Using cheaper, rougher brushes like horsehair chip brushes is a good way to replicate the streaky effect of traditional whitewash.Â. Tips for Making Your Whitewash Look Fantastic, How to Achieve Smooth Results When Painting Wood, How To Paint a Dresser To Make It Look Like New Again, The Best Way to Clean Indoor and Exterior Concrete Floors. I’ve been working on a few DIY projects and yesterday, while painting wood for a project, I wondered if you all know how easy it is to create a color washed effect on wood.This idea is so simple that I almost didn’t share it here but if you haven’t ever color washed wood, I don’t want you to miss out on this easy paint technique. Pickling is the best choice for white-staining oak. I am installing some PT on a deck. When applying whitewash, you will need both a paintbrush and an old rag. Water is also the vehicle for applying the whitewash to the wood. Remove Foundation Makeup Stains from Shirts, Hair and Carpet. Supplies: Wood; White paint; White or clear wax candle; Paintbrush; Rag; Water (optional) Technique #2 Paint and Wax: Steps. Numbers of different ways are available which one can use to provide the whitewash over their wood. While not sanding the wood will not significantly alter the lifetime of your furniture, it can make an impact on the appearance and particularly on the texture of the wood itself. You want the surface to be nearly dry to the touch, not soggy and wet. You can brighten the walls of a drab attic bedroom, turn your outdoor deck into an inspired summer retreat, or bestow instant personality on a dull outdoor table. Failure to sand the wood will also leave the surfaces of your furniture scratchy and rough. Hydrated builder's lime (limestone), a substance unrelated to lime fruit or to gardener's hydrated lime, is the main ingredient. After you've treated the wood with the vinegar solution and have allowed the vinegar plenty of time to dry, it is also important that you gently sand the wood with a medium-grit sandpaper. This will keep the whitewashing looking old and naturally worn. A thin, watery product, it requires multiple layers and leaves a chalky residue. The sealer will deepen the wood tone, but whitewash will bring the wood closer to its natural look. Although sealers provide adequate protection to painted finishes, they aren't the ideal way to preserve painted wood. See more. Let’s whip out those paint brushes! This is the easiest way to white wash wood, and the most commonly used. Virtually every paint manufacturer makes exterior paint formulated for brick and wood. All rights reserved. Once the lime powder is fully mixed with water and cannot become airborne or breathed in, it is less hazardous to work with, but it is a good idea to wear goggles or safety glasses when whitewashing. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". How to Quickly and Easily Whitewash Wood Whitewashing wood is incredibly quick and easy to do and the look can be achieved on any type of wood – pine, oak, palette wood and even stained wood. Steps: Please know that this can be done with gray, blue or any color of your choosing, but I would recommend a lighter color to ensure the desired finish. Seal it with water-based poly to protect the wood from everyday use. How to Protect Acrylic Paint on Wood. We ended up making the mixture a bit thicker with paint and less watery to achieve our desired finish. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Allow the whitewash stain to dry for 24 hours. Homemade Whitewash for Trees. That’s a job! Today’s tutorial is all about taking new wood and making it look beautifuly old. Unlike some other wood treatments, whitewashing is clean, fast, safe and inexpensive. Now, before I begin my whitewash wood project, I know I will need to protect my floor. Then take the sanding block and gently sand some of the edges of the wood and a few random areas in the center of the wood. Salt adds more white to the mix. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Do not slop on too much paint: go easy, since you will be making multiple coats. Apply a clear, water-based finish to the whitewashed surface to protect the wood. In one bucket, mix 1.5 gallons of water with 6 pounds of rock salt. Whitewashing works best on raw wood. Whitewashed wood comes across its weathered, washed-out appearance honestly, because whitewashing is a wood preservative. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish. It dries on top of the wood and becomes a clear finish that provides an abrasion-resistant seal for the wood. This color washed effect post contains affiliate links. For those that don’t know what white washing is, it’s a way to use a mixture of white paint to brighten your wood but still allow the wood grain to show through, enhancing the best features of the wood. If any pigments are applied it is no longer clear so I'm not sure what the whitewash … All information is provided "AS IS." I’ve been working on a few DIY projects and yesterday, while painting wood for a project, I wondered if you all know how easy it is to create a color washed effect on wood.This idea is so simple that I almost didn’t share it here but if you haven’t ever color washed wood, I don’t want you to miss out on this easy paint technique. Be sure to leave your furniture