7 Tips To Whitewash Furniture Painted Furniture Ideas White Washed Furniture, Redo Furniture

Cover How to White Wash Wood • Fusion™ Mineral Paint Painting wood white, White wash wood furniture (750x1000)

Table of Contents

• What is Whitewashing?
• What Kind of Wood Can be Whitewashed?
• What Materials Do I Need to Whitewash Wood?
• How Do I Prepare the Wood for Whitewashing?
• How Do I Whitewash the Wood?

What is Whitewashing?

Whitewashing is a technique of coating wood with a white or light-colored paint or stain to give it a rustic, vintage, or beachy look. Unlike painting, whitewashing allows the natural grain and texture of the wood to show through, creating a beautiful and timeless finish that can complement any decorating style. Whitewashing is also an excellent way to brighten up dark or outdated furniture, walls, floors, or ceilings without having to replace them.

What Kind of Wood Can be Whitewashed?

Almost any type of wood can be whitewashed, including pine, oak, cedar, walnut, cherry, birch, and maple. However, some woods may absorb the whitewash differently, depending on their porousness, hardness, and natural color. For example, softwoods like pine or cedar may require more coats of whitewash to achieve the desired opacity, while hardwoods like oak or cherry may need a pre-stain conditioner to prevent blotchiness or streaks. Therefore, it's essential to test the whitewash on a small, inconspicuous area of the wood before applying it to the entire surface.

What Materials Do I Need to Whitewash Wood?

To whitewash wood, you will need the following materials:

• Wooden surface to be whitewashed
• Sandpaper or sanding block (optional)
• Clean cloth or tack cloth
• Paint brush or foam brush
• White or light-colored paint or stain
• Water
• Mixing container

You may also need some additional materials, such as gloves, goggles, respirator, drop cloth, painter's tape, or furniture wax, depending on the size and complexity of your project.

How Do I Prepare the Wood for Whitewashing?

Before whitewashing the wood, you need to prepare the surface by cleaning and sanding it. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the wood with a clean cloth or tack cloth.
2. If the wood has any existing finish or coating, such as paint, varnish, or wax, you may need to sand it lightly with sandpaper or a sanding block to roughen up the surface and help the whitewash adhere better. However, if the wood is already raw or unfinished, you can skip this step.
3. If you're working with a large or intricate piece of furniture, you may want to cover the surrounding areas with a drop cloth or painter's tape to prevent overspray or drips.

How Do I Whitewash the Wood?

Here are the steps to follow to whitewash wood:

1. Mix the whitewash solution by diluting the white or light-colored paint or stain with water in a mixing container. The ratio of paint to water may vary depending on the opacity and consistency you want to achieve, but a good starting point is 1:1.
2. Apply the whitewash solution to the wood with a paint brush or foam brush, working in the direction of the grain. Use long and smooth strokes to avoid brush marks or blotches. If you want a more distressed or rustic look, you can use a rag or sponge to wipe off some of the whitewash while it's still wet.
3. Let the first coat of whitewash dry completely, which may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the humidity, temperature, and ventilation of the room.
4. If you want a more opaque or thicker finish, you can apply a second or third coat of whitewash, following the same technique as before. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too many coats may obscure the natural beauty of the wood.
5. Let the final coat of whitewash dry completely and cure for at least 24 hours before using or touching the wood. If desired, you can seal the whitewashed surface with furniture wax or polyurethane to protect it from scratches, stains, or water damage.

Conclusion

Whitewashing wood is a simple and affordable way to transform any piece of furniture, wall, floor, or ceiling into a charming and cozy feature that adds character and style to your home. By following these five simple steps, you can achieve a beautiful and durable whitewashed finish that will last for years to come. So gather your materials, prepare your wood, and let your creativity shine through!