A color wash is usually prepared by adding coloring pigments in appropriate quantities to the screened whitewash or the liquid mixture of whitewash. It should be ensured that the coloring pigment is not affected by the presence of lime. The color wash is applied in exactly similar manner as whitewash. The color wash is constantly stirred with a stick during the use to provide uniformity in mixture. The quantity of color wash, which is just enough for the day’s work, should be prepared at a time in the morning.

The wash of different colors can be prepared as follows:

(i) Buff-color wash: This is prepared by mixing appropriate quantity of earth (Peeli or Multani mitti or Remraj) and whitewash solution and then screening through the clean cloth.

(ii) Green-color wash: This is obtained by mixing solutions of boiled mango-bark in water of whitewash and of tootia (i.e., copper sulphate) in water, in certain proportions.

(iii) Blue-color wash: This is obtained by adding burnt coconut shells with the whitewash solution.

(iv) State-color wash: This is obtained by adding lampblack and blue (i.e., copper sulphate) in suitable quantities in the white-wash solution.

(v) Yellow-color wash: This is obtained by adding yellow earth or ochre with the whitewash solution.

(vi) Pink-color wash: This is obtained by adding vermillion with the whitewash.

Though the operations, viz., preparation of surface and application of color wash are similar to whitewash, yet the following general points regarding color wash should be noted.

(i) Normally, the ceilings are white-washed yet the walls are color-washed.
(ii) Before applying color wash on new surfaces or scrapped, a coat of white-wash should be applied. This coat will act as a priming coat and incidentally result in economy also.
(iii) In case of old work, a coat or color-wash is first applied over the patches, repaired work and rectified surface spots. Two or more coats of color wash are then applied on the entire surface still it presents the desired finish.
(iv) A satisfactory finish should not give out the powder when rubbed with the fingers.