Coconut Grove Historic Home Lime Wash Restoration

The Challenge

The home — a 1920s Mediterranean Revival cottage in Coconut Grove — had been renovated in the 1980s with modern drywall and acrylic paint. The paint had failed over the decades. It was peeling in patches, bubbling near windows, and showing signs of mold growth in bathrooms and behind furniture.

The homeowner wanted to restore the home’s historic character while addressing the recurring moisture issues. They were open to non-standard solutions.

The Solution

We proposed lime wash throughout the interior — a return to the historically appropriate finish for a home of this era. Lime wash is breathable, mold-resistant, and mineral-based. It allows the walls to dry out after storms and prevents the trapped moisture that had been causing paint to fail.

In addition to the interior lime wash, we addressed substrate issues — repairing areas of drywall that had moisture damage and preparing the walls properly for a mineral finish.

The Process

Days 1–2 — Substrate Assessment and Repair. We removed failed paint in problem areas, repaired damaged drywall, and assessed the substrate for moisture issues. A dehumidifier was run for 48 hours before any finish work began.

Day 3 — Surface Preparation. Walls were cleaned of dust and contaminants. The surface was primed with an alkali-resistant primer suitable for lime, and the walls were lightly dampened before application.

Day 4 — First Lime Wash Coat. The first coat of lime wash was applied in a warm off-white — chosen to match the historic character of the home. Applied by brush and worked in for a slightly mottled effect.

Day 5 — Second Lime Wash Coat. A second coat was applied, building depth and subtle variation. The finish was left slightly translucent to allow the wall’s natural texture to show through.

Day 6 — Sealing and Inspection. A breathable natural wax was applied to protect the finish while maintaining breathability. The finish was reviewed with the homeowner under natural light.

The Result

The lime wash transformed the home. It restored a historic character that had been lost in the 1980s renovation — the walls now feel appropriate to the home’s Mediterranean Revival architecture. The soft, mottled finish creates warmth and depth throughout the interior.

Crucially, the moisture issues have not returned. Because lime wash is breathable, the walls dry out naturally after Miami’s storms. No peeling. No mold. No bubbling.

The homeowner’s comment: “It feels like the house can breathe again.”

Project Details