Painting with water-based paint on whitewash: is it possible and when is it better not to do this, surface preparation and painting

Is it even possible?

Of course, no one can forbid you to paint your own ceiling or walls however you like, but what will be the result? Let's consider several scenarios in order to decide when you should absolutely not paint a whitewashed ceiling with water-based emulsion, and when you can still make an exception.

Option #1

There is a smooth and beautiful, but thick layer of lime or chalk on the ceiling. The hand does not rise to wash away, and the water is on the meter. Decided to paint it. Water-based paint applied to whitewash will soak it, and, since the coating is very thick, it will begin to:

• exfoliate,
• crumble,
• swell and fall in large pieces.

The ceiling will look miserable, and you will have to remove two layers of material, wasting time and money.

Conclusion: densely applied whitewash must be removed in order for the new coating to be of high quality and presentable in appearance; and if the whitewashed ceiling is clean, smooth and looks fresh, then maybe you shouldn’t touch it yet?

Option No. 2

The old coating was cracked in places, crumbled, and in some places swelled with bubbles. It was decided to clean the problem areas with a spatula, rub them with sandpaper and apply water-based paint over the remaining whitewash. Eventually:

• the ceiling will look like an abandoned battlefield: irregularities will immediately catch your eye;
• Surely, under the weight of fresh paint, the old, barely adhering layer of whitewash will begin to leave the surface.
• You will not like the result, and everything will have to be redone, and thoroughly.

Conclusion: if the old coating begins to deteriorate and crumble, then repainting it will not save it; You can paint with water-based paint only after the unusable layer has been completely removed.

Option No. 3

The ceiling is smooth, the painting material holds firmly, is not applied very thickly, but there are stains and stains from water on the surface (including traces of rust), sooty areas or signs of mold. You decide to simply paint with water-based paint to make the ceiling look clean. More likely:

• spots will appear even through two layers of paint, that is, the color in these areas will still be different from the rest, so the effect of “purity” will not work;
• the mold will “grow” and feel great, gradually developing new territories on the ceiling (and not only!);
• You may want to paint it again, but applying water-based paint on lime more than twice is a real provocation; the coating will crumble.

Conclusion: whitewash with traces of emerging life and dirt must be decisively removed!

Option No. 4

The ceiling was whitewashed only once, so there is little chalk on the surface; The coating is clean, smooth and does not crumble anywhere. Try this experiment: apply a little primer to a small area and let it dry. Now lightly scratch this area. Doesn't it fall out? This means you can paint with water-based emulsion!

Painting

Walls are painted in three layers: the first is primer, the next two are paint and varnish.

Painting is carried out in stripes overlapping each other at the junction in the manner of writing the letter “W”.

It is better to start work in daylight in the direction from the window in the opposite direction.

How to prepare a wall for painting

The preliminary stage includes plastering the uneven walls, then applying a layer of putty. After the materials have dried, the walls are washed with soapy water and a layer of primer is applied.

Popular Technologies

There are three main technologies for painting walls:

• brush;
• roller;
• spray gun.

Brush painting is an energy-intensive process with less than ideal results. The brush applies the paint unevenly and leaves streaks. However, you cannot do without a brush when processing areas in corners, at the joints with the ceiling, and around window frames. To do this, you need to choose a brush 10-15 cm wide, immerse it in liquid up to a third of the bristles, and use a mesh to get rid of excess on the brush.

Painting with a roller is a quick method that requires care in distributing the paint, first on the roller itself, then on the wall to avoid drips and splashes. To do this, use a special tray with a container for water emulsion and a place for rolling.

The use of a spray gun gives a high-quality layer without streaks, omissions, smudges, or color differences. The device is characterized by a large simultaneous coverage of the wall area, which speeds up the painting process.

How to paint over old paint

It is possible to update the interior without bothering to remove the old coating only if the old paint does not peel off. For a new coating with water-based emulsion, you need to sand the wall, apply a primer layer, and then start painting.

If the old paint is covered with cracks, chips, or peeling places, then for better adhesion of the new coating it must be removed. The water-dispersion coating can be washed off with a special solvent, or mechanically using a spatula, chisel, grinder, hair dryer, etc.

How to apply to different surfaces

You can paint wallpaper, textured plaster, plasterboard structures, and old finishes with oil paint with a water-dispersion emulsion. Each of these cases requires an individual solution.

You can paint wallpaper that is specially marked “for painting”!

Others may behave unpredictably under the coloring composition - get wet, change the degree of smoothness of the surface, peel off from the wall, absorb the paint unevenly, creating streaks.

