Properties and Uses of Calcimine Paint

Procedure code:

990006G

Source:

Interiors Handbook for Historic Interiors, Vol, II

Division:

Finishes

Section:

Painting

Last Modified:

12/26/2017

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
• Cannot 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-based paint Latex paint (since it is water-base) can NOT be used over calcimine paint
• Water-based 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.