How to Lime Wash a Baseboard

Rub all surfaces of the baseboard vigorously with a wire brush. Lime wash adheres better to textured surfaces rather than smooth surfaces.

Use a soft cloth to clean and remove any flakes and debris from the baseboard surfaces. Tape off the edges around baseboard molding or baseboard heaters so you don’t get lime wash on the walls or floors as you paint. Cover the floors with a drop cloth.

Lightly mist the surfaces of the baseboard molding and heaters with a spray bottle filled with fresh, clean water. Allow at least two to three hours before proceeding. Humidity also helps lime wash to adhere to the surface. If you are painting baseboard heaters, turn the heat down or off during the process to prevent lime wash from drying too rapidly.

Pour the lime wash primer into a rubber bucket and mix thoroughly with an electric paint mixing paddle. Apply the primer using a long haired masonry brush. Allow the primer to fully dry before proceeding.

Pour the lime wash paint into a clean rubber bucket. Mix thoroughly with the electric paddle mixer. Use a long haired masonry brush or sponge to apply the lime wash to baseboard molding and baseboard heaters.

Allow the first coat of lime wash to dry thoroughly and apply a second coat. After the second coat has fully dried, assess to see if a third coat is needed. It takes several hours, up to an entire day for lime wash to fully dry.