Plasterboard walls are becoming more popular due to the variety of shapes they can create and their smooth surface.

This simplifies the process of wallpapering, but painting requires a number of manipulations.

Painting of drywall is possible when applied to a layer of finishing putty. The layer of putty here can be minimal, since it is intended not to level, but to create a uniform surface without seams and putty at the joints to obtain a uniform color in just one layer of paint.

You should not apply water-based emulsion to whitewashed surfaces - it is better to wash off the whitewash first. Chalk or lime compounds will begin to crack and peel under the paint, forcing you to repaint the walls once a year.

Dyeing process

Any surface needs preparation before finishing; in this case, you need to do the following:

• clean the ceiling from accumulated dust; This can be done using a vacuum cleaner or a well-wrung out damp cloth;
• put a layer of primer on a dry surface; it is possible to use a water-based emulsion diluted with water at least five times as a priming composition, but it is better to purchase a special deep penetration composition; let dry;

Now it's time to start painting. Tools to choose from: brushes and paint roller, spray gun.

Masking tape will be required in any case. Paper tape should be used to cover the perimeter of the walls just below the ceiling to protect them from paint.

Attention: before use, the water-based emulsion must be thoroughly mixed using a construction mixer or drill with an appropriate attachment.

If the household does not have a paint sprayer, then use a brush to paint the corners and joints (along the glued tape). Paint is poured into a special tray and the coat of a roller (with short pile or foam rubber) is soaked with it; excess liquid is removed by rolling it along the grooved surface of the tray.

The material must be applied with careful, quick movements, without smearing the paint and preventing the formation of streaks and drops. Small areas should be painted, square by square.

It is very important to wait a few hours for the first coat to dry completely before applying the paint a second time.

Important: initial painting should be done by moving the roller parallel to the wall with the window opening. When applying the second layer, the roller must be rolled perpendicular to this wall, that is, in the direction of natural light entering the room. A ceiling painted this way usually looks immaculate; visual defects in the form of stripes and spots do not appear on the surface.

If you decide to work with a spray gun, it’s even better, since when painting the surface will come into contact exclusively with the paint, without being subjected to additional “stress.” In addition, in skillful hands the sprayer works just perfectly: the layer of material is as thin and even as possible, excess moisture does not accumulate on the ceiling, and the coating dries quickly.

Note: if you have little experience in handling a spray gun, it would be good to practice a little on a piece of cardboard or plywood. After finishing, the tool must be disassembled and thoroughly washed every part that came into contact with the paint.

Ceiling painting

Even in the case of a perfectly smooth and durable whitewash, experienced builders advise priming the ceiling surface and only then applying a water-based composition. This important action largely determines how the coating will lay down and how durable and smooth it will be.

During the painting process, you should follow some recommendations.

• Painting is carried out using a roller or spray gun by spraying. Using a paint brush and a narrow brush, difficult areas, joints and corners are painted, as well as the necessary correction. If a roller is used, it must have long pile.

• When painting, good lighting is desirable to help avoid the appearance of streaks on the surface from hand tools. Processing always begins with corner areas and joints connecting the walls and ceiling; in a living room this is the central (far) corner from the entrance opening.
• Use a roller to apply the water-based paint back and forth so that it is distributed evenly, so careful rolling is important. Excess paint is first removed from the roller using a ribbed surface.

An electric spray gun will help in uniformly painting the ceilings. In addition to the fact that it significantly reduces the labor intensity of the process over large areas and saves processing time, it can be used to achieve a minimum layer thickness, and therefore faster drying. Painting by spraying does not leave drips, streaks and streaks that occur when working with a brush and roller. When finishing the ceiling, you only need an extension cord for the sprayer.

You can also use the manual option for water-based paints, which is more affordable and easy to use. The device uses lower pressure than electric models, but you can get around this by choosing higher quality paints and adjusting the consistency of the solution.

If a layer of another coating is applied over water-based paint, maximum surface strength will be achieved.

It turns out that water-based dyes themselves can perform the task of a primer. Such materials are the fastest drying; the maximum drying time for most types is two hours. This is an advantage of these paintwork materials, but it also poses some difficulty during the work process, because the correction of stains and other defects must be done quickly.

What difficulties might arise?

