Can You Whitewash Concrete?

Surface Preparation

• Before you can coat your concrete surface in a whitewash solution, it needs to be properly cleaned and prepared. Surface cracks are generally not a concern unless they are fissures, in which case you need to patch the fissures with an anti-fracture membrane prior to whitewashing. Otherwise you can simply wash the concrete surface down with regular soap and water to clean any dust or other particulates from the surface.

Weather

• If you are working with an exterior concrete surface, weather is going to be a priority in whitewashing. Rain will wash the concrete-and-lime mixture off of the surface of the concrete if it does not have enough time to cure before raining. Excessively cold temperatures can impede the curing process as well, with concrete blankets required for colder climates. Excessive heat can also affect the curing process by causing the concrete to dry rapidly, thus cracking during the curing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions as to the best temperature to whitewash in.

Pigmentation

• Decide in advance if you want to add any pigmentation to your whitewash. While the traditional form of whitewash is white, you can also add any number of pigments to your whitewash solution to change it to whichever color you prefer. While it is always best to test a small, out-of-the-way section prior to coloring the whole wall, you can experiment with different colors until you achieve your desired shade.

Additives

• Additives come in many different forms, ranging from epoxies to latexes and beyond. The basic whitewash solution is water, cement and lime, but you can also add latex, for example, if you are looking for a more elastic whitewash solution that will help protect against seasonal movement. Epoxy additives can also be used if you are looking for a durable, bacteria-resistant whitewash solution.