Definition

1. Noun:

   • A type of inexpensive, water-based paint, historically used for interior walls and ceilings. Its traditional composition includes zinc oxide (as a white pigment and mildew inhibitor), glue (as a binder), and coloring agents. It is applied as a thin, opaque wash.

2. Verb:

   • To cover or coat a surface, specifically a wall or ceiling, with calcimine paint.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The old recipe for calcimine called for mixing whiting with animal glue.
  • Before modern latex paints, calcimine was a common choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

• Verb:

  • We need to calcimine the nursery before the baby arrives.
  • The ceilings in the historic building had been calcimined many times over the decades.

Advanced Usage

• Calcimine is known for being difficult to paint over with modern paints, as it can cause adhesion problems. A common preparatory step is to "size" the wall with a special sealant.
  • You must seal the old calcimine before applying any new paint, or it will peel.

Variants and Related Words

• Whitewash (noun/verb): A broader term for a similar inexpensive, water-based coating, often based on lime. Calcimine is a specific type of whitewash.
• Distemper (noun): Another historical water-based paint using glue or casein as a binder, similar to calcimine and sometimes used interchangeably.

Synonyms

• Noun: Whitewash, wash, water paint.
• Verb: Whitewash, wash, coat.

Related Phrases

• To wash with calcimine: An older phrasing meaning to apply calcimine.
  • The instructions said to wash the walls with calcimine using a large brush.

Noun

1. a water-base paint containing zinc oxide and glue and coloring; used as a wash for walls and ceilings

Verb

1. cover with calcimine
   • calcimine the walls