The question of whether it is possible to paint a ceiling over old whitewash with water-based paint is difficult to answer unequivocally. When making a positive decision, one cannot be absolutely sure of the success of this enterprise. Here are some arguments against:

1. There is no guarantee that the seemingly strong old layer will not weaken in some places; The risk of getting a short-lived result still remains.
2. Whitewash tends to get wet very quickly, becoming sticky; You may have to deal with such an unpleasant phenomenon as its smearing and small fragments sticking to the roller or brush.
3. On a whitewashed ceiling it is difficult to see small irregularities or cracks under a layer of lime, but they will certainly make themselves felt after painting (the paint will highlight them).

Note: it is better to take a water-based emulsion with a matte effect; This coating smooths out and masks surface imperfections.

If the walls are covered with lime

Of course, it will not be possible to obtain a perfectly smooth coating without first removing the previous layer and plastering. But as a temporary measure, this method is quite suitable.

If the whitewash layer is small, and the surface is fairly smooth and does not crumble, you don’t have to rush to clean it. Water emulsion works well on lime. But it’s still better to play it safe and, to prevent the paint from crumbling, coat the wall with a primer. Cracks and potholes must first be plastered. You can get the desired color by adding colored pigment to the water emulsion.

Do I need a primer?

If you want to get a strong and durable coating, you should not skip this step. Moreover, the primer is inexpensive. Its main purpose is to strengthen the base and improve the adhesion of paint to the wall. After treatment with a similar composition, a loose wall turns into a monolithic and durable coating.

The primer is able to fill the smallest pores, and the surface after its application looks smoother. The fact is that such compositions form a thin, durable film that prevents moisture from being absorbed from the paint. As a result, it lies flatter. Therefore, before applying water-based paint to lime, be sure to prime the surface.

Since it is sold in concentrated form, dilute it with water according to the instructions on the package. If the composition is too thick, streaks may form on the walls. It is better to add a little more liquid and treat the surface twice.

You can replace the primer with regular PVA glue. It is added to the water emulsion in a ratio of 1:10. The result is a waterproof composition, similar in properties to acrylic. A wall covered with this paint can even be washed.

Cleaning chalked walls

It is not recommended to apply water-based paint to chalk whitewash. It will not stick, and after application the paint will simply crumble.

It is not difficult to check whether the walls are whitewashed with lime or chalk. It is enough to run your hand over the surface. If there is a significant amount of white residue left on the palm, the walls are covered with chalk. This means that it will not be possible to paint them with a water-dispersed composition without first removing the old whitewash.

If the layer of whitewash is thin, you can try to go over it with a primer, and only then paint over it. It is better to do this in a small area. Is the paint still peeling off? You will have to completely remove the old nabel. Wetting the surface with one of the following compounds will help speed up the cleaning procedure:

• Dilute grated soap without fragrance into 10 liters of water and add 4 tbsp. spoons (handful) of baking soda or soda ash;
• You can add 1 tbsp to the same amount of liquid. a spoon (18-20 mg) of ammonia;
• 5 liters of water are mixed with a spoon of 70% vinegar and a small amount of dishwashing detergent.

You can also use wallpaper remover to soften the stain. The surface must be moistened with any of the specified solutions using a spray bottle. After 10 minutes, the lime will soften and can be easily removed with a spatula. To avoid having to wash the floor in the future, it should first be covered with film.

Water evaporates from the walls quite quickly, so there is no point in wetting the entire surface at once. Once a small area has been cleaned, move on to the next one. Next, the surface is puttied and then primed.

How to clean the base from poor-quality whitewash?

You should always be prepared for the fact that the previous coating will still have to be removed. A layer of lime, so strong and even at first glance, can present an unpleasant surprise, and then the owners will be forced to renovate the ceiling or walls. Sometimes this happens after the paint has been applied.

Removing whitewash is required in most cases, so you should know how to do it effectively and without a lot of time. It all depends on the thickness of the old layer and its strength:

• if the thickness is insignificant, then a grinding machine for walls and ceilings will quickly cope with cleaning, and at the same time give the surface smoothness;
• the average size of the layer is easier to separate from the walls by picking it up with a roller with hard bristles or a poppy brush, having previously moistened them in water or using a spray bottle;
• thick layers of old whitewash are removed with a scraper or spatula, after wetting the coating and allowing it to swell, you can add vinegar or citric acid to the water.

After cleaning, the surface is examined for the presence of grease stains, rust and dirt.

Traces of rust are washed off with copper sulfate emulsion, grease is washed off with laundry (soda ash). If soot is present, it can be cleaned with hydrochloric acid. You can also wash off the previous coating with water with soap and regular soda rubbed into it, special removers or paste, which, in addition to the old layer, removes dirt and dust.

