What paint is good for breathable lime plaster? Dispersion paint forms a film on the wall. It traps moisture and flakes off. Pure lime breathes. It colors but lets moisture pass — like the plaster underneath. For exterior and interior use. This is Kerakoll Biocalce Tinteggio.
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Paint for breathable lime plaster: pure CL 90-S lime and natural earth pigment — colors but does not seal the wall, vapor escapes freely (V1, μ = 10)
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Dispersion paint suffocates lime plaster: no synthetic resin film here — the dried layer breathes like the plaster underneath, does not flake off
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Part of the system: the painted surface of the Biocalce breathable system (4th layer) — on lime fine plaster (Intonachino Fino), after Biocalce Fondo priming
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Closed living space, poor indoor air: actively dilutes pollutants — formaldehyde, toluene, pinene, CO₂ (JRC IAQ method), A+ air quality
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Old facade, new plaster: gives a patinated, natural appearance outdoors — the new surface matches the old building
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Monument, adobe, old house: traditional material matching the wall — pure lime and earth pigment, for conservation restoration
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Applied by hand with a brush: crossed, irregular brush strokes — even, lively lime surface, in two coats
| Type |
Exterior and interior lime wall paint (wall tint) |
| Binder |
CL 90-S pure lime (EN 459-1) |
| Vapor permeability |
V1 class (μ = 10) |
| Air quality |
French A+ |
| Material requirement |
≈ 0.2–0.3 l/m² (2 coats) · 4 l ≈ 16 m², 14 l ≈ 56 m² |
| Packaging |
Bucket 4 l and 14 l |
| Storage |
≈ 12 months, protected from frost |
What is it suitable for?
Substrates: Biocalce lime fine plasters and restored, breathable plasters — Intonachino Fino, Intonaco. Intact, dry, solid old lime plaster. Adobe walls and old, breathable wall structures. Gypsum, drywall, or synthetic paint surfaces only after Biocalce Fondo Universale preparation.
Spaces: Exterior and interior — facade, living room, bedroom, interior walls not exposed to moisture.
Function in the system: The painted surface of the Biocalce system (4th layer) — applied on lime fine plaster, after Biocalce Fondo primer.
Not suitable for:
- On wet, insufficiently cured substrate
- On dirty, loose, dusty substrate
- On old paint or decorative whitewash
- For walls exposed to capillary moisture — first a moisture-proof plaster (Zoccolatura / Benesserebio) is required
- For surfaces in wet areas exposed to prolonged soaking (shower, surfaces in direct contact with water)
The Biocalce breathable system
Biocalce Tinteggio is the painted, breathable surface of the system. The full build-up:
Which breathable surface do you need?
Frequently asked questions
What paint is good for breathable lime plaster?
Lime- or silicate-based, breathable wall paint. Dispersion paint forms a film and flakes off lime plaster. Biocalce Tinteggio is made from lime — it colors yet lets the wall breathe.
Is lime wall paint breathable?
Yes. Class V1, μ = 10 — the layer freely allows vapor to pass. The wall’s breathability is not interrupted by the paint.
Is a primer needed under Biocalce Tinteggio?
Yes. Apply Biocalce Fondo on lime plaster 24 hours before painting. For gypsum or old paint, use Biocalce Fondo Universale.
Tinteggio or Silicato Puro Pittura — which one do I need?
For rainy, weather-exposed facades, use the silicate Silicato Puro Pittura — W3 water resistance. Tinteggio is pure lime: patinated effect and indoor wellness. For a traditional lime appearance, use Tinteggio.
Is it good for both interior and facade?
Yes, suitable for both interior and exterior. Indoors, it actively dilutes air pollutants (A+). Outdoors, it gives a patinated look to new facades.
How much paint is needed, and how many m² does it cover?
For two coats, approximately 0.2–0.3 l/m². The 4-liter covers about 16 m², the 14-liter about 56 m². The exact amount depends on the substrate.
When can the second coat be painted?
After at least 12 hours. Dilute the first coat with a maximum of 40% water, the second with a maximum of 20%. Apply with a brush using cross strokes.
Why did the surface become blotchy?
Natural lime discolors when dry due to the substrate and weather. Use the same production batch on one surface and work all at once. First, prime with Biocalce Fondo.
When should I not use it?
Do not paint on damp, salty, or rising damp walls without pretreatment. Do not apply it over old dispersion paint either. It is also not suitable for showers or areas with constant water exposure.
Can I paint it myself?
Yes — it can be applied with a brush in two coats. However, restoring damp, salty walls requires expertise. We also carry out the Biocalce system installation.
