How to whitewash wooden furniture?

Why whitewash wooden furniture? An economical and fun way to transform old wooden furniture pieces.

It really does give them a new lease of life. Many people can be a little nervous when it comes to whitewashing wooden furniture, but with the right preparation and a little know-how, you will achieve wonderful and rewarding results.

Step-by-step guide on how to whitewash wooden furniture:

Preparation – what you will need

It is always best to gather everything you need before you start. To whitewash wooden furniture, you will need the following:

• White paint
• A stick to stir the paint
• White vinegar
• water to dilute
• Shabby clothes
• Brushes of different sizes
• Sandpaper or sandpaper sheets
• Varnish

Step 1: Clean the wood thoroughly

The first step is to thoroughly clean the wood. This means removing all stickers, nails, and anything else that may be covering the wood. You can use soapy water, but if the wood is particularly old and coated with protective oils, you may need to use an old cloth soaked in white vinegar. Be sure to let the wood dry completely before sanding.

Step 2: Sand the wood

You will need to sand the wood to remove all the old finish. This can be done with sandpaper or paper for small pieces. A sander will be useful for larger pieces of wooden furniture. All the finish needs to be removed in order for the paint to 'stick' to the wood. Make sure you wipe the wood down after sanding so there is no dust.

Step 3: Mix the paint

To create the whitewash, you will need to mix white paint with water. Latex paint is a good choice and the most popular ratio is one part paint to one part water. However, you can use three parts paint to one part water. It all depends on how much grain you want to show in the paint. So it is a good idea to add the water slowly and make test patches. Just remember to mix the paint thoroughly so it is very well mixed or the paint will not stick to the wood.

Step 4: Paint the furniture

Be bold and apply the paint generously to the wood with even strokes. It's a good idea to paint in the direction of the grain. You'll also find that the whitewash dries much quicker than painting alone.

Step 5: Correct as you paint

Don't be afraid to make mistakes. When painting, if you feel the paint is too thin, wipe off the excess with a clean cloth and start over.

Step 6: Seal the paint

The final step is to seal the whitewash and this is done by adding a coat of polyurethane varnish. As is obvious, this will not affect the paint, it will just add a layer of protection. Apply the varnish in a thin and even layer.