Painting technology

All work is carried out at temperatures above +5°C. You should not start painting in hot weather - the liquid will evaporate too quickly and streaks will appear.

If the water-based paint has dried out during storage, you need to add a little liquid. Please note that paint dissolves very slowly in water. It must be mixed until a homogeneous composition is obtained. It is more convenient to do this with a construction mixer or a drill with a special attachment. If color is required, add it before stirring.

So, step by step, how to paint a ceiling with water-based paint over whitewash:

1. You will need a long nap roller or spray gun. To treat small areas, you can take a regular paint brush. When using a roller, you will also need to purchase a special tray for pouring paint.
2. First, hard-to-reach places in corners and niches behind radiators are painted. It is impossible to do this with a roller. Use a small brush.
3. Don't use too much paint. Be sure to press the brush or roller against the edge of the tray or jar.
4. No chaotic movements. The strokes are made strictly in one direction, away from the window. (Stripes running across the room will be noticeable.)
5. Unlike lime, water-dispersed compositions do not form joints. Therefore, accidentally unpainted areas can be reworked the next day.
6. Water-based emulsion has a high covering power, so most often one single layer is enough. If a second application is required, this must be done after 6-8 hours. Otherwise, the undried water emulsion will peel off.
7. For re-painting, it is better to use a short-nap roller. Paint will be used more economically. And the surface will be smooth, without streaks.

So, we found out that it is allowed to paint with water-based paint over lime. Walls covered with a chalk composition should first be cleared of buildup. If you follow the above recommendations, you will be able to put your home in order in a short time without significant material costs. Violation of the painting technology may lead to repeated repairs. The crumbled layer will have to be removed and all work done again.

Dyeing technology

The technology for painting the ceiling includes instructions on how to prepare the base and how to paint the ceiling with water-based whitewash paint with your own hands.

Preparing the surface of the walls and ceiling

In the process of preparing for painting, a problem always arises: is it possible to apply water-based paint to the whitewash, how will the mixture adhere, and will it be necessary to repaint the walls and ceiling after some time?

If the layer of whitewash on the wall or ceiling is thin, the mixture holds tightly and does not fall down, the surface can be painted without removing the previous layer. Will the water-based emulsion adhere to the whitewash, and how smooth will such a coating be? Yes, it will; in addition, this approach will save time and money, not requiring lengthy preparation of the base for painting.

Is it possible to paint with water-based paint over whitewash?

Each of us at least once in our lives has had or will have to make repairs in our homes. And this process, as you know, requires a lot of investment not only in time, but also in effort, not to mention the financial side of the issue. Therefore, I want the result to be as good as possible, and spending time at home always brings pleasure and contributes to good rest.

Sometimes, to make your favorite bedroom or office feel cozier and fresher, all you need to do is change the curtains and paint the walls a different color. However, you also need to approach this wisely, thinking through everything down to the smallest detail. For example, now many are wondering whether it is possible to apply water-based paint over lime and whether the whitewash will begin to peel off over time.

Is it possible to paint a whitewashed surface with water-based paint?

Surely, when renovating an apartment or any other room, many people wonder whether it is possible to paint a whitewashed surface with water-based paint. Recently, lime finishing is becoming less and less common, because the fashion for this type of whitewash has long passed. In addition, the process of removing it is accompanied by a lot of dirt and debris. Therefore, there is often a desire not to remove the old coating from the walls, but to immediately paint it with water-based emulsion. We don’t argue that this option is possible, but only if:

• The surface of the ceiling or walls is not covered with defects in the form of pits, since the paint will only help to emphasize them;
• There is no fungus or mold on the old coating, because soon after painting these “guests” will make themselves felt again, and then it will not only be necessary to wash off the whitewashed walls, but also treat them with a special antiseptic solution;
• Traces of rust or water stains are visible on the whitewash, since the painting will not be perfect, and in those places covered with lime the color will again become darker (those who apply three or more layers are trying in vain);
• Lime, applied in a very thin layer, lies perfectly on the wall, while the painting over the entire surface is even and has no cracks or bumps;
• It holds tightly and is not prone to sagging or falling off, so painting will not be in vain.

Otherwise, if you pass water-based paint at least once over a whitewash that has the above-mentioned errors, it will simply get wet, become sticky, and during painting some particles of the wall will begin to attach to the roller, which will not only spoil the aesthetic appearance of the finish, but also your mood.

do not forget to prime the ceiling with a deep penetration primer

In order to avoid this, it is necessary to prepare the surface for repair work. First you need to use a spatula or scraper to remove all those places of whitewash that can be removed without any effort. Next, you should loosen the lime coating by soaking it with warm water, and then easily scrape off all the remaining fragments.

