Washing and Painting the house

[Anonymous]

We have a White lime (i think) covered Georgian house so having looked at this website a bit I'm a little wary of letting my overenthusiastic family wash it with a power wash and paint it with emulsion as they currently want to. Can anyone advise me whether to stick to my guns and ban the emulsion or if it's not that bad? also will a power washer damage the plaster?

thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

Noooo to the power washer - could be very dmaging - and if it's limewash the emulsion won't stick anyhow!

Give it a few more coats of limewash - much cheaper and far, far nicer (and better for the building too...)

 

[Anonymous]

What makes you think it's lime? Best be sure what you're dealing with before making any major decisions.

 

[Anonymous]

Well unless it's modern Portland it's going to be one of the early stucco type renders or plain lime - whichever, a power wash and emulsion is not a good plan.

If in doubt call a specialist - Simon Swann is one such.

 

[Anonymous]

seek confirmation/advice from the local conservation officer/historic building officer.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for confirming my fears! I'll definately make them cancel the powerwasher!

I've had a new development now in that i still think it's lime render/stucco (but flat - not shaped like stones like other houses on the street) but they reckon it's already been painted with emulsion cos no white comes off when you rub your hand on it. Anyone got a more accurate way of telling what we're dealing with?

 

[Anonymous]

Lime would not necessarily come off if it has had linseed oil or tallow added to help waterproof it.

 

[Anonymous]

Get some brick cleaner from a builder's merchant - it's hydrochloric acid - and apply some with a small sponge to the white stuff (wearing rubber gloves and watching for splashes, of course!).
If it's lime it will fizz as the acid dissolves the Calcium Carbonate.