Limewashing and Whitewashing · Sep 2025
Stone fireplace limewashed
Stone fireplace limewashed. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Sep 2025. This limewashing and whitewashing project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Tan Stone Fireplace Limewashed White in a Sunroom With Wood Beams
This floor-to-ceiling fireplace sits between two walls of windows in a bright sunroom. The before photos show rough, stacked stone in honey, tan and rust tones with wide gray mortar joints. The stone also wraps the raised hearth and the flat flagstone hearth top. Before any limewash went on, we hung brown paper and blue tape down both sides of the chimney, along the baseboards and across the floor. The wood mantel and the ends of the dark stained ceiling beams were wrapped in paper so they stayed clean. In the after photos the stone reads soft white with a chalky, matte look. The rough faces of each stone still show, and some warm and gray tones peek through, so the wall looks aged rather than painted. The hearth top was limewashed too. The black firebox opening now stands out against the pale stone, and the new light wood floor and dark beams frame the finished fireplace.
How We Limewashed This Stone Fireplace, Step by Step
- We covered the floor with protective board and paper, then taped paper down both sides of the chimney so the fresh wall paint and window trim stayed clean.
- The mantel shelf and the ends of the ceiling beams were wrapped in paper and taped, since limewash can stain bare wood and is hard to remove.
- We cleaned the stone and mortar joints to remove dust, soot and loose grit, because limewash needs a clean, porous surface to soak in and bond.
- The stone was misted with water before brushing. Damp masonry slows drying so the limewash can be worked into the rough faces and deep joints.
- We brushed limewash across the chimney, hearth face and flagstone top in sections, keeping a wet edge to avoid hard lines between areas.
- While each section was still damp, we softened spots by hand so warm stone color showed through and the finish looked natural and uneven.
- After the finish dried and the color settled, we checked the wall in daylight, touched up thin areas and pulled the paper and tape.
Paint Colors Similar to This Limewashed Stone Fireplace
These are similar colors to consider for a soft white stone look like this one, but they are not the exact color used on this fireplace.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008
A soft, warm white close to the chalky limewash on this stone, and gentle enough that tan undertones in the rock still feel at home.
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
A creamy white with a slight gray softness that matches the aged, washed look of the stone without turning stark next to the window trim.
Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029
A light warm gray that echoes the gray tones showing through the limewash and would suit the surrounding sunroom walls or an accent wall.
Questions About Limewashing a Stone Fireplace
Can you limewash natural stone, or only brick?
Limewash works on most porous masonry, including natural stone, brick and some mortar. The surface must be bare and able to absorb water. Stone that was sealed or painted before may need stripping or a test patch first, since limewash will not soak into a coated or glossy surface.
Will limewash hide all of the original stone color?
No, and that is part of the appeal. Limewash sits in the surface and leaves some of the natural color showing. You can choose a heavier coat for a whiter look or a thin wash for more variation. A test area helps you decide before the whole fireplace is done.
Is limewash safe near a working fireplace?
Limewash is mineral based and holds up well on the outside face of a fireplace. It is not meant for the inside of the firebox, which takes direct flame. Soot can mark the area above the opening over time, and a light touch-up coat can refresh it.
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