The next step in this process should be to completely clean the walls (ceiling). This can be done using a wrung out damp towel or a vacuum cleaner. And finally, the surface must be covered with a layer of primer, because then the water-based emulsion adheres more firmly to the whitewash. Only after doing all of the above is a positive result of the repair possible. Now apply water-based paints and don’t be afraid that soon all this will need to be redone.

The main stage of painting

Painting tools

To perform high-quality painting of the ceiling with paint based on water emulsion, you will need:

1. paint brush for painting butt joints between the wall and ceiling, as well as corners;
2. a narrow brush for making corrections;
3. fur, long-haired roller,
4. paint tray,
5. ribbed surface for even distribution of paint over the surface of the roller.

Coloring rules

just like when whitewashing with chalk, it is better to apply the first layer of paint parallel to the rays of light from the window, and the second - parallel to the window frame

Many people do not know how to paint a ceiling with water-based paint correctly. In most cases, they do not take into account the direction of the light flux and many other nuances during painting work. Therefore, the painted surface turns out uneven, with stripes from the passage of a brush or roller, with lighter or darker spots. To prevent this from happening to you, follow these rules.

• You should always start painting from the corners and joints between the wall and the ceiling. In this case, the farthest corner relative to the front door is painted first. To do this, wet a wide paint brush halfway in the paint, then squeeze it out slightly to remove excess. A passage is made along the entire perimeter, 3 to 5 cm wide. Thanks to this, during further painting with a roller, the junction of the ceiling and the walls, as well as the corners, will not be damaged.
• The main whitewashing of the ceiling with water-based paint is done with a roller. It is applied in three passes, regardless of what type of paint is chosen. In this case, the very first pass of paint is carried out parallel to the rays of light incident from the window. The second is in a direction perpendicular to it. The latter should always be directed towards the window.
• Each subsequent painting is carried out only on the well-dried previous layer. This requires from 8 to 12 hours.

Painting technology

1. In a tray filled with paint, moisten the roller and rub it three or four times over the rough surface. This will allow the paint to spread evenly across the roller.
2. Make the first pass on the ceiling section. Starting from the corner on the left side of the wall opposite the window.
3. The roller must be moved from left to right. Then change direction. In this case, you need to ensure that the paint is applied in an even layer, without visible transitions. You can also move the roller using W-shaped movements.
4. The following technique will help remove excess applied paint: when there is no more paint left on the roller, pass it over the painted surface. It will absorb all the excess.
5. While painting, use a directed bright beam of light to check the quality of the paint.
6. Using a new roller during the last painting will ensure a uniform surface.
7. Until the paint has completely dried, no drafts are allowed in the room. It is advisable to protect the painted surface from direct sunlight. This will prevent stains from appearing. Do not try to dry the painted surface with electrical appliances.

Features of painting a plastered surface

The ceiling to which plaster has been applied can be painted using a special spray gun or a regular vacuum cleaner. They provide high-quality, uniform distribution of paint on the plastered ceiling surface. At the same time, it lays down in a thin, even layer. It is best to paint using a spray gun over a primer that has already been applied with a roller or brush.

If, when painting the ceiling with water-based paint, all the technology was strictly followed, then the result will delight you with the beauty and uniformity of the surface.

How to properly apply water-based emulsion to lime

You can use any water-based paint for whitewashing, however, be sure to pay attention to where you will use it. For a bathroom or kitchen, paint with a waterproof composition is best, and for other rooms all types.

Before starting work, the water-based emulsion is thoroughly mixed and, if necessary, water is added. To begin with, using a brush, you should apply water-based paint to the corners of the room, as well as other areas that cannot be reached with a roller. After this, you should paint the remaining areas, carefully distributing the paint to avoid the formation of drips. To satisfy you with the result, you need to apply at least two layers of water-based emulsion. However, the first layer must be completely dry before recoating.

As recommended by professionals, the best option is matte water-based paint, since it can easily mask all surface imperfections, and at the same time always looks impeccable in any color.

How to paint a ceiling with water-based emulsion with your own hands

Each of the water-based paints has instructions for use on the can. The operating procedure is described there. Some compositions just need to be stirred well before use: undissolved polymers may settle at the bottom of the jar. Some formulations require dilution. The amount of water added is also specified in the instructions and depends on the application method. For spray guns, the dilution is stronger; when using a roller, thicker formulations are required.

