The days of basic minimalism are becoming a thing of the past. Instead of plain colors and flat surfaces, the mood is shifting to include various tones and textures. The trends of the year thus far are sheer proof. From drenching trends to warm minimalism, people are looking for interesting ways to make their space unique. Enter limewash painting—a storied technique that is becoming a top trend for stylish interiors.

Even if you’re not familiar with the term, you’ve probably seen it on your social feeds. Subtly textured, the technique adds a soft, wave-like look to the paint and gives your walls a hazy, romantic feel. Limewashing isn’t new, but it is becoming popular with homeowners and renters alike. With over 136.9 million views on TikTok, it’s safe to say that the look is more than a fleeting trend.

Aside from its dreamy appearance, limewash painting is easy to DIY. Achieving the effect comes down to a few steps. If you’re ready to give it a try in your home, keep reading to learn how to get started.

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Achieving the Limewash Painted Look

Paint Selection

Refreshing your walls comes down to finding the right type of paint, and that goes tenfold for limewashing. Traditionally, the technique is created by mixing water with paint or by blending two shades while painting. However, with the trend taking off so strongly, several brands offer limewash paint that makes achieving the look even easier. These paints are designed to deliver a soft, textured look as they are being applied.

It’s best to swatch a few shades on the wall to see how the colors will look in the space. Be sure to test in different spots of the wall, including areas that receive a lot of sunlight. This will give you a realistic view of how the finished product will look.

Don’t forget primer

It’s easy to get excited about the project when you’re painting. But before you dive into this technique, it’s important to properly prime the walls. Limewashing depends on layers and a clean surface to create the desired effect. If your walls have been painted before, one layer of primer should suffice, while two coats are recommended for new walls. Priming the surface ensures that the color shows up as depicted and will give you a more saturated look. Once you’ve applied the primer to your walls, give it time to dry before painting. It may take a bit, but it will be worth it in the end.

Layers & Technique

Ok, here’s where things get interesting. To create a gorgeous effect, layering and the painting technique are key. Limewash painting requires two layers of paint, often in different shades, though you can use two colors at the same time. Along with the layers, you’ll need to create the illusion of texture with your painting technique. You can use a paint roller, but a handheld brush is preferred for getting the best look.

With your brush in hand, begin painting in a cross-hatch pattern to create the effect. A sweeping motion is another popular technique to try, especially with darker colors. Sweeping brushstrokes add more depth and ensure that the texture of the finish comes through. For lighter colors, cross-hatching or maneuvering the paint roller in different directions adds variation while keeping the look light and airy.