What is Whitewash? Ask Annie

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/what-is-whitewash-ask-annie.html

posted by Annie B. Bond Sep 3, 2008 3:00 pm

filed under: Blogs, Ask Annie, Green Home Decor, Materials & Architecture, limewash, paint, whitewash

Dear Annie,
I recently came back from Scotland it appears that many of the houses are treated with whitewash. What is it? What is its benefit? –Judith, NY

Dear Judith,
Whitewash is made of mason’s hydrate lime and water. It has been used throughout the world, indoors and out, on plaster, concrete, masonry, and stone. It is sometimes called limewash, and it has a lot about it that is great: It is a natural antiseptic and deters insects.

A simple whitewash formula from my book Better Basics for the Home is 3 gallons of distilled water to 25 pounds of mason’s hydrated lime. In a mixing tub, add the water to the lime to make a paste. Blend well.

Another formula that is more antiseptic because of the added salt is 7 1/2 pounds salt dissolved in 2 1/2 gallons of hot distilled water to 25 pounds mason’s hydrated lime mixed with 3 gallons of distilled water. You can add a natural earth pigment. In separate tubs, prepare the salt and lime mixtures. Combine, stirring to remove all lumps; add more distilled water if the paint is too thick. Add pigment if desired.

We have some milk paint information on the site, also. Whitewash is a close relative.

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Vural K. says
Jun 19, 2009 12:23 AM

thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner,Prefabrik
mega kabin
Konteyner

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Teresa Caldwell says
Sep 19, 2008 8:23 AM

when i was young all our house,s would have been cockroch infested plus bed bugs my parents and gggrand ones all used this white wash inside their house,s as well as the back yard and because the house,s were only 2 up and 2 down and all were so close together that this is what they had to do to keep these insects away the back yard was not only whitewash they used tar on the bottom of the walls as a way of keeping them out the house,s being so small and many familys living so close together it was easy to catch these things but many people just loved a newly whitewash house it smelled so clean hope this helps to answer your question

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Excerpt: spring air mattress Well spoken. I have to research more on this as it is really vital info.
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Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

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