Whitewash is an alternative to paint, but what exactly is its purpose and how different is it from paint? Before, whitewashing was used on barns and fences because of its antibacterial properties. Nowadays, it is becoming more popular for its weather appeal and vintage look. Brick walls are whitewashed to have a fresh and elegant look while furniture is whitewashed to give them a rustic charm. Below, we will discuss the different purposes of whitewash and its benefits.
What is the purpose of whitewash? Whitewash is originally made from lime, salt and water and is used mainly for various purposes like to prevent sun-burn, reduce insect damage, and to reflect heat on the building. Nowadays, whitewash is popular for decorating purposes. It provides a weathered and vintage look into the furniture, bricks, walls, and other materials.
Whitewash is a good alternative to painting. Nowadays, whitewash is used to create a weathered and rustic look into houses and furniture. There are different methods on how you can make whitewash depending on its purpose. To learn more about whitewash, you can check out the rest of the article below.
What is Whitewash?
Whitewash is an affordable coating that is originally made from lime and water and used to decorate, sanitize, and protect different materials. It has a bright white color but more and more people are adding dyes to make the coating more vibrant. The main ingredient of whitewash is lime. When applied to surfaces and materials, lime absorbs carbon dioxide from the air and converts it back to limestone. Because of this, it is able to add a protective layer on the surface of the material. Nowadays, whitewash can be made by diluting white paint. You can also check out this article titled, whitewash vs. white paint, is whitewash white paint? We have discussed the difference between whitewash and white paint.
Why Are Houses Whitewashed?
Houses are whitewashed to protect them from mildew. Both the interior and exterior parts of the house can be whitewashed. Whitewash consists of lime which works as insect repellent, disinfectant, and odor repellent. They can prevent mildew from forming into the walls, floors, and ceiling of the house, especially those that are located in areas with moist and humid climates.
Why is Whitewash Done?
Whitewashing has antibacterial properties, can brighten dark wood, repels insects, and reduces mold. It is a good alternative that you can use for paint. You can create your own whitewash at home by using lime and water. Another option is to dilute white paint with water. Let us learn more about the purposes of whitewashing below.
Antibacterial
One of the purposes of whitewashing is that it is antibacterial. Whitewash is composed of lime which has antibacterial properties. It can prevent moisture and mold from growing on the surface of walls, ceilings, and floors. Houses and barns are usually whitewashed so that they are protected from bacteria. Moreover, they make the surface more hygienic and sanitary.
Provides a Bright Look
Another reason why whitewashing is done in wooden surfaces is that it can brighten the look of the wood. Whitewash reflects light making the room brighter. If your indoor walls consist of bricks that look dark and worn out, you can whitewash the bricks to transform their look and also to make the room brighter.
Prevents the Growth of Mold
Houses, buildings, barns, and furniture are whitewashed because they prevent the growth of mold. The lime in the whitewash acts as a drying agent that prevents moisture from seeping into the walls and other surfaces. Moisture can encourage the growth of mold and a small moist area can be a breeding area for mold, fungus, and bacteria. Applying thick coats of whitewash over the exposed surfaces prevents moisture.
Acts as Insect Repellent
Whitewash is also good when it comes to repelling different kinds of insects from your house, building, or barn. Usually, barns are whitewashed to prevent animals from getting infested with flies and mites. Moreover, a whitewashed house will repel bees and wasps from creating a home in your attic.
A Good Alternative to Paint
If you do not want to use paint, whitewash is a good coating alternative. Paint consists of chemicals like VOC that are harmful to one’s health. Moreover, they produce strong fumes which are bad for the respiratory system. If you want a safer option, you can use whitewash which is made from natural ingredients. You can make your own whitewash at home using lime and water. It is an affordable alternative as compared to paint.
✅ Video – How to Whitewash a House
DiyMovies SA shared the video below on how to whitewash a house. Whitewashing a house has many benefits especially if you are using the traditional ingredient which includes lime. Not only does it provide a weathered and rustic look into the house, it also has antibacterial properties that helps prevent mold and mildew. Watch the video below for the tips and instructions on how to whitewash a house.
Does Whitewash Wash Off?
Whitewash does not chip, peel or wash off. It needs little maintenance as compared to paint and it can last for many decades. You can even make whitewash waterproof by adding linseed into the mixture. If you do not want to spend a lot of time on maintenance, you can choose to whitewash your walls, furniture, and other materials. We have also shared this article titled, does whitewash wash off? Check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic.
What is Whitewash Made Of?
The traditional whitewash is made from powdered lime and water. This non-toxic coating serves as a sealant or paint and is safe for humans, animals, and the environment. Whitewash has a weathered and vintage appearance which makes it popular to those who want to have a rustic look for their homes. Whitewash made from lime has many benefits and is used in barns, schools, farms, and houses. Nowadays, paint is used to create whitewash. To do this, add water into latex paint to dilute it.
How to Make Whitewash
You can use powdered lime and water to create a traditional whitewash or you can also use latex paint and water. Either of the two can provide a weathered look into furniture and surfaces. However, if you want the whitewash to have other benefits like being antibacterial or insect repellant, you can use lime. Below are the steps that you need to consider when making whitewash.
Step 1 – Prepare the Materials
The first thing that you need to do is to prepare all of the materials that you will need. You can visit your local shops and depots to choose the material. If you want to make a traditional whitewash, you will need hydrated lime which can be purchased in your local hardware store. Make sure that you use hydrated or masonry lime when making whitewash. Do not use lime that you typically use in the garden when making whitewash because they are made from a different substance.
On the other hand, you can also make whitewash by mixing paint and water. This is another option that you can choose if you want to use the whitewash for decorating purposes. Moreover, make sure that you use proper gear like gloves, mask and goggles when working.
Step 2 – Mixing the Whitewash
The next step is to combine all the ingredients in a large bucket. Wear your mask, gloves, and goggles for safety purposes. To create the traditional whitewash, mix two cups of salt in one gallon of warm water and stir thoroughly. Then, add six cups of lime into the mixture. Add more lime to create the finish that you want. Mix well to dissolve the lime. When making whitewash from paint, pour paint in the bucket and add water into it. You can use 50 to 50 ratios or add more water to achieve the finish that you want.
Why Add Salt to Whitewash?
Salt is usually added to the whitewash mixture so that its adhesion increases. If you do not have salt, you can use soap. In case you apply whitewash into the surface and you find that it does not adhere properly, you can add salt into the mixture.
Do You Need to Seal Whitewash?
If you want the whitewash to last longer, you can seal it with the use of a proper sealant. The sealant will protect the whitewash and allow it to maintain a new and fresh look for a long time. You can choose from a wide array of sealants that are available on the market. Apply the sealant using a brush or a sponge. For best results, use a clear and water-based sealant. You can also check out this article that we have written that discusses if you have to seal whitewash. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Does Whitewash Protect Wood?
Whitewash protects wood and also acts as a wood preservative. You can whitewash wood furniture, ceiling, and wall if you want it to last for a long time. Whitewashing is usually done to protect barns, trees, and fences.
Is it Bad to Whitewash Brick?
It is not bad to whitewash brick. As a matter of fact, whitewashing bricks will preserve its natural texture. Make sure that you use the traditional whitewash which consists of lime. Do not use diluted paint to whitewash bricks because it does not provide the same level of protection as lime does.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses what the purpose of whitewash is. We have found out that the traditional whitewash which is made from lime can provide protection to wood and other materials. Not only does it have antimicrobial properties, it also helps prevent mold, moisture, and repels insects. You can create your own whitewash by using masonry lime and water. It is a good alternative to painting. Thank you for reading!