The Paint hack that makes any room look EXPENSIVE

kirstimairie
Sep 11
2 min read

How to Create a Faux Limewash WalL Finish (The Easy Way)

There’s something about limewashed walls that instantly makes a space feel elevated, cozy, and timeless. The soft, textured finish has that lived-in, European charm—but if you’ve ever looked into the real process, you know it can get pricey and time-consuming.

The good news? You can fake the limewash look with just two paint colors, a brush, and a little patience. Here’s exactly how I did it:

What You’ll Need:

2 coordinating shades of matte or flat paint (pick tones in the same color family for a natural look) but about 2 shades apart in depth. Dont worry you can mix the paint with a dark shade to achieve the perfet colour and even change it up after your first coat
Paint tray lined with foil (for easy cleanup + to keep colors separated)
Wide fence brush or masonry brush (the key to texture!)
Pasint sheets + painter’s tape

Step 1: Prep Your Paint Tray

Line your paint tray with foil and pour your two shades in side by side—not mixed. You want your brush to pick up both colors at once, which gives the wall that dimensional, limewash effect.

Step 2: Use the Crosshatch Technique

Dip your fence brush into the tray, then start applying the paint to the wall using a crosshatch motion (think “X” patterns instead of up-and-down strokes). This technique mimics the movement and variation of traditional limewash.

Step 3: Build Up the Layers

Apply 2–3 coats, letting each one dry before adding the next. Don’t worry if the first coat looks patchy—that’s completely normal. Each layer adds depth and texture until the wall comes to life.

Step 4: Trust the Process

This is not a neat-and-tidy paint job. It’s all about imperfection, variation, and softness. Once the final coat dries, you’ll see the full effect: a beautiful, organic finish that looks high-end but costs a fraction of the price.

The Result

For the price of two gallons of paint and a brush, you can transform any room into a cozy, elevated space with tons of character. Whether you use this technique on an accent wall, a bedroom, or even your entire living room, the results are truly stunning.

✨ Would you try this DIY faux limewash in your home?