yes — to switch from lime paint to another water-based paint, you need to apply a layer of acrylic-based primer that is free of Alkyd over the lime paint. After that, you can apply any (compatible) paint.
Practical notes when applying lime paint on furniture:
Make sure to sand down and clean the item thoroughly — remove dust, grease, oil, wax. Ensure it’s completely dry.
Use a good-quality brush appropriate for the item.
Usually, a good quality acrylic primer (free of Alkyd) is needed. Apply several light, well-spread layers instead of one thick layer — this helps ensure paint adhesion and prevents flaking.
Let the primer dry thoroughly between layers, and sometimes sanding between layers helps for a smoother finish. Kalklitir
Then apply the lime paint — usually two layers are recommended, letting each layer dry well.
Once the lime paint is dry, you can sand corners or edges for a used / vintage look — just be gentle, because paint is still soft before hardening.
If you want to protect your furniture from wear, grease and stains, you can apply a water-based varnish on top — but only after waiting at least 72 hours (preferably 1–3 weeks) after the final lime paint layer, since the paint needs to harden.
If you prefer a more “antique” look/patina, you may skip varnish. Alternatively, a wax finish can be considered — but only after varnish; applying wax directly over lime paint is discouraged because it can change colour too much, and applying anything on top of wax later is very difficult.