Painting of Løten church

Løten Church is a medieval stone church located on a ridge in the landscape. The church dates from the 13th century. Løten Church is first mentioned in written sources in 1323. In the 1870s, the church was extended and given its current appearance.

In 2022, we were entrusted with the painting work of Løten Church. Well before the project's start, the project manager began the surveying work. Initially, the church's previous material usage was examined to determine the correct type of paint. Through consultations with building conservation experts, a suitable lime paint was chosen. A team of painters was instructed in the correct application technique. The choice of color was based on previous paint found on the church.
The bell tower itself turned out to be a bit more work as we had to make some repairs with mortar. Applying lime paint (Webercal) is a somewhat time-consuming process as it must be applied with a brush. Surfaces must be carefully cleaned for this surface treatment to last long. After necessary quality checks, the work was completed, and the church received a refreshed, yet still historically accurate exterior finish.

Lime paint, also known as limewash, is one of the oldest types of paint. For many centuries, this natural paint has been used to decorate and protect buildings, including churches, due to its unique properties and aesthetics. Historically, lime paint was used on churches because it was readily available, cost-effective, and especially breathable. This meant that the church's masonry could 'breathe' through the paint, allowing moisture to evaporate, thereby reducing the risk of structural damage. This is particularly important in older buildings where moisture can cause significant damage over time.

Aesthetically, lime paint offers a beautiful, matte finish that ages gracefully. Over time, lime paint will patinate, giving the building a rich historical feel. This can be especially attractive in older churches where preserving historical integrity is a priority.

The growing need for sustainable solutions in building maintenance makes lime paint perfect for masonry facades. It is environmentally friendly, requires no petrochemical ingredients, and is biodegradable. For churches looking for sustainable solutions for restoration and preservation, lime paint is an obvious choice.

Despite the benefits, using lime paint on churches requires specific expertise. Incorrect preparation or application can lead to uneven coverage or early deterioration.