Whitewash is a semi-opaque finish applied to existing finishes or bare wood, allowing the base coat or wood grain to show through. This technique can be used to transform furniture, doors, bathrooms, and kitchens into a distressed, vintage look. It’s a simple DIY that can lighten the look while maintaining a hint of the vintage look.
To whitewash wood, mix equal parts paint and water, apply the paint with a paintbrush and wipe away with a rag. For stained wood, use either white stain or white paint, depending on the desired outcome. Modern whitewash is essentially watered-down white paint used to give bare wood a semi-transparent, chalky white appearance that allows the wood grain to show through.
There are three different ways to whitewash wood: with paint and water, paint and a candle, and paint and a scraper. The first step involves mixing water and paint together, applying the paint to the wood with a paintbrush and wiping away with a rag. The second step involves applying a second whitewash paint coat.
For a darker, more evenly coated whitewash, use a 1:1 ratio of paint and water. For a matte or flat paint, add 2 parts water to one part paint.
In summary, whitewashing wood is a simple yet effective way to add a vintage look to any woodworking project. It can be applied to furniture, doors, bathrooms, and kitchens, and can be done in three different ways: with paint and water, paint and a candle, or with a scraper.
📹 How To Whitewash Wood
Another one of my Minute Methods to show you how to whitewash wood in under 2 minutes. It’s a simple way that is very DIY …
How do you whitewash exterior?
Whitewashing exterior brick is a DIY project that provides a unique, aged look to bricks. It involves masking windows and doors, mixing a limewash solution, spraying the surface with water, and distressing the finish (optional). Whitewashing first gained popularity during Colonial times as a quick and inexpensive way to apply a chalked lime finish. Today, homeowners choose to whitewash brick for both interior and exterior applications to give it a muted look and preserve the longevity of a natural brick surface.
This DIY project can transform the look of your space in just one coat, saving you $0. 45 to $0. 80 per square foot compared to hiring a professional. However, it is essential to ensure the desired look is achieved before starting, as both limewashing and whitewashing with paint cannot be undone or come off in the rain.
What kind of paint to use for whitewashing wood?
Whitewash paint is a popular and versatile solution for creating a clean, bright coating on furniture. It can be made using Latex, water-based paints, or acrylic paint, which is not as chemical-free as traditional whitewash but offers a tougher finish. DIY whitewash is versatile and can be used on walls, wooden floors, or any surface for a bright and clean finish. Instructions on mixing whitewash paint with lime and preparing it from conventional paints are provided.
How to make wood look white washed?
In order to create a whitewash, a budget-friendly, easy-to-use, and transparent latex paint must be mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio. It is recommended that a test be conducted on a scrap piece or inconspicuous area to ascertain the optimal ratio. Once this has been determined, the ratio may be adjusted as necessary, and additional paint may be added to achieve a less transparent finish.
How long does whitewash last outside?
Limewash is a paint made from crushed limestone and water, resulting in a mottled, matte look with a chalky texture. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, coating and smoothing rough surfaces, and can last up to 20-30 years with minimal maintenance. Limewash is hypoallergenic, odor, moisture, fungal, and insect resistant, and can be easily removed up to five days after painting. It is suitable for porous surfaces like stone, brick, and plaster, and can be applied to drywall with a mineral-based primer.
If applied correctly, it typically doesn’t peel, flake off, or chip, but may require touch-ups every 5 to 7 years. To extend the life of the paint, add a satin polyurethane or water-based matte sealant.
Do you seal wood after white washing?
To protect your furniture after applying the whitewash, use Minwax water-based polycrylic in different finishes like matte, satin, and semi gloss. Apply three coats on the legs and four coats on the top, lightly sanding with 220grit between coats to ensure adhesion and remove any fine dust particles. Avoid applying oil-based poly as it will yellow over time. Use a round painting sponge from Country Chic for applying the polycrylic on big flat surfaces like table tops.
Pour a small amount in a bowl and dip the sponge right in. This “new to me” whitewash technique has made this dining table project a breeze and turned out beautiful. The author is excited to try this technique on other pieces and is grateful for the knowledge they now have for the future.
Can you whitewash exterior wood?
Whitewashing is a popular outdoor and indoor stain for creating a bright, natural finish on fences, decks, and pergolas. It is particularly effective in rustic and informal settings like beach houses, old cottages, and pool houses. Modern pre-mixed stains are used instead of the original 1800s formulation, which mixed lime or chalk with water. Painters often thinned down white paint with turpentine or water to achieve a semi-transparent effect between early whitewash and modern formulations.
