San Marco Antica Calce Elite: The Benefits and Uses of Lime Paint to Create Lime Wash

Welcome to The Decora Company’s Limewash, an immersive session where craftsmanship meets artistry and we explore one of the oldest, most beautiful finishes in architectural history: limewash. Today, we’ll dive deep into how San Marco’s Antica Calce Elite elevates this traditional technique into a modern, high-performance material that transforms both contemporary and historic interiors.

But before we begin the hands-on exploration, let’s step inside a real design story that captures the essence of what lime paint can do.

A luxury Mediterranean restaurant in Los Angeles was preparing for its grand opening. The design brief was simple but demanding:
“We want walls that feel alive—soft, warm, clouded, and timeless. Not paint. Something with soul.”

The first painter used a standard paint labeled “limewash look.”
It dried flat, lifeless, and plastic-like.
The owners hated it.

A Decora-trained contractor was called in and immediately recognized the problem: the client didn’t need “limewash-style paint.” They needed real lime paint.

When the contractor applied San Marco Antica Calce Elite, the transformation was instant. The walls shifted from sterile to soulful—the matte mineral texture, delicate chromatic movement, natural clouding, and handcrafted patina created the exact atmosphere the owners had dreamed of.

This is the power of real lime paint.
 This is where our masterclass begins.

Understanding Lime Paint: What Makes Antica Calce Elite Different?

Lime paint (or “limewash”) is one of the oldest decorative finishes in the world, known for breathing with the wall, purifying the air, and creating a naturally mottled, clouded appearance. But not all limewash products are created equal.

San Marco’s Antica Calce Elite is a modern, professional-grade lime paint derived from traditional slaked lime but enhanced with contemporary performance features.

Key Benefits of Antica Calce Elite

1. Soft Matte Mineral Finish

Unlike acrylic paint, which dries flat and synthetic, Antica Calce Elite dries to:

• a mineral-rich matte finish

• with depth

• soft movement

• and authentic lime character

2. Clouded Old-World Movement

The naturally varying absorption creates:

• subtle tonal variations

• antique patina

• clouded depth

• handcrafted warmth

This is impossible to fake with synthetic paint.

3. High Breathability

Limewash allows walls to breathe, making it ideal for:

• older homes

• plaster walls

• stone buildings

• moisture-prone interiors

• restoration projects

4. Mold & Mildew Resistance

The high alkalinity of lime naturally inhibits mold growth—perfect for humid environments.

5. Eco-Friendly & Natural

Low VOC
Mineral-based
Sustainable
Healthy indoor air quality

6. Historically Authentic

Perfect for:

• restoration

• heritage properties

• traditional Italian, Mediterranean, and European finishes
  
  

7. Modern Performance

• better adhesion

• improved durability

• refined texture

• easier professional application
  
  

This makes it usable in luxury homes, commercial spaces, and high-end design projects.

Masterclass Techniques: Achieving Iconic Limewash Looks

In this session, we’ll explore the full range of techniques possible with Antica Calce Elite. These are finishes that designers love and contractors master through practice.

1. Soft Matte Limewash (Classic Look)

This is the foundational limewash aesthetic.

How to Achieve It

• Dilute correctly

• Use a limewash block brush

• Apply in irregular “X” or cloud movements

• Maintain wet edges

• Avoid rigid patterns
  
  

The result: soft chalky walls with gentle movement.

2. Clouded Old-World Movement

A signature Italian finish—romantic, subtle, atmospheric.

Technique

• Layer in wet-on-dry phases

• Allow some areas to breathe longer

• Use overlapping, loose strokes

• Vary pressure to create tonal shifts
  
  

This is perfect for Mediterranean and organic modern homes.

3. Subtle Stucco Texture

For homeowners who want a bit more surface richness.

Technique

• Use a mineral primer + textured base

• Apply stucco underlayer

• Limewash overtop

• Brush lightly to reveal texture peaks
  

Creates gentle dimensional depth.

4. Vertical Brushed Limewash

A trending effect for modern interiors.

Technique

• Use a long-bristle lime brush
  

• Pull consistently from top to bottom
  

• Feather edges to avoid streak lines
  

Ideal for creating height and sophistication.

5. Mottled Patina (Antiqued Finish)

A favorite in restaurants, wine bars, and boutique hotels.

Technique

• Use wet-on-wet blending

• Soften transitions with a damp sponge

• Add tonal variation using two close colors

This finish feels vintage, natural, and timeless.

6. Two-Tone Layering

For depth, elegance, and modern character.

Technique

• Apply a darker tone first

• Layer a lighter tone using sweeping strokes

• Allow broken, clouded transitions
  

This technique pairs beautifully with stone or wood interiors.

7. “Broken Color” Historical Effect

Traditional Italian and French lime finishes often used this technique.

Technique

• Use two mineral tones

• Apply in overlapping, fragmented strokes

• Keep edges soft but distinct

Perfect for restoration or classical interiors.

Technical Application: How to Apply Antica Calce Elite (Properly)

Limewash is not applied like normal paint. Here’s what professionals—and our masterclass—emphasize.

Step 1 — Surface Prep & Mineral Primer

Lime needs a mineral-friendly substrate.

Use the correct primer:

• San Marco Antica Calce Fondo (mineral primer)
  Avoid: acrylic wall primers
  
  

Skipping mineral primers is the #1 cause of adhesion issues.

Step 2 — Diluting & Mixing

Limewash needs:

• proper dilution based on effect

• mechanical mixing

• resting time before use
  
  

Incorrect dilution = streaks, harsh edges, chalking.

