1. A white caustic alkaline substance derived from limestone, used in construction in a variety of ways, in particular for mortar and lime-wash.
2. Limed wood has a grain with a light dusting of white–this looks particularly well with an open grained, strong looking timber such as oak. The best and easiest way to lime wood, especially oak, is to use green wood, whose grain will move and open up; avoid any liming paste kit and rather paint it with traditional lime-wash, allow it to dry a little and then wipe off the excess: if the white looks too bright, deepen it with a touch of umber stain, wood ash or fine soil.
3. Good in smart, rural environments, limed or bleached oak curtain poles and chairs are very chic and nicely accentuate the shabby chic style.
see distemper