Why Add Salt to Lime Wash?

Why add salt to lime wash?

In the past, when paint was not available or was difficult to find, houses were whitewashed with lime. Lime is a cheaper and brighter white material than plastic paint. In addition, lime destroys microbes and fights insects, ants and pests.

Why Add Salt to Lime Wash?

It is quite easy to prepare lime for whitewashing. Quicklime is mixed with water and slaked. It is rested from evening to morning. Then, salt as much as approximately 3% of the lime we use added to mixture and mixed thoroughly. So why is salt added to lime? Because, thanks to the added salt, when your whitewash dries, it will stick to the wall better and will not separate from the wall easily. Additionally, salt will protect the environment from unwanted guests such as insects and ants.

Note: There is no problem in painting the walls with plastic paint, which were previously whitewashed with lime.

Why are Trees Painted With Lime?

If the cracks in the trees are whitewashed with lime, the wounds will close. Lime is also a good protector against insect infestations and fungal growth on trees. In addition, trees are painted with lime in the spring months when air temperatures fluctuate. The purpose of this is to reflect the incoming sunlight back. Reflected sunlight will not warm the tree trunk sufficiently. This will delay the flowering time of the tree and minimize losses in case of any frost.

How to Make Whitewash With Lime?

Whitewashing with lime is quite simple. You can successfully whitewash with lime by following the steps below.

1. Preparation: Prepare the materials you need. These are lime, water, a large bucket or container, and a stirring stick.

2. Preparing the Lime Mixture: Mix the lime with water and a few handfuls of salt to make a paste. It is important to adjust the lime ratio correctly. Generally, the ratio of lime to water is one to one. However, sometimes this ratio may change, so check the instructions on the product label.

3. Mixing the Mixture: After adding the lime to the water, mix well. Pay attention to the mixing process to obtain a homogeneous consistency. It is important that the mixture is smooth.

4. Application: Apply the lime mixture you prepared to the wall surface with a brush or roller. Before painting the wall, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Take as much lime mixture as you need and apply it to the wall. If you dip the brush into the lime water mixture and then let the excess amount go back, there will be no traces of water on the wall.

5. Drying Time: Whitewash may take several hours to dry. Drying time may vary depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment. If you want to apply a second layer after it has dried, do so after the first layer has dried completely.

You can also look: What are the Properties and Applications of Slaked Lime?

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