Step 3 — Tools

Professionals use:

• long-bristle lime brushes

• block brushes

• natural sponges

• wide masonry brushes

• soft cloths for patina blending
  
  

Rollers should be avoided.

Step 4 — Application Method

Wet-on-wet = soft, clouded finish

Wet-on-dry = structured movement & depth

Consistency is key:

• Maintain wet edges

• Avoid stopping midway

• Use broad strokes

• Overlap strokes naturally

Step 5 — Avoiding Lap Marks

Lap marks occur when:

• limewash dries too fast

• edges aren’t blended

• strokes aren’t varied
  
  

Performers:

• mist walls lightly

• work in small sections

• keep areas workable

Step 6 — Curing & Protection

Lime cures slowly through carbonation.

Protect from:

• direct sun

• drafts

• excess humidity

• touching for 48 hours

Common Limewash Mistakes & How to Fix Them

❌ Applying like acrylic paint

Lime is mineral—movement and inconsistency are desirable.

❌ Skipping mineral primer

Leads to peeling, patchiness, and discoloration.

❌ Expecting a perfectly uniform finish

Limewash embraces variation.

❌ Overworking wet sections

Causes streaking and harsh transitions.

❌ Wrong tools

Rollers kill the mineral expression completely.

❌ Poor environmental conditions

Humidity or heat accelerates drying unpredictably.

Experts at The Decora Company explain:
“Limewash rewards patience, timing, and artistry. It’s not meant to look machine-perfect—its beauty is in its variation.”

Case Study: Luxury Restaurant Transformation

A contractor trained by The Decora Company was hired to refinish the walls of an upscale LA Mediterranean restaurant. The owners wanted a warm, handcrafted aesthetic—but their previous painter used standard acrylic.

Problems Identified

• Harsh roller marks

• Patchy, plastic-like sheen

• Color looked dull under warm lighting

• Incorrect acrylic primer

• High humidity causing flash-drying
  
  

The Decora Solution

1. Removed unsuitable paint

2. Applied Antica Calce Fondo mineral primer

3. Used Antica Calce Elite in Mediterranean Sand

4. Employed wet-on-wet clouding to achieve movement

5. Added two-tone patina for depth

6. Controlled humidity during curing
   
   

Final Result

Soft, warm, clouded walls that:

• changed tone with lighting

• felt organic

• grounded the interior

• elevated the entire dining experience
  
  

Customers even asked if the walls were “original handmade plaster.”

2025 Limewash Trends (Design-Forward & Future-Proof)

Lime paint is rapidly replacing flat paint in high-end interiors.

Top Trends

• Warm greige & stone neutrals

• Earthy Mediterranean tones

• Clay pinks & putty colors

• Japandi minimalism

• Organic modern

• Sculptural, textured walls

• Limewash everywhere—living rooms, restaurants, bedrooms, spas

Color Recommendations for Antica Calce Elite

For 2025, the most designer-approved tones are:

• Soft greige

• Stone beige

• Putty

• Clay rose

• Stormy grey

• Mediterranean sand

• Warm taupe
  
  

These hues complement natural textures, warm lighting, wood, stone, and plaster.

Comparing Antica Calce Elite to Other Finishes

✔ Antica Calce Elite vs Typical Limewash

More durable, refined texture, better adhesion, more uniform clouding.

✔ Antica Calce Elite vs Acrylic Paint

Acrylic = synthetic, sealed, flat.
Limewash = breathable, natural, clouded.

✔ Antica Calce Elite vs Chalk Paint

Chalk = decorative paint
Limewash = mineral paint with movement & depth.

✔ Antica Calce Elite vs Clay Paint

Clay = earthy, matte but uniform
Limewash = mottled, clouded, alive.

✔ Antica Calce Elite vs Venetian Plaster

Venetian plaster = glossy, polished
Limewash = matte, textured, old-world elegance.

✔ Antica Calce Elite vs Marmorino

Marmorino = structured lime plaster
Limewash = softer, gentler, atmospheric.

Creative Exercises for Limewash Mastery

Exercise 1 — Practice Board

Create a sample using:

• top-left: clouded

• top-right: vertical brushed

• bottom-left: mottled

• bottom-right: two-tone layering

Exercise 2 — Dilution Experiment

Test:

• heavy dilution

• medium dilution

• light dilution

See how it affects movement.

📌 Exercise 3 — Mood Board Creation

Combine:

• limewash swatches

• woods

• stones

• fabrics

• metals
  
  

Why Choose The Decora Company

• Trusted U.S. distributor for San Marco

• Expert guidance & training

• Showrooms featuring real lime finishes

• Sample kits for hands-on practice

• Support for contractors, designers, DIYers, and franchise owners
  

According to Decora’s training instructors:
“Limewash is both a technical and artistic craft. With the right materials and guidance, anyone can create masterful, timeless surfaces.”

Final Thoughts 

Antica Calce Elite brings together the best of two worlds—historic Italian lime tradition and modern performance technology. Whether you’re creating a soft matte finish for a bedroom, a clouded feature wall in a restaurant, or an atmospheric patina for a heritage property, this material offers unmatched beauty, breathability, and authenticity.

To take the next step in your limewash journey:

✔ Book a consultation with The Decora Company
✔ Join a hands-on training class
✔ Visit a Decora showroom
✔ Order Antica Calce Elite sample kits
✔ Explore the Decora franchise opportunity
✔ Subscribe for design updates

Let’s bring timeless limewash artistry into your next project—one elegant brushstroke at a time.