Skip to main content

Historic Preservation - Technical Procedures

Spectitle:
Properties And Uses Of Calcimine Paint

Procedure code:
0990006S

Source:
Interior's Handbook For Historic Interiors - Vol. Ii

Division:
Finishes

Section:
Painting

Last Modified:
02/24/2012

Details:
Properties And Uses Of Calcimine Paint



PROPERTIES AND USES OF CALCIMINE PAINT


This standard includes guidance on the preparation of calcimine
paint.  It also includes general information on its composition,
characteristics, advantages, disadvantages and uses.


COMPOSITION

-    Water-based paint.

-    Whiting (ground chalk) is the primary pigment in calcimine
    paint.

-    Sometimes tinted.


CHARACTERISTICS

-    Also known as Kalsomine or distemper.

-    Quick-drying.

-    Similar to whitewash paint.

-    Dissolves with water.


ADVANTAGES

-    Inexpensive.

-    Fairly easy to make.

-    Easy to apply.

-    Easy to remove, requiring only water and elbow grease.

-    Non-yellowing (because there is no oil binder).

-    Effective in adhering to masonry surfaces.

-    Effective in covering rough plaster surfaces.

-    Well-suited for walls and ceilings.


DISADVANTAGES

-    Moisture and abrasion sensitive.

-    Requires frequent maintenance.

-    Recoating requires complete removal of the first coat as
    application of a second coat tends to dissolve the glue binder
    and lift the first coat from the surface.

-    Can not be washed as it is water-soluble.


USES

-    Traditionally used as an interior finish to whiten walls and
    ceilings.

-    Used on plaster or masonry-type surfaces.

-    Applied in one heavy coat, as the application of multiple
    coats tends to soften the glue binder.

-    Applied with wide brushes.

-    May be coated over with oil-base paint.  Latex paint (since it
    is water-base) can NOT be used over calcimine paint.  Water-
    base paint will cause the calcimine to soften and eventually
    peel.


MIXES

-    Whiting (chalk crushed to a powder) is mixed with glue size
    binder and water to make a paste.

-    Prepared Dutch Kalsomine is available from Johnson Paint
    Company, 355 Newbury St., Boston, MA  02115, 617/536-4838.  It
    is manufactured by the Muralo Company of Bayonne, New Jersey.

                             END OF SECTION