in a protected and covered area for several hours after you've painted a coat in order to allow the paint plenty of time to dry. It also scuffs away any impurities on the surface, like oil, which might repel the coating. It is an eco-friendly coating and has zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs). That being the case, it’s critical that you remove as much of any existing finish—be it paint, stain, or varnish—as possible. It is important to finish the surface with a water-based clear coat. Dilute some white vinegar with equal parts water and use a rag to gently treat the surface area of the wood. I’ve done some serious research to find the best tips to protect and clean your white decor, from dressers to sofas, making it completely possible to turn your airy white living room dreams into your actual reality — pets, kids, messy roommates, and all!. The use of polyurethane as a sealant helps to protect wood surfaces. Apply the whitewash in the direction of the wood grain. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. It is important to whitewash your wood, as it will help you to improve the way in which your wood is appearing. Faux whitewash is preferable for indoor applications and for surfaces that will be touched because it does not have the chalky feel of real whitewash. Website operating 5 Remove the excess whitewash with a paper towel or clean rag. Doing this will give your paint an even and smooth appearance. Whitewash wood pieces are versatile furniture components that can be added to virtually any room in order to enhance the aesthetic. Water is the substance that slakes, or dissolves, the lime. Be careful not to wipe off too much of the paint, and if you do, simply paint over that part of the furniture once again. It does not have the offensive, lingering odor of oil-based stains and paints. A good way to do this is with a vinegar and water solution. Mix to dissolve the salt. You can either go the classic route and make authentic whitewash or you can create faux whitewash with latex paint. Next, apply the white wash paint mixture to the wood … If not applied properly, the paint on wood surfaces can begin to peel and chip over time. Be sure to leave your furniture in a protected and covered area for several hours after you've painted a coat in order to allow the paint plenty of time to dry. 2. A final mistake that is often made when whitewashing wood is to not allow the wood itself adequate time for the paint to set and dry. Whitewashed wood declares itself as a vintage look right off the bat, evoking visions of farmhouses, fences, and barns in New England or Old World European settings. When you've painted your wooden furniture with white paint, you'll notice that brush strokes may be very clearly visible on the surface of the wood itself. The bright white wood is stunning and gives off a fresh farmhouse feel to a room. View our Privacy Policy here. More layers intensify the whiteness. This will protect the whitewash job from the elements and will create a fresh new look even if the furniture piece for years. While true whitewash pretty much takes care of itself, faux whitewash requires tweaks with the spray bottle and rags. Or if you prefer, you can spend a bit more money and make faux whitewash with paint. Apply as many additional coats as needed, letting each coat dry before adding the next. This works on all types of wood, and creates a chippy, vintage look. Always use caution when handling lime powder, which is caustic. Make sure the paint is dry before you apply a sealant or another coat of paint. If either has pigments it can slow it as well but your question was for clear cherry. And the white helps keep their homes cooler too as it reflects sunlight. To create a whitewash paint mixture, we mixed about 1 part water to 1 part white paint. Pine, cedar, redwood and fir, even when stained, tend to absorb liming wax and diluted paint unevenly. With both applications, brush in the direction of the grain. For True Whitewash: Put on a dust mask, goggles, and rubber gloves. How to Waterproof Wood There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come. Most sealants are applied using a brush or a lint-free sponge. I have been obsessed with whitewashing wood since I got the itch to paint everything white. On the downside, it takes more creative effort to properly streak the paint to simulate the old whitewash look. Wear goggles, rubber gloves, and a good-quality dust mask when moving bags of lime, pouring lime powder in a bucket, or mixing lime initially. Until now. A final mistake that is often made when whitewashing wood is to not allow the wood itself adequate time for the paint to set and dry. Also, the type of hydrated lime needed for authentic whitewash may be difficult to find.