Easy DIY with James Alexander Lime Wash Paint: The Perfect Finish for Textured Walls in my Cabin Remodel
This blog post is sponsored by James Alexander Specialty Paints and reflects my personal views and opinions of the products.
When I first started remodeling my cabin and thinking about the walls, I knew I wanted to add something that would really elevate the space—something that would make it feel unique, warm, and cozy. After researching different finishes, I stumbled upon James Alexander Lime Wash Paint. It quickly became one of my favorite details of the entire remodel!
What I love most about lime wash is the incredible texture and depth it adds to a space. It's not just paint—it's a transformation. The finish brings this beautiful, earthy warmth that feels timeless. I was a little nervous at first because I’ve never done much DIY painting, but the process turned out to be so simple, and I’m convinced it’s foolproof. If you're a beginner or someone who's never really tackled paint jobs before, you can do this!
The Process: So Easy, Even for a Beginner
Outside of a couple of refurbished pieces of furniture, I had never painted anything, so I was really intimidated to take on lime washing the entire main area of my newly remodeled home. My family loves a good project, and we are all fascinated by any type of build/remodel, so I had all hands on deck when it was time to test out this new thing I had been telling everyone I was so excited to try out!
The products included instructions that were clear and easy to follow. We started with the primer. Once dry, we began with the first coat of the lime wash. Everything I had read and watched beforehand had warned not to get scared by the first coat, so I was somewhat prepared. But, as I mentioned, I had all hands on deck—literal hands. I had four people at various times in various spaces applying the lime wash. We like to be efficient with our weekend projects, so with offers for help, without hesitation, I said yes. In the midst of application, I would be lying if I said I didn’t have a moment of internal panic thinking it was going to look like I had four people applying it.
We used the “cross hatch” method, which involves making overlapping “X” strokes with the brush to create a cloud-like shape. Once we had one cloud, we’d blend in another, repeating the process until the walls were covered. We even did the ceiling in the hall the same way. The thing is, even though we followed the same method, every “X” and “cloud” looked a little different. That’s when my mini-panic set in—but as the paint started drying, I saw that the result was actually a beautiful, cohesive texture. I will say that the brushes provided by James Alexander did seem superior to ones I had purchased from a local hardware store (and I didn’t get the cheap ones either).
After the first coat of lime wash was finished, I decided that one more coat would provide the look I desired, so I went ahead and mixed in the suggested “densifier” with the lime wash for my final coat. This is a binder that helps reduce the “chalking” and provides a more durable finish.
What surprised me the most was how easy it was to apply. The lime wash was super thin, and a little really went a long way! We didn’t have to stress about getting every stroke perfectly uniform. The application went quickly, it dried fast, and even with the variation in our strokes, it all came together beautifully. It turned out looking even better than I had imagined!
Textured Walls? No Problem!
One common misconception I had before using lime wash was that it only worked on flat walls. After chatting with the James Alexander Rep I had gotten connected to, I learned that lime wash works beautifully on textured surfaces too.
The texture in the walls actually worked to my advantage. The lime wash adhered perfectly and even enhanced the uneven surfaces, giving them a character I didn’t expect but absolutely love. The paint settles into the texture, giving each wall a distinct, organic feel that’s hard to achieve with traditional paints. So, if you’re working with textured walls (like I was), don’t hesitate! I can not imagine this area of my home without the warmth and texture the lime wash provides now that a flat paint would not have achieved!
Why James Alexander Lime Wash Paint is a Game-Changer
If you’re looking for a finish that adds dimension, warmth, and a bit of rustic charm, lime wash is your go-to. Not only does it have a beautiful, soft matte finish, but it’s also eco-friendly, breathable, and versatile. It feels like a luxurious upgrade that you can achieve without the cost of hiring a professional.
I can’t recommend James Alexander Lime Wash enough—it’s truly one of the standout details of my cabin remodel, and I’m so happy I gave it a try. If you’re thinking of refreshing a room or transforming a space, this is an easy, beautiful, and foolproof way to make a lasting impact. You don’t need to be a pro to get amazing results!
Happy painting!
