Old timey white wash

[DWM II]

I found a formula for old school white wash and was wondering if anyone has used something similar and to what results.

Here's the one I found:
3 parts powdered lime
1 part salt
4 parts water

I'm gonna use it on a pine picket fence for my wife, instructions say that it sets into the wood similar to a stain instead of sitting on the surface like paint. This particular fence will be inside of a studio, so its not subject to outside elements, but I am curious as to how it would do. Reckon I'll set a few boards out to see how they do.  ;)

[Don_Papenburg]

Is this lime ,as in limestone dust, i.e.  ag lime ?????????????

[DWM II]

It called for hydrated lime specifically. ???

[beenthere]

Similar to what we used to spray on the ceiling and walls in the dairy barns, and I would expect you will get "white" if you rub up against it....just so you know ahead...

Used barn lime or gray lime for the floors and walkways....not the hydrated lime in the white wash.

[woodbowl]

I'm wondering what the salt is for.

[rbhunter]

I wonder if the salt will help set the lime on the wood. Just guessing. My mom used to use epsom salt to help set colors in new garments in the wash the first time.

[Tom]

I've heard of milk being used in white wash, but its usual formulation is hydrated lime and water.   It's put on tree trunks to keep the bugs off of the trees and the animals from gnawing the bark.  They think it helps to keep squirrels out of the trees too.  .......not!!

It's not unusual to see yard trees (hardwoods) painted with lime from the ground to about 5 feet.  I suppose the most undisputed arguement for doing it is 1: esthetics and 2: leaching of lime into the ground which will sweeten it and combat the acidity caused by the decay of he leaves.

[LeeB]

Well now. I always wondered why they painted the trees like that.

[ohsoloco]

Tom, for the life of me I couldn't understand why the farm down the road has all of their yard trees painted white from the ground up to about 5 or 6 feet.  I often stumble upon answers to unasked questions around here  ;)

[Warbird]

"Old timey white wash".  When I first read that, I thought it said "Old time white trash" and I was afraid to click the link!

[submarinesailor]

Ditto what Warbird said.  I was afaid you guys were talking about me. ;D ;D ;D

Bruce

[Cowboy Bob]

  Boy that brings back memories. When I was a youngin we used that stuff everywhareWinter time used to do the whole milkin barn , pollsheds, hog pens ,heifer and
calf sheds. Summer time all the board fence on the place  even did chiceen houses to.
We used to mix it 4 to 5 mix and it dint stick use half measur of lime. Be sure to wear
gloves to paint that stuff with it has no murcy on hand eyes or skin. Have fun, GIT ER DONE,,
                                         ......AINT IT SO.........

[Ed_K]

 I'm not old enough  ;D but don't the milk make a nice pale yellow.I watch a barn in Vt. that the new owners painted over that was a pretty yellow,I expect the new red paint to peel off soon.