You can use any white paint you'd like. Make sure its a matte or flat paint, nothing glossy. I mixed 1 cup of paint and added 5 cups of water. Stir it well in a container or a painting tray.
For whitewashing projects, choose a latex (or water-based) paint. Creating the whitewashing mixture takes combining equal parts of paint and water. Bricks absorb moisture, so this helps them hold the color for longer.
Latex, water-based paints are commonly used to create whitewash, but acrylic paint is also an option. While not as chemical-free as a traditional whitewash, this modern alternative can give a tougher finish, so it's considered by some to be more suitable for frequently used furniture.
Using Chalk Paint® to whitewash wood brings out the grain and creates a classic limed oak look in just a few simple steps. On some projects, you'll be working with old wood with the most beautiful grain in it. Creating a whitewash with paint is a great way to bring out the grain and create a classic country look.
Because latex paint whitewash does not produce that classic salty look, realism comes by way of creative application. Using cheaper, rougher brushes like horsehair chip brushes is a good way to replicate the streaky effect of traditional whitewash.
Allow whitewash to sit on wood for 1-2 minutes. Wipe away excess. Use good amount of pressure to wipe away any excess whitewash for consistent look. Allow to dry 1-2 hours.
Let dry in between coats and re-apply as often as you feel necessary to achieve the effect you want, somewhere between 2-3 coats. I applied 2 coats on my table. After the paint has fully dried, you can distress your piece of furniture as much or as little as you want.
So, just how do you whitewash furniture? Whether you're working with a massive six-drawer dresser or tiny nightstand, use 100-grit sandpaper to even out the surface. If you know that you want a whitewash furniture look with the wood grain showing partially through, don't prime.
The easiest way to make whitewash paint is to simply dilute regular latex paint with some water. I like to keep the ratio at 1 part water to 2 parts flat white paint, but I've used eggshell and satin paint sheens with good success, too.
The substance which is used for white washing is Calcium oxide . Calcium oxide when reacted with water produces Calcium hydroxide(Lime water). This absorbs the Carbon dioxide present in the environment and produces Calcium carbonate. This Calcium carbonate forms a hard coating on the walls.
My favorite go-to chalk paint for whitewashing stone is Linen White Chalk Paint by Rustoleum. I love it because it's chalk paint so it's a little thicker and you get a little more coverage. But I also love it because it's a little off-white, so I find it plays well with the natural colors in brick and stone!
You can use any white paint you'd like. Make sure its a matte or flat paint, nothing glossy. I mixed 1 cup of paint and added 5 cups of water. Stir it well in a container or a painting tray.
No, whitewash is not watered down paint. Whitewash is a mixture of lime, water, and other ingredients such as salt or chalk that creates a milky white coating when applied to walls or furniture. It can be used to create an aged look on wood surfaces and also provides protection from the elements.
Water was added until it achieved the consistency of pancake batter. Whitewash can be applied with a roller, but brushes seem to work best. If you vary the thickness of whitewash, you can make your home look like a gracious English cottage.
The finish dries quickly, so it's wise to complete one small section at a time. Should you prefer the wood grain to show through more than it does, use a cloth to wipe away excess whitewash before it has the chance to dry completely. Doing this should result in an attractive, washed-out look.
Salt was often added to exterior limewash to make it more durable and dry slower, producing a better finish. Salt probably came from local salt works. Limewash could also be colored if the opaque white lime color was not desirable.
Before applying white wash to new wall surface, it is essential that surface should be cleaned, brushed and made free from loose materials and any other foreign matter. If the surface to be coated is extra smooth or over smooth, then coats will not stick to it.
The ratio of water to paint that I prefer is four parts water to one part latex paint. This whitewash can be used over any paint color and I made a short video showing you how I do the whitewash process. The piece for this project is the pedestal cedar chest I bought at auction a couple of weeks ago.
Painters use sand paper before whitewashing the walls or polishing doors and windows because it helps the whitewash to stick better to the old surface by effectively increasing the surface area. It helps to remove any type of grease, tar or dirt which may make it difficult for the paint to stick properly.
Additionally, moisture can seep into the wood causing it to swell or warp. Sealing your whitewashed furniture with a clear sealant will protect it from these elements and help keep its original look.
Once all the glaze is on and dry, lightly sand everything down with 400 grit sandpaper to make it completely smooth and to bring out the grain a little bit. Then vacuum and wipe it down. Apply 3 coats of waterbased polyurethane to the nightstands to seal the whitewash.
Mix Whitewash
Mix white, latex paint with water in a 1:1 ratio, which will give you a nice, transparent look. Test on a scrap piece of wood or an inconspicuous area, then adjust the ratio to your liking. Add more paint for a less transparent finish.