Paint tray makes the job easier

When diluting the emulsion with water, add it in small portions. Stir thoroughly and try on a surface area. If the paint goes on evenly and almost completely covers the base, you can paint.

It is more convenient to pour the paint into a special container with a tray and a ribbed platform. You can use a regular basin and a clean piece of oilcloth spread nearby. It's not as convenient, but less expensive.

Which roller to choose

A roller for painting the ceiling with water-based emulsion is needed with dense short pile. You need to examine him carefully. The pile should “sit” firmly and under no circumstances should it “climb out”, even if you pull on it. Then inspect how the seam is made. Under no circumstances should he stand out. It must be difficult to find. It is best if it is made obliquely.

Rollers for painting the ceiling with water-based emulsion

Pay maximum attention to choosing a roller: the quality of painting - the absence of stripes on the ceiling - largely depends on how good a tool you have chosen. It is more convenient to whiten the ceiling with water-based emulsion not from a stepladder, but from the floor. To do this, the roller is placed on a long handle and secured well.

How to paint without streaks

To avoid streaks on the ceiling, painting the ceiling with water-based paint should be completed no later than in 20 minutes. Immediately after application, water begins to actively absorb/evaporate and stripes appear at the junction of the dried and “fresh” paint. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare the room. It is necessary to turn off (wrap up) the heating radiators and prevent a draft. It is also advisable to wash the floor immediately before whitewashing; even if you work during the day, turn on the lighting, this will allow you to better control the quality of the paint. Afterwards you can start working.

Ready-to-use water-based paint is poured into a container, a roller is dipped into it, then rolled well over the site, achieving uniform distribution over the entire surface. When the roller has a uniform color, they begin to paint.

The corners are painted first with a brush. After applying a little paint, take a small roller and roll it out well. Then they begin to paint the main surface. The first layer is applied parallel to the window, the second - perpendicular.

You need to stand so that you look at the area to be painted at an angle. This will give you a good look at how evenly the paint has spread, as well as where you have already painted and where you haven't. Move systematically, without jumping from one piece to another.

It is more convenient to paint from the floor, and to do this, the roller must be attached to a long but light handle

The width of the strip painted at a time is slightly larger than the width of the roller. After wetting the roller, place it approximately in the middle of the strip. Quickly roll the paint in both directions from one wall to the other. Don't waste a lot of time: you don't have much of it. On average, the water emulsion dries in 10-20 seconds. If you didn’t have time to apply the strip next to it before, the border will be clearly visible, which you won’t get rid of. Having distributed the paint more or less evenly over the strip, dip the roller into the paint and roll it out again from the middle of the ceiling. At the same time, go beyond the already painted strip by about 10 cm. All this at a good pace without stops and smoke breaks. The edges of the painted strip should not dry out. In general, these are all the rules.

After applying the first coat of paint, some areas may not be painted as well. You need to wait for it to dry completely and paint it a second time. This should already be enough to obtain a flat surface. If even after the third layer of water-based paint you still have streaks and stains on the ceiling, you will have to redo it again. It is necessary to level the surface with sandpaper, prime it again and paint again.

What color

The easiest way to achieve perfect evenness is to use “snow-white” paint. All pigments clearly highlight even small irregularities, so the process of puttying the ceiling should be given maximum attention or use an acrylic or silicone-based water-based emulsion.

What are the advantages of water-based emulsion compared to other paints?

Water-based paints contain, in addition to water, varnish, drying oil, various resins and much more. They differ from acrylic, oil and other types of coloring agents, but are superior to them in many ways.

The main advantages of painting with water-based emulsion:

• It is easily applied to surfaces when painting and can also be easily removed;
• Does not cause harm to health, as it is absolutely non-toxic;
• It tightens cracks, hides uneven walls and ceilings and is not afraid of water (depending on the type of paint, it can be washed or not);
• Has a wide range of textures and colors;
• It is known for its hypoallergenicity, and can last a very long time (of course, this depends on whether the paint is applied correctly).

Thus, whitewashing with water-based lime paint is possible, but it is still better to clean it, because you cannot be one hundred percent sure that even a very thin and strong layer will not fall off after some time. Be that as it may, with the help of this option you can completely improve your home in a short time and with small investments and enjoy the result of the work done. Comfort and warmth of home to you!

No. 5. Preparing a solution for whitewashing

Since lime is used more often, we’ll start with it. The process of preparing the material is simple, but it still requires care. So, how to dilute lime for whitewashing?

