How To Whitewash Wood

Using Premixed Whitewash vs. Making it

To achieve the look of whitewash, you can use a premixed option or make your own by mixing water and white paint. In this video and tutorial, I am going to be mixing one part water with one part of white water-based paint.

Steps for Mixing Whitewash

Tips for Applying Whitewash to Wood

Once you know the basics, try these variations:

Apply water to a board to raise or “pop” the grain. Apply the whitewash solution, and then scrape it off with a putty knife to highlight the grain. Next try applying a layer of gray paint mixed with water to a wood that would typically have a yellow undertone, like pine, to mute the color. Once dry, apply a whitewash finish to complete the look. Lastly, apply dark stain to a rough wood. Once dry, apply a whitewash and then scrape off the excess for a weathered rustic look.

Materials

Lint-free cloth White paint Water or premix Cup Paint stick

Tools