Lime wash, the traditional whitewash, may be used on the exteriors of houses, farm buildings and boundary walls. It is relatively inexpensive, easy to apply and can be recoated periodically. The addition of a small amount of blue pigment can accentuate its brilliance. White cement may also be mixed with the wash. Other colours may be obtained by adding suitable pigments.
Lime wash provides a porous covering which is unaffected by moisture.
If some other type of decoration is to be applied over lime wash, it should be thoroughly scraped and washed down to remove all loose material and then a stabilising primer applied before painting. Though attractive, varnish is expensive to maintain - particularly in exposed positions. Stains are a relatively inexpensive form of decoration, particularly when not exposed to direct rays of the sun. Care should be taken not to splash stain on stone, brick, concrete or cement renderings. Some stains may provide a degree of surface preservation, but should not be considered equal to full preservative treatment.