Do I need to prime wood before whitewashing it?
Before whitewashing furniture, it is essential to consider the desired look of the finish. Priming can be optional for rustic or farmhouse-inspired furniture, but for a more solid and saturated color, it is recommended. Whitewash stains are difficult to avoid during the painting process, but they can be removed with warm water and dish soap. If the stain is on a hard surface, let it dry first, then gently scrape or peel it off. This process can help give new life to old furniture and prevent stains from recurrence. It is essential to follow proper cleaning methods and avoid using harsh chemicals or harsh cleaning agents.
Can I whitewash without sanding?
Sanding wooden furniture before whitewashing is not necessary as it doesn’t improve adhesion. Whitewashing can last for a long time if the surface is properly cared for. Priming depends on the desired look of the finish. For rustic or farmhouse-inspired furniture, no primer is needed. However, for a more solid and saturated color, it may be necessary to add it. Overall, whitewashing a table with paint is a long-lasting process if the surface is properly maintained.
What are the disadvantages of whitewash?
Whitewashing brick is a popular DIY technique that involves applying a weak layer of watered-down paint to brick, tones down the natural colors of masonry, and allows the natural textures to come through. This method is relatively quick and inexpensive, can be done with existing paint, and is easy to apply and dry quickly. However, it has some drawbacks, such as a diminished, natural-looking appearance, unabsorbed paint, difficulty controlling the wash consistency, and the potential for uneven finishes.
Whitewashing is not permanent and requires maintenance. Despite these drawbacks, whitewashing brick is a quick and cost-effective solution for homeowners looking to update their masonry color. However, it is not the best option and requires regular maintenance to maintain its effectiveness.
Do I need to seal wood after whitewashing?
To protect your furniture after applying the whitewash, use Minwax water-based polycrylic in different finishes like matte, satin, and semi gloss. Apply three coats on the legs and four coats on the top, lightly sanding with 220grit between coats to ensure adhesion and remove any fine dust particles. Avoid applying oil-based poly as it will yellow over time. Use a round painting sponge from Country Chic for applying the polycrylic on big flat surfaces like table tops.
Pour a small amount in a bowl and dip the sponge right in. This “new to me” whitewash technique has made this dining table project a breeze and turned out beautiful. The author is excited to try this technique on other pieces and is grateful for the knowledge they now have for the future.
📹 How to Whitewash Wood
Welcome to my workshop! In this video I’m breaking down how to whitewash and the techniques that I used to achieve this …
If you want your grain to really pop you can do a base color stain like a gray or brown, wipe it off almost immediately . Let dry overnight. Then whitewash over that. You may need to sand the base color down if it covered too much just to let the color in the grain show. Then whitewash/wipe off the white. Let dry overnight. Sand with 150 to 220 then coat with a varthane clear matte or gloss…..whichever you like. I’ve done several custom cabinets, shelves, tables using this method and it really makes the woodgrain pop. It adds color to the existing wood and it’s wonderful if the wood has its own colors in the grain and knots.
This is a good tutorial straight to the point and no waste of time. Every “how to” article should be like this, without long greetings, reminder of what’s going to be shown, begging for like and subscribe, talk with no action, action without explanation, superfluous descriptions of what is on plain sight, close-up on the author instead of the work
One “gotcha” is to do the whole surface in one session so it has even dry time. If you put your brush down after painting a bit, come back, and paint the rest, then wipe off, you’ll likely see a brush mark. To correct this, take some 220 sand paper, smooth out the area that looks “bad”, and then re-apply mixed paint to that area and surrounding, then wipe off immediately. Thanks for the article; simple and to the point!
Stefani – Another excellent article, as always! Got me leaning towards T & G bead board for my shop, just need to figure out VERY light natural finish vs white wash 🤔 Yours is probably best for lighting efficiency ….. Also glad to see you got your own scaffold, you’ll use it more than you know. Take care 🍻🫡
I recently did my kitchen ceiling with the same boards and technique prior to finding your article. I made the mistake of going lite on some and heavier on others i didn’t wipe it fast enough. Can you give me any tips how to even it out now that its hung up? Can i still wipe the heavier areas of white with water to match the lighter ones? Really could use your advise thank you
Your ceiling looks great. I was going to paint it total white but didn’t like how test pieces looked because it takes away all the look of the wood. I’ve procrastinated on doing anything because I didn’t know what to do. It’s been up for a year or more and has darkened a little. Has your’s darkened after whitewashing?