Pricing Guide
How Much Does Limewash Cost in Chicago?
Transparent pricing for every type of limewash project. No hidden fees, no surprises.
| Project Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Fireplace surround | $500 - $1,500 |
| Interior accent wall | $800 - $2,000 |
| Interior full room | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Exterior — average home | $4,000 - $12,000 |
| Exterior — large estate | $10,000 - $25,000+ |
| Per square foot (exterior) | $4 - $8 |
Cost Factors
What Affects the Price
Surface Area
More square footage means more product and more labor. A small bungalow with minimal brick exposure is a different project than a two-story colonial with brick on all four sides.
Brick Condition & Prep
Clean brick in good condition needs minimal prep. Brick with failing mortar, heavy efflorescence, mold, or old paint requires more work before limewash can be applied. Paint stripping adds $2-4 per square foot.
Number of Coats
One coat of Classico Limewash gives a translucent, weathered look where much of the original brick shows through. Two coats provide fuller coverage. Some homeowners want a third coat for near-opaque coverage. Each coat adds time and material.
Accessibility
Ground-level brick is straightforward. Second or third story walls require ladders or scaffolding, which adds to labor time and equipment cost.
Product Selection
Classico Limewash ($66-73/gallon), Masonry Flat ($62-73/gallon), and Masonry Textured ($62-73/gallon) are priced similarly. Velatura Mineralwash for interior walls is $55-75 per 2.5L. Product choice is based on your desired look and surface, not budget.
Protective Topcoat
Romabio Mineral Shield ($40-60/gallon, 200-300 sq ft coverage) adds an invisible breathable barrier that slows natural patina. Optional but recommended for maximum longevity on exterior projects.
Long-Term Value
Limewash vs. Paint — 20-Year Cost
| Limewash | Exterior Paint | |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | $4-8/sq ft | $3-6/sq ft |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 5-10 years |
| Repaints in 20 years | 0-1 (touch-up only) | 2-3 full repaints |
| 20-year total cost | $4-8/sq ft | $9-18/sq ft |
| Brick health | Breathable — protects brick | Traps moisture — can damage brick |
Limewash costs slightly more upfront but lasts 2-3x longer. Over 20 years, it's the more affordable option — and it actually protects your brick instead of slowly damaging it.
Pricing Questions
Common Pricing Questions
Limewash uses premium mineral-based products (Romabio Classico runs $66-73/gallon vs. $30-50 for standard exterior paint), and the application is hand-brushed rather than rolled or sprayed. It takes more skill and time. But limewash lasts 15-20 years vs. 5-10 for paint — and it can be touched up without stripping. Over 20 years, it's actually cheaper.
The biggest variables are: surface area (obvious), brick condition (does it need cleaning, mortar repair, or paint stripping?), accessibility (ground level vs. second/third story requiring ladders or scaffolding), product choice (Classico vs. Masonry Flat vs. Textured), and number of coats (one coat for a light wash vs. two for fuller coverage).
No. Estimates are always free with no obligation. We'll come to your home, assess the brick condition, measure surface area, discuss color options, and provide a detailed written quote — usually within 24-48 hours.
Romabio products are available at Home Depot, Lowe's, and Amazon, so you can verify our pricing anytime. However, our quotes include the product cost and are based on volume pricing from our suppliers. Buying separately won't save you anything and adds logistics hassle.
Get an Exact Quote
Every home is different. The only way to get an accurate price is a free on-site estimate. We'll assess your brick, measure the surface area, and provide a detailed quote — usually within 24-48 hours.