How to Fresco Paint Walls

Create a lime water mixture the night before painting the fresco. The mixture should contain five parts of water for every part of lime powder. Slowly pour the lime powder into the water while gently stirring.

Mix the lime water mixture with the color pigments that will provide the color for the fresco. Three to five parts of water should be used for every part of natural earth or mineral pigment. Ten parts of water should be used for oxide pigments.

Apply the lime plaster to the wall that will be painted. Ensure that the plaster is applied to all parts of the wall and that it is applied in an even manner. The plaster will be ready for the pigments to be applied after approximately two to five hours. The pigment should be applied when the plaster starts to set but is still wet.

Use a high quality synthetic bristle brush to apply the pigment to the plaster. Avoid using long strokes when applying the pigment as this will result in streaking. Allow the fresco to air dry for at least three weeks before allowing any sort of moisture to contact the painting. Resist the temptation to use a sealant, as this will interfere with the natural carbonization of the lime.