Some projects are straightforward refreshes. Others are full transformations years in the making. This Cedar Mill exterior renovation was definitely the latter.
By the time we arrived, the homeowners had already invested significant time and energy into modernizing their property. New design choices, updated finishes, and careful planning had slowly reshaped the home over the course of more than a year. Our role was the final step: bringing the entire exterior together through painting and custom Romabio limewashing.
The end result completely transformed the look and feel of the home, but like most successful exterior projects, what made the difference was everything that happened before the final coat went on.
The Growing Popularity of Limewashing Brick
One of the standout features of this project was the limewashed brick. Over the last several years, we have seen more homeowners gravitate toward softer, more natural-looking brick finishes instead of traditional opaque paint. Limewashing has become especially popular in modern exterior renovations because it preserves the texture and character of the masonry while dramatically updating the appearance.
That said, limewashing is not as simple as many people assume.
We are one of the only certified Romabio limewashing companies in the Portland area, and there is a reason certification matters. Depending on the client’s desired look, limewashing can involve multiple techniques, custom dilution ratios, layering methods, and timing considerations. Some homeowners want a heavier, more opaque finish. Others want a weathered, European-style appearance where more of the original brick still shows through. Achieving the right balance takes planning, testing, and experience.
Unlike standard exterior paint, limewash also behaves differently during application and curing. It absorbs into masonry rather than simply sitting on top of it, which creates the soft mineral appearance people love. But, it also means prep and moisture management become critical.
The Importance of Prep Work
On high-end exterior projects like this, prep becomes an enormous part of the process. Windows, roofing, fixtures, landscaping, stonework, and adjacent surfaces all needed careful protection before spraying and limewashing could begin. There is a huge difference between simply “getting paint on the house” and executing a controlled, professional exterior finish.
The same goes for surface preparation itself. Before any coatings were applied, our team carefully cleaned and evaluated the exterior surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and consistency. Any failed caulking, peeling areas, or vulnerable spots needed to be addressed first.
This project especially required patience because of the combination of materials involved. Brick, siding, trim, and other architectural elements all react differently to coatings and environmental conditions. Coordinating all of those finishes into one cohesive final product takes experience and detailed planning.
Modern Design Requires Precision
Modern exterior renovations tend to magnify imperfections. Crisp lines, simplified color palettes, contrasting textures, and clean architectural details leave very little room for sloppy work.
That is why projects like this require such a high level of attention to detail. Straight masking lines, uniform sheen, consistent coverage, and careful transitions between materials all become far more noticeable in contemporary designs.
In this Cedar Mill project, the limewashed brick became a focal point that completely changed the character of the home. Combined with the updated exterior colors, the result feels modern, warm, and timeless all at once.
Why Experience Matters With Specialty Finishes
We often tell homeowners that specialty finishes are not the place to experiment with the lowest bid. Limewashing, cabinet painting, fine finish spraying, and other highly specialized processes depend heavily on preparation, product knowledge, and technical execution.
When done properly, these finishes are stunning. When rushed or improperly applied, they can become expensive problems very quickly.
This project is a great example of why we take so much pride in process and communication. The homeowners had spent over a year thoughtfully transforming their property, and our responsibility was to deliver a finish worthy of all the work that came before it.
We are incredibly proud of how this project turned out, and even more proud of the craftsmanship, planning, and teamwork that made it possible.
Ready to renovate?
