QA

Quick Answer: How To Whitewash Painted Furniture

How do you whitewash already painted furniture?

Steps: Mix paint and water to desired consistency (for this example, I used equal parts). Dip rag in mixture and apply it liberally to the wood as you would a stain, wiping over it with a rag to evenly distribute it. Dry and repeat coats until desired opacity.

Can you whitewash over painted wood?

Whitewashing works best on raw wood. That being the case, it’s critical that you remove as much of any existing finish—be it paint, stain, or varnish—as possible. Do so by thoroughly sanding the surface you intend to whitewash. Sanding by hand is one option, but it’s far quicker and easier to opt for a power sander.

Can you whitewash a painted surface?

Scuff the painted or stained surface with 180-grit sandpaper. Don’t sand deeply; roughing up the surface increases whitewash adhesion. If the surface is greasy, oily or heavily soiled, wash it down with warm, soapy water; an all-purpose cleaner or a mixture of water and trisodium phosphate.

What type of paint is best for whitewashing?

We recommend a water and paint mixture. It’s super easy to mix and apply, and it’s budget-friendly. Mix white, latex paint with water in a 1:1 ratio, which will give you a nice, transparent look.

How do you whitewash over paint?

Making whitewash is simple and inexpensive. Simply mix white water-based paint with water to the desired consistency. A 1:3 paint-to-water ratio will give a thin, translucent coating that doesn’t need to be wiped or dry brushed. A 1:1 ratio will give a thicker coating that can be wiped or sanded for a distressed look.

Can you whitewash over latex paint?

Mix interior latex paint with water to create the whitewash effect. Larger amounts of water in the mixture will result in a lighter paint finish. A 50-50 water to paint mixture creates an acceptable whitewash finish on most wood.

Do you have to sand before whitewashing?

You need to sand the wood before whitewashing. Sanding will remove paint, stain, or varnish from the wood. Thoroughly sand the surface that you would like to whitewash.

Can you whitewash with different colors?

Which colors work with whitewashing? While the traditional color to whitewash with is white, you can use this technique with pretty much any color of paint. Bright colors will give you a more sheer effect, while whites and pastels will provide a little more opacity.

Can you whitewash over dark paint?

How Do You Whitewash Over Dark Stain? You can stain the wood (or leave it raw for a light finish). You will need two parts white paint (flat latex or matte acrylic both work fine) and one part water to mix. The wood grain should be brushed in the direction of the water/paint mixture.

How do you white wash a dresser?

Dip a paintbrush into the whitewash solution and paint the entire surface of the dresser using parallel brush strokes. If you like the whitewash coverage, allow it to dry completely. Rub the piece down with a clean, soft cloth if the whitewash looks a bit thick, as this will expose more of the original dresser finish.

How do you clean whitewashed wood furniture?

To clean tough stains or greasy spots, add 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water in a bucket and use it as a cleaning solution. White vinegar mixed with water also makes a strong cleaning agent that does not harm the cabinet’s surface. Avoid getting the cabinets overly wet. Rinse clean and let dry immediately.

Can you whitewash over chalk paint?

Creating a whitewash with paint is a great way to bring out the grain and create a classic country look. If you want to recreate the appearance of limed oak, choose Chalk Paint® in Old White, but you can also try Pure and even Duck Egg Blue! You’ll be thinning the paint right down with water to create a wash.

Can you whitewash over?

The answer is no, you cannot whitewash over a pre-existing finish as the original stain or finish will create a barrier, and the whitewash will not be able to penetrate to the wood. You can, however, use solid stain over old panelling and it looks terrific.

How do you whitewash dark painted wood?

The Best Way to Whitewash Wood Stain the wood (or leave it raw for a light finish). Mix 2 parts white paint (flat latex or matte acrylic both work fine) with 1 part water. Brush on the water/paint mixture in the direction of the wood grain. Use a clean rag to wipe off the paint in the direction of the wood grain.

Can you whitewash over stained furniture?

The whitewashing technique can be applied to stained or natural wood. Whether it’s oak, pine or another variety doesn’t matter. If you’re planning on staining before whitewashing, ensure the surface is smooth by lightly sanding it. If your wood has previously been stained or sealed, you’re good to go.

Can you whitewash golden oak cabinets?

Today, whitewash wood stains are commercially available and easy to apply. Certain wood types, like pine, are better suited to whitewashing techniques, but cabinets made of oak can also be whitewashed through a process called pickling.