I am building a new home and plan on doing my own faux work on the walls. I had a drywall mud and 60 grit sand mixture applied to all of the walls to create a moderately heavy adobe type texture. (all interior by the way) It is beautiful. I found a pic in a magazine of a color and finish on a wall that I would like to emulate on mine. Problem is, I have been told that I can NOT use limewash over drywall mud without first sealing it. Can someone tell me why and also please tell me how and what to seal it with. How can I use the limewash to get the proper colors I want? I would like a tuscan gold base (there is no color on the walls at this time) What type of paint will my painter need to apply as a base? Then, I would like to utilize an umber, orange and eggplant color in to the walls. I am completely ignorant to the limewash process. I need help with tools, materials, method of application etc. I am a glass artisan so please excuse my need of such detailed help. If anyone would like to help I would greatly appreciate it.
Jeanne

here is the link to the lime wash thread (there is an old (1930th) booklet on the directions/technique

http://www.truefresco.com/dcforum/DCForumID1/92.html

good luck

PS. As of sealing drywall mud I do not see why it would be needed, however the best solution is to test:

limewash a small section and see if it works for you,
if not seal it with latex paint

hope this is not too late for you:

sealer - don't seal with a latex material unless you have the outside of the house done already in synthetic materials.

a sloppy mix of white cement with a bit of acrylic paint to bind it
( bondcrete is better....like the white tube glue material. mix it
2 parts gunk to 2 parts water and add 1 quart to 2 gallons of
sloppy cement mix) also add some mica if you can get it.

even better would be the sloopy white cement mixed with a couple of scoops of lime putty and some mica dust.
dunno if you can manage that.

limewash : you want to get something with a little bit of synthetic
in it (5-8%) so you can tint a strong eggplant colour in the material.

depends where you live. if usa go for italian materials.

methods: a large limwash brush is used. just wack it on,covering
the surface in a grid like manner work down the wall & gradually along. only cut in ( with a smaller brush) as you come to an edge.

you have to keep a "wet edge"
don't be too disturded by the first coat because the second coat
will make it look much better.

maybe email me
metameme@iinet.net.au
easier to find out all the things you don't know.

sounds like you might have some help from a painter....try and find someone who can use a big brush.

The reason I believe that you should seal your wall is because it is a waterbased product on your walls ....now you want to use another waterbased product to wash over it....this I would think would weaken the product on the wall...it is only water and sand and drywall mixture.
I worked in the paint dept at Sears for a while ...and people wanted to use water base over there stucco ceilings.....but it created lots of problems....you need to apply an oil sealer/primer over the water based product. Try Binns....its terrific for hiding water stains and whatever...its a little more expensive...but well worth what you get!!
Good Luck.....i know I'm probably too late!!