FAQ

+ WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIME WASH AND MINERAL PAINT?

The high mineral content accounts for the superior light refraction and luminosity of both products. The binder in each product accounts for the difference between the finishes. The lime putty binder of Lime Wash renders a traditional matte finish that captures the elegant and subtle variations for which Lime Wash has been long prized. Lime Wash is a finish that very gradually softens over time as the lime in the wash surfaces in a barely perceptible bloom.

The binder for Mineral Paint is liquid potassium silicate or “liquid glass”, an impressively strong and immutable substance. Because of the strength of its binder, Mineral Paint will not fade, making it especially well-suited to exterior applications (over mineral substrates such as stone, concrete, brick or lime mortar) and applications where the preference is for a uniform rather than aged finish.

+ WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING LIME WASH AND MINERAL PAINT?

Lime Wash and Mineral Paint are simply the healthiest “paint” finishes you can buy. They are both composed of all-natural materials, including mineral pigments that are the colorants for the 55 colors in our palette. They both bond to a substrate through a natural process resulting in a durable, breathable coating. They are both hypoallergenic, non-flammable, and free of odor and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

+ Are lime wash/mineral paint durable?

In general, Lime Wash and Mineral Paint are durable but they are not “wipeable” like some latex paint, so they should be handled with care. Mineral Paint, due to its “liquid glass” binder, is more durable than Lime Wash, particularly when applied over a natural substrate, such as stone, concrete, brick, or lime mortar. Through a natural chemical process, Mineral Paint permanently bonds to a mineral substrate, thus avoiding the delamination that can occur with synthetic paint.

Both Lime Wash & Mineral Paint finishes can be damaged by nicks and scrapes as well as by abrasives and other harsh cleansers. Whether a wall requires a touchup or a re-coating depends on the extent of the damage and the rendering of the finish. (Touchups disappear more easily in a more visually “active” finish.)

+ How do I care for a lime wash/mineral paint finish?

Just as with standard paint, applying a new coat of the same color is the best way to freshen dirty walls. With Lime Wash & Mineral Paint, the coat can be diluted, thereby increasing the yield from a single bucket (a 20% dilution is recommended). In areas subject to splatters (backsplashes, bathroom areas) or steady contact with water (showers, sinks, counters), we recommend applying a waterproof sealer.

+ Are your products warrantied?

Because our products are all-natural, they have tremendous stability. We are confident that they will perform as promised, provided that they are properly installed. Given the variation in installation environment and installer capabilities, we do not offer a product warranty.

+ Do you offer color matching?

Our range of 55 colors, created for us by color specialist Eve Ashcraft, is a palette unlike any other available in the U.S. All of our colors are derived from natural mineral pigments that lend our painted finishes a richness and luminosity unachievable in standard paint. If livable, natural, beautiful colors are what you are after, we are confident you will find what you are looking for in our palette.

“Color matching” is not an exact science, given the natural ingredients and the handmade process. We can attempt to “match” a color in either or Lime Wash or Mineral Paint, but there is no guarantee. There is a fee to begin the color matching process. Please consult with our technical department for more information on this service.

+ How does your lime wash compare to others on the market?

Lime Wash is a finish well known to Europeans and relatively unfamiliar to Americans. While there are a few other small U.S. companies that offer lime wash, Domingue Architectural Finishes is unique in providing not only a palette of 55 colors created by noted colorist Eve Ashcraft but also a reservoir of deep experience with the materials and their application, thanks to our partner Eddy Dankers, a Belgian artisan painter who has worked all over the world, most notably on projects by the renowned designer Axel Vervoordt.

All true lime wash has slaked lime as a primary ingredient. Our Lime Wash uses lime from a quarry in the Dolomite Mountains of northern Italy that is put through a slaking process of seven years. This is an exceptionally long slaking period in the industry but one that produces the strongest material for our Lime Wash and Lime Plasters, resulting in surfaces superior in their bonding capacity and durability

+ How does your lime wash/mineral paint compare in price to conventional paint?

Lime Wash and Mineral Paint are as different from “regular” paint as apples from oranges. But we realize the need, in budgeting and estimating, for cost comparisons. Our Lime Wash and Mineral Paint are equivalent in price to Farrow & Ball and Fine Paints of Europe. Due to the density of pigment in our products, they achieve very good coverage. Note also that Lime Wash is a 100% dilutable product. Depending on desired finish, it can be applied anywhere from full-strength to highly-diluted to a glaze.

+ What is your lead time for in-stock items?

Our standard lead time for in-stock products, including Lime Wash and Mineral Paint in the 55 colors, is three business days (excluding shipping).

+ What is your lead time for special orders?

Our standard lead time for special order products, air-freighted from our supplier(s), is 10-20 business days, depending on the scope of the order. For items not in stock and for exceptionally large orders, shipped via sea freight, lead time is 8-12 weeks. Expedited shipping may be possible. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

+ How can I sample the colors of Lime Wash and Mineral Paint?

Our small (4”x6”) hand-painted chips are available in all 55 colors, in Mineral Paint. If clients would like a bigger sample, we have found that large (8.5”x 11”) hand-painted sheets offer an accurate representation of both the color and finish of the Lime Wash and Mineral Paint. The sample sheets provide the flexibility of examining colors in different parts of the room and in different light. Each large sample is finished with two coats of Mineral Paint or Lime Wash.

In most cases, Lime Wash and Mineral Paint require a first coat of Bonding Primer prior to the application of the wash. If you would like your installer to test the actual materials, please let us know and we can arrange to send you the Mineralized Primer and Lime Wash and/or Mineral Paint. (Please note that non-mineral substrates such as wallboard MUST be coated with Bonding Primer before Lime Wash or Mineral Pint is applied in order to achieve an accurate color sample.)

+ WHAT IS THE LEAD TIME FOR PAINTED SAMPLE SHEETS?

Our small (4”x6”) chips are a stocked item. Order processing typically takes one–two days (excluding shipping).

Our large samples (8.5”x11”) are made to order. They are finished with two coats of Lime Wash or Mineral Paint. Due to the natural mineral nature of our products, they require proper drying time between coats. Rushing the process may compromise the sample. Our lead time for large samples is three business days (excluding shipping).

+ how do i order samples?

If your primary concern is a color determination, we recommend ordering our hand-painted color chips. These are 4”x6” chips that have been finished with two coats of Lime Wash or Mineral Paint.

If your primary interest is in testing the materials themselves, we can supply a Lime Wash, Mineral Paint, Belgian Flat Paint or Belgian Trimp Paint sample.

Alternatively, we offer 1-liter containers of the Bonding Primer and color/s of the Lime Wash and Mineral Paint. Cost can vary slightly, depending on color selection.

To order please contact Domingue Finishes:

Phone: (713) 961 5270 Email: info@dominguefinishes.com