Even a simple lime wash can add colour and cheerfulness to a house while helping the run off of rainwater and adding protection to an exterior render or interior plaster.

Lime putty is mixed with water to the consistency of thin cream and lightly coloured with lime fast pigments before being applied in several passes with a broad brush.

It dries to a soft, chalky finish with the uniquely reflective quality which is lent by the process of carbonation.

It should be noted that since a lime wash is breathable and allows the passage of moisture, walls have a characteristically mottled look on rainy days.