Whitewashing can bring out the beauty and charm of wood in your home in an exciting new way. Whitewashing can bring life to small spaces and give them a larger look.
The best part is that you can learn how to whitewash wood in one day. We will now cover all you need to know about whitewashing wood.
What You’ll Need
This project also has the advantage of requiring very few supplies. This is everything you need to whitewash your home.
- Wood
- White paint
- Water
- Mixing buckets up to a quart in size
- Buy rags
- Clear polyurethane (optional).
- Clear candle (optional, depending on the method)
Method I: Paint & Water
White paint and water are the most common and easiest way to whitewash wood. This method works with any kind of wood but is best for wood that has a uniform grain.
This method will result in a modern, smooth product. This whitewashing technique is great for adding a touch Americana to your product without being too country.
Step 1: Prepare The Surface
Before you start painting, make sure that your wood is free from any dirt, debris or other defects.
Step II: Prepare The Paint
The next step is to add water to equal parts of your white paint. The paint will appear less opaque if you add water to it.
Combine equal parts water and paint until the solution is uniform across.
Step 3: Paint The Wood
Once your paint mixture has dried, you will want to paint the wood with broad strokes and in keeping with the grain. You don’t have to be perfect. In fact, the less perfect your painting job, the better it will look. This is the only thing that you should be focusing on.
Step IV: Clean Up The Painted Wood
You’ll need to remove most of the paint from the wood before it can dry. Make a square with a shop towel and gently wipe the paint in the same direction as the grain.
You may need to apply more pressure to the wood depending on what look you want.
After you have achieved the desired look, take a moment to relax and let the paint dry.
Step V: Finishing Touches (Optional).
Your work may be complete depending on what look you want. To preserve the wood’s beautiful finish, you can apply a clear coating.
Use a clean rag to apply a thin coat of the clear coating of your choice to each piece of wood. Let it dry. For projects like these, we recommend a matte or satin-finish polyurethane clearcoat. However, you can experiment with other finishes to find the best look for your project.
Paint & Wax
Whitewashing can also be done with a pillar candle. This will give your wood the perfect look. This technique works well on all types of wood, even reclaimed or old wood. It also works well with wood with pronounced grains. This is the best method to achieve a rustic look.
Step 1: Prepare Your Wood
Preparing your wood for whitewashing is crucial before you begin. If you are working with reclaimed or old wood, this step is crucial. After you have removed all dirt and debris, you can begin whitewashing.
Step II: Waxing The Wood
To get the process underway, apply candle wax to the wood. It is easiest to use pillar candles that have either a clear or a white color, but any candle with clear or white flames will work.
Apply wax to the wood surface, changing the pressure as you go. It is not a science and you should not try to perfect it. You will only need a thin layer of wax that is randomly applied over the wood.
Step 3: Paint The Wood
Next, paint the wood according to the grain. Make sure that all surfaces are adequately covered in white paint. You won’t let the paint dry completely. Instead, wait around 15-20 minutes for the paint to dry completely before you move on to the next step.
Step IV: Whitewashing Begins
Take a shop towel and fold it into squares. To remove any paint, wipe the cloth on the wood along the grain. You will see a vintage, whitewashed appearance where wax was removed quickly.
A moist cloth can remove more paint from surfaces if the rag doesn’t do enough.
Step V: Finishing Touches (Optional).
It is an optional step in how to whitewash wood. Most people should avoid it. You should expect a product that looks aged and rustic. You can leave the wood as it is and allow it to continue to age and develop character.
You can also apply a clear coating to protect the wood’s current state. Apply your clear coat in the direction of grain to the wood and let it dry.
Conclusion
Whitewashing wood is one of your most valuable finishing techniques. It can give wood a rustic and unique look that will make it stand out from the rest.
Are you looking for inspiration for your next project or a DIY guide? Get our complete DIY guide to painting furniture.
