Store locator
Favourites
Account
How to use Graphenstone Siena
September 9th, 2026
Share
-
Email
-
Facebook
-
Introducing Siena, the new limewash paint from Graphenstone. Siena creates a beautiful, earthy texture on interior walls and ceilings but how do you use it? We show you how you can create your desired colour and finish.
You’ll need:
• Masonry brush, mitt or sponge
Preparing the surface
The first step is to clean and lightly sand your surface. If you’re applying paint on top of plasterboard or surfaces repaired with filler, apply a mist coat of Naturcolor first.
On absorbent surfaces, apply one coat of ambient primer and on wood, metal or non-porous surfaces, apply Four2Four multi-surface primer.
Preparing the product
Next, stir the paint and thin with water depending on the finish you want to achieve. Graphenstone recommends using up to 5% water to create a limewash effect but good results can be achieved using up to 15% water. You can also use the product without thinning it with water.
Add the water gradually until you achieve the desired consistency. For a patina or glaze effect, dilute with 50% water.
Creating different effects with Siena Graphenstone
Siena is a very easy paint to use, allowing you to create a range of different effects and finishes by varying your application methods.
Apply in ‘criss cross’ or random ‘cloud-like’ patterns with sweeping movements, overlapping the paint on each coat. There is no right or wrong way to create your finish – have fun and experiment!
Applying the product with a masonry brush
Apply two coats of Graphenstone Siena with a masonry brush, using soft, rounded patterns to create the desired effect. The paint load should be unevenly distributed to enhance the natural effect of the limestone and accentuate shadows and water effects. Apply in thin layers rather than thick coats for a soft, natural finish.
Give the paint 2-4 hours between coats to dry and then apply a second coat. Let the final result dry for 24 hours. To let the carbonation process work, don’t clean or rub the surface during the first 30 days.
You can also apply the paint in a criss cross pattern, following the same process above. On the second coat, only partially cover the gaps between paint and once dried, paint all remaining gaps.
Applying the paint with a mitt
For this technique, apply the paint with circular movements using a slightly wet mitt. Let it dry for 24 hours and apply more coats if needed.
Applying the paint with a sponge
To apply Siena Graphenstone with a sponge, apply some paint with a brush and then spread it with circular movements using a slightly wet sponge.
Applying the paint to brick whitewash patina
Check how moist the surface of the brick is and mist with water if too dry. Apply one coat of Siena Graphenstone to the wall. Allow the paint to almost dry for 30-60 minutes (the drying time will vary depending on the temperature and humidity). Start to wash off the surface with a slightly wet sponge until you obtain the desired effect.
As Siena is a lime-based paint, it’s important to respect the drying time between coats to get optimal paint coverage.
Take care not to apply the paints too thickly, which can affect curing times and can cause micro cracking.
Curing
Full opacity and coverage of the lime paints will be achieved after the first 3-4 days. You may initially think the paint seems a little patchy. Do not rush to apply extra coats; allow the paint to cure.
Bring nature into your home
Natural, earthy colours like the Graphenstone Earth Collection are on trend this season so now’s the perfect time to bring nature into your home. Buy Siena Graphenstone online or in Brewers Decorator Centres.
