Urban Walls, a Singapore-based limewash specialist known for its artisanal wall application services, has expanded its business beyond application to become the exclusive distributor of Australia’s DALRAY powdered limewash in Singapore, Malaysia, and the UAE. It has also launched its new e-commerce storefront to make mineral-based wall finishes more accessible to homeowners, designers, and contractors.
Founded three years ago, Urban Walls began as a niche limewash applicator working with interior designers, contractors, and homeowners. The company built its reputation on specialised craftsmanship in mineral-based wall finishes, offering an alternative to conventional paints for clients seeking more textured, breathable, and natural-looking interiors.
With this latest expansion, Urban Walls is moving upstream in the value chain, combining distribution and skilled application under one roof as it responds to growing interest in finishes that better suit humid, tropical environments.
“Urban Walls started from a very simple observation: many wall finishes are chosen for how they look on day one, but not necessarily for how they perform over time in climates like Singapore,” said Thomas Tan, Co-Founder of Urban Walls. “We saw an opportunity to bring in a material that is not only aesthetically distinct, but also more aligned with how homes in this region should function.”
Unlike many synthetic coatings, limewash is a mineral-based finish known for its breathability, allowing walls to exchange moisture rather than trap it. This makes it particularly relevant in high-humidity environments where trapped moisture can contribute to issues such as mould, peeling, and surface degradation over time.
Through its new partnership with DALRAY, an Australian-made limewash brand certified under the Australian Made programme, Urban Walls is introducing powdered limewash to the Singapore, Malaysia, and UAE markets. Compared to pre-mixed liquid finishes, powdered limewash offers advantages in transport efficiency, reduced packaging bulk, and longer storage life, while maintaining the durability and material properties associated with traditional lime-based finishes.
“We’re pleased to partner with Urban Walls as our distributor in Singapore, Malaysia, and the UAE. Their strong expertise in limewash application, combined with a clear focus on craftsmanship and climate-appropriate finishes, makes them a natural partner to represent DALRAY in these markets. We see strong potential for growing demand as homeowners and designers increasingly look for breathable, durable, and thoughtful material solutions,” commented Grace Forster, Co-Owner, DALRAY.
According to Venessa Ho, Co-Founder of Urban Walls, the business expansion reflects a broader shift in consumer priorities. “We’re seeing more homeowners ask not just how a finish looks, but what it’s made of, how long it will last, and whether it makes sense for the climate they live in. That’s an important shift. For us, this isn’t about positioning limewash as a trend; it’s about helping people make more informed material decisions for their homes.”
In tandem with the distributorship, Urban Walls has also launched its e-commerce store, https://www.urbanwalls.store/, allowing customers to browse and purchase selected finishes and products online. The move is intended to support broader market education and accessibility, particularly as interest grows among younger homeowners and renovation-conscious consumers looking for alternatives to mass-produced wall coatings.
Urban Walls believes the future of wall finishes in tropical urban markets will be shaped not only by design preferences, but by performance, durability, and environmental suitability. “As conversations around renovation mature, homeowners are beginning to ask better questions,” added Tan. “Not just ‘What colour should I choose?’ but ‘What is this material made of, and how will it perform in five years?’ We think that’s where the industry is heading.”