• First you need to prepare all the necessary ingredients in the required quantities. We will need 10 liters of water, 2-3 kg of slaked lime, 150-200 g of aluminum alum, 50-100 g of coarse salt, which is pre-soaked, and a teaspoon of blue (if whitewash is needed) or 400-500 g of dye;
• dissolve all components in a small amount of warm water (about 1 l), then bring the volume of the solution to 10 l and mix thoroughly;
• If you are preparing a solution of colored whitewash, it is better to immediately prepare the amount required to finish the entire surface. Otherwise, it will be almost impossible to repeat the shade, no matter how accurately you measure all the ingredients;
• If you bought or simply have quicklime at your disposal, you can extinguish it at home. It is enough to mix it with water in equal proportions and stir thoroughly for 15-25 minutes. It is advisable to then leave the lime for 15 days in a closed container - this way it will lie on the surface as evenly as possible;
• The consumption of lime whitewash solution depends on the type of tool used for application and the characteristics of the material. Average consumption is 0.5 liters of solution per 1 m2 of surface.

Now let's look at how to dilute chalk-based whitewash:

• 30 g of wood glue, 3 kg of sifted chalk, 15-20 g of blue to enhance whiteness are dissolved in 5 liters of warm water. This amount of solution is enough for approximately 10 m2 of surface;
• The consistency of the solution can be checked with a knife. If you dip the blade and pull it out, the solution should not completely drain from it. If it drains, completely exposing the blade, then you can add a little more chalk, and it is better to do this in small portions.

Note that ready-made dry mixtures are also available for sale, where lime or chalk has already been mixed in the required proportions with other components - you just need to add the required amount of water. Such mixtures are more expensive if you take all the ingredients separately, but the difference is small.

Features of water-based paint

Water-based paint is significantly different from other types. It dries much faster. The fastest drying paint takes only two hours. The water emulsion will not cause harm to health; it contains no toxic substances. You can work without a mask; there is no need to close the room until it dries completely. Due to the absence of harmful substances, the paint has no odor.

There is no need to ventilate the room after this.

• The choice of colors is unlimited. Using a color scheme, you can make the shade you want yourself. The paint is sold primarily in white form.
• The paint is easy to apply and anyone can do it themselves. The water emulsion will serve you for 15 years without shedding. At the same time, it is inexpensive.
• There are also disadvantages to water-based emulsion. The operating temperature should not be below 5 degrees. Painting is possible only in the warm season or in a heated room.
• The paint does not like direct mechanical influences; over time it will wear off and be washed off due to frequent cleaning. She doesn't really like water.

Types of water-based paint

Water emulsion is divided into 4 types according to composition: acrylic, silicone, silicate, mineral. Some will cost more, others will cost less. Let's take a closer look at them.

Acrylic paint. It is used most often, but therefore it is not cheap. It has the highest quality set of characteristics. Suitable for painting inside and outside. Due to the acrylic content, the paint is waterproof.

It can be washed without risk of abrasion and used in rooms with high humidity. It is the easiest to apply; it does not absorb into the surface. If the paint contains latex, it can cover small cracks. Acrylic paint is not subject to fading: the sun is not afraid of it. At the same time, it is safe and does not emit unpleasant odors: you can paint a nursery or kitchen.

Silicone. The paint is suitable for rooms with high humidity. Better suited than acrylic. The structure of silicone is much more elastic than latex, which means that it can hide larger cracks. The paint allows steam to pass through, which will save you from the appearance of mold and mildew. There is no need to additionally impregnate with antifungal compounds. Good for the bath or kitchen. Repels dirt - you don't have to clean the surface often.

Silicate. Ideal for finishing the outside of a house. Not suitable for interior decoration. Can be used for outdoor work or in extensions without heating. Long service life and resistance to any weather conditions make it the best among paints for exterior decoration.

Understanding the types of paint

So, in order to understand what effect to expect from this or that coating, we need to understand what types of paints there are and what properties they have.

Lime mortar is exactly what we just looked at. Cheap, durable, with a lot of advantages and one drawback - the final surface after whitewashing is uneven and does not meet modern repair standards. Lime is sold in two types: slaked and quicklime. Quicklime is cheaper - but to pay it off, you need to suffer. And this is not so safe due to the release of a huge amount of heat upon contact with water - more than 100 0C! It is easy to work with a ready-made, slaked one, and no preliminary preparations are required.

Silicate paint - used mainly for outdoor work on plaster or stone. The paint is extremely resistant to various atmospheric conditions, it does not fade, and can be washed if necessary. The basis for production is potassium glass, so it is not so cheap and widespread. There is no need to use this paint for interior decoration, unless you need exactly these properties.