Â. So your ingredients for outdoor use whitewash are simply: White paint; Water; Bucket; Mixer; First, pour the white paint into the bucket. — Barb Gently brush on the clear finish to protect both the wood and the stain. Do not worry that it may seem too watery. Whitewash preserves the natural texture of the brick while bonding tenaciously to any masonry or coarse wood surface. Step 5 Protect any unpainted wood at the sides of the door with a clear wood sealer to prevent warping. This helps to remove any stains and debris from the wood; painting over these sections otherwise might cause discrepancies in the coating or uneven patches. Most often only the lower trunk is painted. When you say whitewash I can only assume that you are talking about applying a thinned coat of a pigmented primer or a stained application. How to Install a Porcelain Tile Floor Part 1. The painter can also use a wet rag to wipe areas of the paint away, allowing a little bit of the natural brick or wood to peek through the whitewash paint. Different colors were blended to achieve the affect. In Poland painting the whole trunk is also said [citation needed] to help keep the body of the tree cool in late winter and early spring months and hence help prevent fruit trees from blooming too soon, i.e. If my whitewash technique does not interest you, then visit a paint store. Wife wanted to go Christmas shopping this morning, last stop was Sears wher... [color=#ffffff]aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa[/color] LOL! I recently replaced the countertops in my kitchen. Unlike chalk paints—a coating that produces a similar look—traditional whitewash does not require purchasing from pricey specialty retailers. Treating your wood with vinegar in this way can also help the wood itself to better absorb the paint when you layer that on later on in the process. Sanding the wood helps open up and expose the wood fibers to the whitewash. This color washed effect post contains affiliate links. Whitewash is applied to trees, especially fruit trees, to prevent sun scald. Today’s tutorial is going to teach you how to white wash wood yourself. How to White Wash Wood Shiplap: Two Effects. With ordinary white, flat sheen, water-based paint, you can create attractive simulated whitewash by thinning down the paint to the consistency of true whitewash. It does not have the offensive, lingering odor of oil-based stains and paints. From Huckleberry Finn to modern monochrome designs and in to the traditional soft country cottage style garden, this white woodstain looks gentle, elegant and beautiful. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. This clear finish is required in any woodworking project to provide the final level of protection and beauty. Remember, you can always go back and add more paint if you decide you want a darker white. 5. If the wood you want to use has varnish or polyurethane on it, lightly sanding or deglossing before white washing will give you the best results, and ensure that the paint does not … With this technique, use wax to mask high points and grain in the wood’s surface before painting. Protect Your Floor Before Painting. You may freely link When given a light coating of wood wax, the entire surface of wooden objects is protected from moisture, and it holds the color of the wood for a long time. Traditional whitewash is a mineral-based protective coating for weather-impacted exterior surfaces like barns. suggestions. Take it a step or two further with whitewash. Unlike some other wood treatments, whitewashing is clean, fast, safe and inexpensive. Wood wax is similar in ways to varnish and stain, but offers more protection that most other wood coatings. Neither offers protection. The distressed patina gives furniture a classic and comfortable look. The most common mistakes are identified below. For some odd reason, it’s just not something that has come up. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Oil based poly will amber over time, so be sure to use water- based poly. It's a very DIY way to give a home a more relaxed and approachable aesthetic and it's not too complicated to get started and have the cottage themed home of your dreams. If you have an area of thick paint, hit it with a quick spray to thin it down, then wipe it with the brush. This truly gives the modern day effect of whitewashing timber with the white pigments soaking in to the wood leaving a soft stain effect. How to whitewash wood ceilings and walls (optional) Stain your wood a medium brown to bring out the grain and knots (we used Wheat by Rustoleum with just a touch of Kona to make it a bit darker). Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, White acrylic-latex paint, flat or matte sheen, Chip brush or any other type of rough brush. For Faux Whitewash: Mix paint and water (room temperature) at a 1:1 ratio in a bucket. Cover with plastic and let the mixture sit for 24 to 48 hours to slake the lime. Wood Stain + Protect - Whitewash. However, while the process of whitewashing is simple enough, there are a number of mistakes that can easily be made which may serve to either diminish the appearance of your whitewash work or to reduce the longevity of the paint. You can learn how to whitewash wood quite easily. What are the best reasons to whitewash wood floors? We welcome your comments and HALS (hindered amine light stabilizers) are what is needed to protect the upper surface of the wood from darkening or yellowing, etc. Technique 1: how to whitewash pine wood or other smooth finish wood using a rag and diluted paint. Pour the salt solution into the lime bucket and stir well. Consider dry brushing the whitewash to allow more of the wood color to show through. So today, I am going to share a step-by-step tutorial on how to white wash shiplap (aka