How to make good / finish cellar walls

[Cellarman]

I’m looking to improve my cellar space. Planning to add some mechanical ventilation and some wine storage - not to turn it in to a habitable room. As part of this I want to clean it up a bit. The biggest challenge is the walls - they are all in a fairly inconsistent state. Some painted (washed?), some not, some seem to have a thin lime render.

I’m not looking for a perfect smooth finish. Just a consistent finish throughout - filling gaps, even colours etc.

Thoughts on how to achieve this?

 

[Cubist]

That's donkeys years of LimeWash. For your purposes more the same is the best approach.

 

[Flyfisher]

That cellar actually looks pretty much like ours (except for the floor) and is perfectly good enough for wine storage as it is so I've not bothered to limewash it, but it would definitely be the best thing to use. The dark patches look to me as if it was once used to store coal and, if so, it might be possible to clean things up a bit with just a stiff brush. I wouldn't brick up the 'coal hole' (if that's what it is) as it probably provides some useful ventilation. The other gaps could be easily filled with pretty much any bits of old brick or rubble together with a lime mortar to provide a smooth-ish finish. I'd also remove those small bits of cement mortar and patch with lime mortar. Even with some mechanical ventilation the humidity will remain very high, which is not a problem as far as storage of wine and similar items is concerned, but be aware of this when choosing any shelving or racking. I've used metal/plastic shelving designed for use in greenhouses, which seems to be lasting well. Basically, anything other than cheap softwood if you want it to last.

But I digress. The answer is definitely limewash!

 

[Cellarman]

Thanks @Cubist @Flyfisher!

Where the existing wash is peeling/cracking - will it need peeling back and smoothing, or will a few more coats help seal it?

 

[Cubist]

Leave cracks and peeling stuff alone. It will all add to the rustic appeal and the new coats will help to stabilise the old somewhat. The brush you use will get rid of the very loose stuff anyway - just don't wear your good boots.

 

[Kearn]

Limewash is just watered down lime putty, 3:1, so any imperfections etc get covered up as you go, maybe an extra coat or two in those areas. Looks in great, unmolested condition. I miss our cellar…

As said, cross ventilation is key and don’t bother storing anything in cardboard boxes, even if off the ground!