How to paint a ceiling with water-based paint over whitewash

It is still not recommended to apply paint to whitewash. It must first be removed. Painting over whitewash is possible only if it is in perfect condition: if it does not crumble or crack. Try running a clean roller over it. If the whitewash does not remain on the roller and does not begin to fall off, then you can paint directly on it.

If the whitewash is swollen or cracked, then you cannot apply paint to the whitewash. Otherwise, it will begin to crumble right in the process of work. The paint will lie unevenly, and your ceiling will be hopelessly damaged.

If you still plan to apply paint to the whitewash layer, then all you need to do is simply prime the surface of the ceiling. After this, try to disturb the surface again, and if there are no falls, then go to work.

Paint selection

Many people ask, is it possible to apply water-based paint to whitewash? In fact, this finishing material is the only adequate way to paint such a problematic surface. Moreover, such paint does not require the use of a primer, having the function of the latter itself. But, again, it is necessary to ensure the strength of the whitewash layer.

If you plan to apply oil paint or enamel to the whitewash, then it is better to refrain from this step, as the result will be disastrous.

Ceiling preparation

The first thing you need to do when working with paint is to remove all the furniture. Of course, you can cover it with film, but there is no guarantee that there are no holes in it or that it will not tear. It's better to endure everything. When working, use gloves and a mask. Lime is not good for health.

Whitewash is easier to remove when wet. Use warm soapy water. Apply it around the entire perimeter of the ceiling. Change the water when it gets dirty. Treat the entire ceiling thoroughly.

If you have a thin layer of whitewash, then when soaked, you can remove it with a regular roller. Also moisten it periodically with water. Instead of a roller, you can use a brush. For ease of work, you can use a spray bottle and wet the ceiling with it, and remove the coating with a sponge.

If the whitewash is not removed in this way, you will have to work with a spatula. Use it to scrape off the whitewash from the ceiling.

Another way to remove it is with a paste. It simply sticks to the whitewash and, after drying, turns into a film that is easier to peel off. You can make the paste yourself. Add flour or starch to boiled water. Stir gradually to prevent the formation of lumps. Cool the mixture slightly and apply it to the ceiling with a roller or brush, spreading evenly. Then wait until the mixture dries and forms a crust. Remove it with a spatula.

If this does not help, the whitewash can only be removed with a sanding machine. There will be enough drinking, so close the door and put on a protective suit. Then you will need to thoroughly clean the entire room. Preferably several times with special means.

And the most radical way of getting rid of it is removal with acid. You need to work with full protection: glasses, mask, gloves and suit. Add acetic acid in small portions to water. There should be no more than 3% acid per volume of water. The order is exactly this: water, then small portions of acid, otherwise it will react. Apply the solution to the ceiling with a brush and then remove the coating with a spatula or brush. The ceiling surface must be washed with soapy water.

After removing the whitewash, fill all cracks and holes. Prime the surface. Choose a primer specifically for the paint that you will be applying. Preferably from the same manufacturer.

Surface preparation

So, upon visual inspection of the wall, you determined that the old coating needs to be removed.

To carry out preparatory work, proceed according to the following plan:

• Remove loose areas from the surface. It is convenient to carry out such work using a construction spatula or scraper. Remove only those areas that easily “lag” behind the wall. If the layer is thin, you can use a roller or brush to remove it.
• Soak off any remaining limescale with hot soapy water. This is the most effective method of loosening whitewash. To remove the coating, dampen the wall with a soft, damp cloth. Treat the surface until the chalk or lime begins to “come off”.
• Remove the remaining layers with a spatula.
• After the wall is dry, seal the cracks with putty and level the base.
• Cover the surface with primer.

Painting the ceiling

Before application, you need to add color. The main difficulty is to dilute at once as much as is needed for coating, otherwise it will be very difficult to get exactly the same color.

Pour some paint into a measuring container. Inject the color through the syringe. It is important to use measuring containers, since these measurements will guide you when adding color to the main container. Remember your results and calculate how much color you need for the volume of your paint bucket. After you have mixed them, try spreading a little on a small area and see if it is the color you want.

The instructions for the paint describe in detail how and in what quantities to dilute it. The paint is mixed before application and water is added. The composition is mixed and poured into the paint bath. Periodically dip the brush into the bath and wipe off any excess. So paint the entire ceiling. If your finish has absorbed a lot of paint, apply a second coat.