Whitewashing is a popular alternative to painting. It is a good look if you want to have a weathered and vintage look into your furniture. Aside from wood, you can also whitewash bricks, and walls. If you want your furniture to leave a lasting impression, you can whitewash them using various colors. Below are tips and ideas on how to add colors to whitewash.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Can You Add Color to Whitewash?<\/h2>\n
You can add colors to whitewash. While whitewash is traditionally colored white, you can use the same technique to add colors into the whitewash.<\/strong> Popular colors to add include gray, blue, green, and cream. You can also choose a color which you think fits with the motif or theme that you currently have.<\/p>\n To add color to whitewash, you can choose an ordinary colored paint. Dilute the paint with water to achieve a weathered look. Add one part of water to two parts of paint and continue adding water until you have achieved the effect that you want on your furniture.<\/strong> If you have a whitewash solution, you can also add colored paint into it and continue to add water until the paints are thoroughly mixed and diluted. You can also check out this article titled, whitewash vs. white paint, is whitewash white paint<\/a>? We have discussed the difference between whitewash and white paint.<\/p>\n To whitewash wood with color, you can choose from the traditional method and the paint method. The traditional method uses lime while the paint method uses latex paint. Both are easy to do and can upgrade the look of your furniture.<\/strong> Let us learn more about the two methods below.<\/p>\n The traditional method includes the use of lime as the main ingredient of the whitewash. There are a few tools and ingredients that you need to properly do the job. The good thing about using the traditional method is that it is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and has antibacterial properties.<\/p>\n The first step that you need to do is to sand the wood that you will whitewash. Whitewash best works on bare wood so it is advisable that you sand the surface of the wood so that you lightly expose the wood fibers. Sanding also removes dirt, dust, and stains from the wood. Wipe the surface clean with a rug after sanding.<\/p>\n To make the whitewash, pour water into the bucket and add salt into it. Stir the water until the salt is thoroughly dissolved. Next, add lime and mix once again. You can now add powdered color pigments<\/a> of your choice. These are available at your local hardware or garden stores. You can also purchase online for a wide array of color choices. Continue to mix until the colors have dissolved. Make sure that the mixture has a consistency that is thinner than paint.<\/p>\n Use a brush or roller to apply the whitewash on the furniture. Avoid putting too much on the first application because you will add more layers into it. Make sure that the first coat is dried before you add another layer of whitewash. Take note that the more coats you apply, the thicker the color will be.<\/p>\n Another method to create whitewash is by using water-based or latex paint<\/a>. Use the paint and water to create a semi-transparent effect that will bring out the color of the wood grain. You can also choose a colored paint if you want the furniture to have a brighter color.<\/p>\n The paint method is best for smooth surfaces and bare wood. Make sure that you get rid of any varnish or paint from the wood by sanding it. Wipe the wood clean using a rag or sponge.<\/p>\n Choose the color of paint that you want. Use a water-based or latex paint. Using a 1:1 ratio, pour water and paint into a bucket and mix thoroughly. Continue to add water until the mixture has a consistency like milk.<\/p>\n Apply the whitewash into a small section of the wood and see if it has the consistency that you want. The paint should be transparent so that the wood shows through. Use a brush or roller to apply the paint into the wood. You can continue to add more layers of coating to achieve the texture that you want for the furniture. Allow it to dry. Once it is dried, you can sand the paint to achieve a more weathered look. Then, apply a water-based sealant to protect the paint and to maintain its appearance for a long time. You can also check out this article that we have written that discusses if you have to seal whitewash<\/a>. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.<\/p>\n To color wash your furniture, there are a few steps that you need to follow which includes doing the base layer, mixing paint and water to create the solution, applying the paint, and adding the top coat. Using a color wash adds more personality and color into your furniture. You can still achieve a weathered look even if you use other colors and not just white.<\/strong> Below are the steps to follow on how to color wash furniture.<\/p>\n To start with, work on the base layer to provide the wood with a stunning aged effect. This step is optional and can be skipped. On the other hand, you can do this step if you want another color to show through. Choose a base coat in the color that you want. It is ideal to use a porous paint so that it bleeds into the color wash. However, use a non-porous paint if you do not want the bottom coat to blend into the color wash.<\/p>\n To create the color wash, pour half water and half paint into a container. Use any type of paint that you want. Take note that you will not need as much color wash as compared to the base paint. Continue mixing the wash until you have achieved the right consistency.<\/p>\n The next step is to apply the color wash into the furniture with the use of a brush. Wipe the paint off with a lint-free cloth or rag. Make sure that you work in small sections so that you can easily wipe the paint before it dries. Experiment with the look that you want for your furniture.<\/p>\n The last step is to apply a top coat finish into the furniture to protect it and to make sure that it maintains a fresh and new look for a long time.<\/p>\n Roots & Wings Furniture & Home shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses how to color wash furniture. In the video, the simple color washing technique to achieve a layered look is discussed. This technique provides a dimensional finish. Check out the video for the tutorial.<\/p>\n\n\nHow Do You Add Color to Whitewash?<\/h2>\n
How to Whitewash Wood with Color<\/h2>\n
Traditional Method<\/h3>\n
Step 1 – Sanding<\/h4>\n
Step 2 \u2013 Create the Whitewash<\/h4>\n
Step 3 \u2013 Apply the Whitewash<\/h4>\n
Using Paint<\/h3>\n
Step 1 \u2013 Prepare the Wood<\/h4>\n
Step 2 \u2013 Mix the Paint<\/h4>\n
Step 3 \u2013 Apply the Paint<\/h4>\n
How to Color Wash Furniture<\/h2>\n
Start with the Base Layer<\/h3>\n
Create the Color Wash<\/h3>\n
Apply the Color Wash<\/h3>\n
Finish with a Top Coat<\/h3>\n
\u2705 Video – Color Washing Tutorial for Furniture Painting<\/h4>\n