Make no error: Wood will never head out of design. However every so often, the wood in your house may feel a little lackluster. If you’re searching for an easy however efficient way to improve your home’s grain, you might want to think about concealing your wood.
Glossing over is a simple procedure that includes adding a semi-opaque stain to your bare wood, providing it a lighter, farmhouse-inspired appearance. There are a few various ways to finish this home project, and the approach you pick comes down to the appearance you want to achieve.
How to Prepare Wood for Whitewashing
Before you get begun, there are a couple of things you must do to prepare the wood for whitewashing. “The surface area should be dry, tidy, and complimentary of dust, dirt, oil, grease, glue, wax, polish, and existing finishes before staining,” says Karielle Day, merchant of paint and interior and outside stains and waterproofers at Home Depot. “Prepare bare wood by sanding in the direction of the grain.
How to Whitewash Wood With Diluted Paint
You do not have to utilize a specific stain to whitewash wood– you can merely water down white paint with water. “For a thicker whitewash– which is fantastic for a farmhouse look– you’ll blend 2 parts paint to 1 part water,” states New Jersey-based designer Christina Kim. “I likewise love a thinned-out whitewash for a subtle, elevated appearance. For this, you’ll require 1 part paint to 1 part water.”
Products
Make certain you have these materials on hand before getting started.
Fine-grit sandpaper
Ground cloth
White latex paint
Water
Wide paint brush
Narrow paint brush
Lint-free fabric
Actions
Follow these steps to whitewash wood with a solution of paint and water.
Sand the piece with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe tidy with a damp lint-free fabric.
Cover floorings and close-by furnishings with ground cloth.
Mix an option of water and white latex paint. Stir up until the mix is even.
Apply a small amount of whitewash to a surprise area. Let it dry and see how you like it.
Add more paint (much heavier coverage) or more water (lighter coverage) till you attain your desired look.
Using a large paint brush, use the paint option in the direction of the grain, using a lint-free cloth to wipe the excess paint away.
If needed, use a narrower paint brush to whitewash the edges of the wood and any other areas that may be difficult to reach.
Continue this procedure until you are pleased with the surface.
Let dry.
How to Whitewash Wood With a Candle
Believe it or not, you can use a candle light to whitewash wood. “Using paint and a candle light to whitewash wood provides a more distressed look,” says Gary McCoy, shop manager at Lowe’s. “The wax of the candle light is utilized to mask the high points and grain on the surface of the wood before painting.”
Products Needed
Ensure you have these materials on hand before beginning.
Fine-grit sandpaper
Ground cloth
White latex paint
Candle light
Wide paint brush
Narrow paint brush
Lint-free cloth
Actions
Follow these actions to whitewash wood with paint and a candle light.
Sand the piece with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe tidy with a moist lint-free cloth.
Cover floors and close-by furnishings with ground cloth.
Rub a dark candle light roughly along the wood to leave wax behind on the grooves of the surface.
Using a large paint brush, use white latex paint in the instructions of the grain, utilizing a lint free cloth to clean the excess paint away.
If needed, utilize a narrower paint brush to whitewash the edges of the wood and any other spots that might be tough to reach.
After it has dried completely, utilize a rag and clean the surface area with some included pressure to eliminate any wax shavings and reveal the more distressed look wanted.
How to Whitewash Wood With a Scraper
Glossing over wood with a scraper and paint is an excellent method for horizontal surfaces, says McCoy.
Products Needed
Ensure you have these materials on hand before starting.
Fine-grit sandpaper
Ground cloth
White latex paint
Scraper
Steps
Follow these steps to whitewash wood with paint and a scraper.
Sand the piece with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe tidy with a damp lint-free fabric.
Cover floorings and nearby furniture with drop cloths.
Put a small amount of paint straight down the center of the wood board you are dealing with.
Using a scraper, drag the paint throughout the board to fill out the grooves in the grain.
Repeat, if essential, then let dry over night.
How to Seal the Wood
Unless you’re suppressing a low-touch area like a ceiling, you’ll want to add a clear coat of water-based polyurethane. Not just will this layer secure your whitewashed wood from nicks and scratches, but it’ll also provide your setup a great shine.