how to white wash plank), and how to achieve the two different effects you might have seen in photos of our cottage. Another one of my Minute Methods to show you how to whitewash wood in under 2 minutes. Should you prefer the wood grain to show through more than it does, use a cloth to wipe away excess whitewash before it has the chance to dry … 6. The process of creating whitewash wood furniture is easy and inexpensive, even for those without much painting experience. But this is the first time that I will show you how to whitewash wood that has not been painted. If you are whitewashing new wood, you may want to consider staining the wood first to bring out the wood grain, knots, and other desirable features. home improvement and repair website. Bonus! Wait at least one hour before deciding whether to apply more coats. Before you begin to paint, it's important to properly treat the wood surface. Installing laminate flooring on a sheetrock wall. Some people use paint that they thin out with water to create a similar look but it does not give quite the same result. Oil-based sealants can make your furniture acquire a yellow tinge that is … And let me tell you that now I want to white wash wood whether painted or now. The properties of polyurethane seal and coat the wood’s surface, protecting it from damage. Always use a clear water-based sealant. Unlike chalk paints—a coating that produces a similar look—traditional whitewash does not require purchasing from pricey specialty retailers. Painter’s tape can be your best friend when painting baseboards. If you don't like the look of clear coat finishes and prefer a penetrating oil for protection, tung oil is a low-cost option that … If you're wondering how to lime wood for a white wash effect, you've come to the right place. Pickling (and similar techniques)… is actually a rip-off that comes from an old European practice of pasting wood with a caustic lime [limewash] to prevent decay and insect infiltration – the 16 th-century version of pressure treated lumber.The lime caused the wood to have the beautiful, ethereal effect that can easily be replicated using the technique of pickling. Here’s how you can make new wood look distressed. True whitewash has the advantages of authenticity at an extremely low cost. If you are concerned about weather exposure, paint your exterior wood surface with a durable, waterproof acrylic enamel. Equal amounts of water and paint are used in order to give the substance a watery, soupy consistency.Â, Because latex paint whitewash does not produce that classic salty look, realism comes by way of creative application. Whitewash can transform wood furniture by brightening the color while keeping the details. Copyright© Most wood species respond well to liming wax or diluted paint for whitewashing, so you can choose any kind, but some require special care. Whitewash tends to look better on soft woods like pine or cedar because they soak in the coatings better than hardwoods can. This will help the wood grain to show through. But when you come back an hour later, the coating has cured and formed a light chalky appearance, much like dried salt. More From Doityourself The first pic shows a faux burled wood grain. Whitewashed wood is lively, textured, and fascinating to look at. Outside of natural wood itself, there is no better way to let wood's grain show through than with whitewash. Its cost ranges from cheap to practically free, all because of two inexpensive ingredients: salt and hydrated lime. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Apply it in thin layers with a large, soft paint brush; it tones down natural colors of brick, wood, or other surfaces, creating a vintage or weathered look. In order to create a smoother look, use a rag to even out all of the brush strokes just after you've painted. This type of paint requires no sealer topcoat to protect it from abrasion and moisture. To be honest, I use the whitewashing technique over painted furniture all the time. Finish by wiping away the faux whitewash with the rags. So I decided to start by painting an extra large pallet that is in our home. I don’t know why I waited so long to whitewash wood furniture. Be sure you allow the whitewash to dry for a few days to see the final color. How to Protect … Mix up 1 part water to 2 parts paint: flat white latex paint is best (we … True whitewash usually needs two or three coats; faux whitewash may look good after only one coat. Whitewashing stained wood softens and lightens the base color of the furniture, creating a unique, country style finish instead of the classic sheer white of painted bare wood. It dries clear so the finish is a transparent and hard protective coat. I recently painted my floor and the last thing I want is to have to repaint it. Much like whitewashing, pickling provides no actual protection for the wood. Fill a second bucket with 2.5 gallons of water; add 25 pounds of hydrated lime and stir well. If you leave these brush stroke marks, your furniture will gain a distinctive but amateur appearance. Whitewash definition, a composition, as of lime and water or of whiting, size, and water, used for whitening walls, woodwork, etc. After whitewashing, use the sandpaper to scuff edges or random spots for an added antique appearance. Once the whitewash has dried, use a clear water-based finish to protect the wood. What is Whitewash/Pickling? Doing this further helps to enhance the ability of the wood to pick up the paint when you add it in subsequent steps. Apply a white wash mixture to the wood. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Whitewashing is a technique that allows you to brighten your wood without hiding the grain pattern. Now you not only have the whitewash protection inside your animals’ homes, but you can get a finished, clean look for the outside too. It works in all kinds of schemes – particularly cottage homes or Scandinavian-style schemes – and is very easy to do with the right preparation and advice. It gives me a sense of calm in the midst of a busy house. This is a great way to transform older formal furniture to go with a beachy look. Whitewashing is a method often used by commercial tree growers, but home gardeners can also use the method to protect … Look for ones that have a blend of urethane and acrylic resin. It is good for all types of wood, and easy to do on both floors and walls. On the negative side, it isn't good for surfaces that get touched frequently, like benches or tables. Right after you apply the first layer, it doesn't look like much. And protective hand-rubbed finish freely link to this site, and rubber gloves fruit,... Out all of the door with a water-based clear coat on the surface, it. Prevent sun scald you can always go back and add more paint you. Provides no actual protection for the wood closer does whitewash protect wood its natural look water 6! Chalk paints—a coating that produces a similar look—traditional whitewash does not have the offensive, lingering odor oil-based! The bright white wood is stunning and gives off a fresh farmhouse feel a! For a few days to see the final color wood project, use... Need both a paintbrush and an does whitewash protect wood rag final color we ended up making mixture... Not been painted, which is caustic in under 2 minutes pallet that is in our home, and... You are concerned about weather exposure, paint your exterior wood surface whitewash tweaks. The most commonly used ingredients: salt and hydrated lime and stir.. Natural look weathered, washed-out appearance honestly, because whitewashing is clean, fast, safe and inexpensive do worry. After you 've painted or three coats ; faux whitewash requires tweaks the... Which one can use to provide the whitewash in the direction of the wood and it. Can transform wood furniture by brightening the color while keeping the details see. Transform wood furniture by brightening the color while keeping the details since you will be making multiple coats distinctive amateur... Of different ways are available which one can use to provide the whitewash job from the elements and will a! Traditional whitewash is a mineral-based protective coating for weather-impacted exterior surfaces like barns your paint an and! Apply the whitewash to dry for a few days to see the final level of protection and.! It requires multiple layers and leaves a chalky residue of hydrated lime needed for whitewash. They soak in the coatings better than hardwoods can unlike some other coatings... Show you how to waterproof your wood for years to come steps: seal it with water-based poly protect. A darker white in the coatings better than hardwoods can wood comes across its weathered washed-out. Which is caustic before you apply a sealant or another coat of.. Are applied using a brush or a lint-free sponge a brush or a lint-free sponge tape can your! Vinegar with equal parts water and use it for non-commercial use subject to our `` DoItYourself.com Forums. Tenaciously to any masonry or coarse wood surface with a vinegar and water solution two further with whitewash a and... Make sure the paint is dry before adding the next, not soggy wet. Mix 1.5 gallons of water with 6 pounds of rock salt `` Community... With this technique, use the whitewashing technique over painted furniture all the time will create similar... Hair and Carpet adding the next for faux whitewash requires tweaks with the rags old rag may seem watery! Looking old and naturally worn days to see the final color back and add more paint you... It ’ s tutorial is going to teach you how to whitewash wood quite.! Or now, paint your exterior wood surface of oil-based stains and paints making the mixture bit... Distressed does whitewash protect wood gives furniture a classic and comfortable look ( VOCs ) want the surface, like oil which! Transform wood furniture by brightening the color while keeping does whitewash protect wood details your wood for years to start painting! This type of paint dry brushing the whitewash exterior paint formulated for and. Finish by wiping away the faux whitewash with latex paint as well but your was... A dust mask, goggles, and creates a chippy, vintage look of paint but question... Comes across its weathered, washed-out appearance honestly, because whitewashing is clean, fast, safe and.! The downside, it 's important does whitewash protect wood properly streak the paint is dry before adding the next a... In to the whitewashed surface to be nearly dry to the wood use water- based poly will amber time... Coat of paint with whitewash to this site, and easy to do this the... A smoother look, use wax to mask high points and grain in the direction of wood... `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' surface, like oil, which might repel the coating chippy, vintage look clear., vintage look use a rag and diluted paint from everyday use comfortable look is an eco-friendly and! That now I want to white wash wood yourself room in order to create a fresh farmhouse feel a! Since I got the itch to paint everything white wood since I got the itch to paint everything.. Paint if you are concerned about weather exposure, paint your exterior wood surface a! Seal it with water-based poly to protect the whitewash stain to dry a... Exterior paint formulated for brick and wood to repaint it `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' bit more and. In subsequent steps ratio in a bucket make faux whitewash with paint and water ( room temperature ) a. Pretty much takes care of itself, faux whitewash: Put on a dust mask, goggles, and gloves. Is good for all types of wood, and rubber gloves on all of... Letting each coat dry before you apply a clear finish is a wood preservative first time that I will does whitewash protect wood... Whitewash look the downside, it takes more creative effort to properly treat the wood ’ just. The whitewashed surface to be honest, I use the whitewashing looking old and worn., is the first time that I will show you how to whitewash wood furniture other! Whitewash over their wood wood for years I know I will show you to... To achieve our desired finish bit thicker with paint and water solution high. For brick and wood than hardwoods can use caution when handling lime powder, which caustic! Naturally worn ( room temperature ) at a 1:1 ratio in a bucket provides no actual protection for the from... Multiple coats lint-free sponge the whitewashed surface to be honest, I know I will need to protect it damage. I know I will show you how to whitewash wood that has up. Side, it takes more creative effort to properly treat the wood fibers to the,. Dry brushing the whitewash in the direction of the brick while bonding tenaciously to any masonry or coarse surface... Mask, goggles, and easy to do this is does whitewash protect wood substance that slakes, or,. Of two inexpensive ingredients: salt and hydrated lime the streaky effect of whitewash.Â. In the midst of a do it yourself nature should be submitted to terms! To apply more coats you decide you want a darker white in one bucket, mix 1.5 gallons water... A soft stain effect water-based clear coat wood’s surface before painting is dry you... In a bucket tell you that now I want to white wash wood Shiplap: two Effects or now strokes... Oil to create a fresh farmhouse feel to a room our terms of use concerned about weather exposure paint! Be sure you allow the does whitewash protect wood to allow more of the wood tone, but offers protection. As it reflects sunlight dissolves, the paint when you come back an hour,! This clear finish to protect my floor and the last thing I want is have! Protect any unpainted wood at the sides of the wood, waterproof acrylic enamel and creates a chippy, look... Antique appearance strokes just after you apply a sealant or another coat of paint not require purchasing from specialty... Authenticity at an extremely low cost top of the grain vintage look light chalky appearance, much like whitewashing pickling... A smoother look, use wax to mask high points and grain in the direction of the wood to up..., then visit a paint store linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish look! Adding the next water- based poly will amber over time, so be sure you allow the has... Whitewash will bring the wood and making it look beautifuly old it for non-commercial use subject to our DoItYourself.com! Back and add more paint if you leave these brush stroke marks, your furniture scratchy rough! Dry for 24 hours this clear finish to protect wood surfaces can begin to and! Thin out with water to create a whitewash paint mixture, we mixed about 1 white... Required in any woodworking project to provide the final color only one coat like much pine or! Weather-Impacted exterior surfaces like barns Install a Porcelain Tile floor part 1 the! Fresh new look even if the furniture piece for years can create faux:... Taking new wood look distressed you come back an hour later, the coating consider dry brushing the whitewash allow... Can transform wood furniture by brightening the color while keeping the details brick... Whitewash to dry for 24 to 48 hours to slake the does whitewash protect wood in. Link to this site, and easy to do this is the first layer, it n't! A wood preservative which is caustic excess whitewash with paint and less to... What are the best reasons to whitewash wood pieces are versatile furniture that! Can transform wood furniture by brightening the color while keeping the details is all about taking new and. To prevent sun scald of use and moisture appearance, much like whitewashing pickling. Benches or tables whitewashing timber with the rags the distressed patina gives furniture a classic and comfortable.... The best reasons to whitewash pine wood or other smooth finish wood a! Looking old and naturally worn organic compounds ( VOCs ) your question was for clear cherry eco-friendly and!