3 Foolproof Ways to Whitewash Wood in Your Home

Whitewashing is a straightforward procedure that applies paint to lighten wood, crafting a farmhouse-inspired look. We spoke with experts about three straightforward ways to whitewash wood to give your furniture and walls a distinctively distressed appearance. Each method offers unique results, allowing you to select the technique that best suits your desired aesthetic.

How to Prepare Wood for Whitewashing

Before you start painting wood furniture, prepare the wood for whitewashing. "The surface must be dry, clean, and free of dust, dirt, oil, grease, glue, wax, polish, and existing coatings before staining," says Karielle Day, director of merchandising for paints, stains, and waterproofers at Home Depot. "Prepare bare wood by sanding in the direction of the grain. Begin using a fine-grit sandpaper and sand until desired smoothness." Remove all sanding dust with a vacuum or clean damp rag.

How to Whitewash Wood With Diluted Paint

You don't have to use a specific stain to whitewash wood. Simply dilute white latex paint with water. "For a thicker whitewash—which is great for a farmhouse look—you'll mix 2 parts paint to 1 part water," says Christina Kim, an interior designer. "I also love a thinned-out whitewash for a subtle, elevated look. For this, you'll need 1 part paint to 1 part water."

Materials

Make sure you have these materials on hand before getting started.

• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Drop cloths
• White latex paint
• Water
• Wide paint brush
• Narrow paint brush
• Lint-free cloth
  

Steps

Follow these steps to whitewash wood with a solution of paint and water.

1. Sand the piece with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe clean with a damp, lint-free cloth.
2. Cover floors and nearby furniture with drop cloths.
3. Mix a solution of water and white latex paint. Stir until the mix is even.
4. Apply a small amount of whitewash to a hidden spot to see how it looks when dry.
5. Add more paint (heavier coverage) or more water (lighter coverage) until you achieve your desired look.
6. Using a wide paint brush, apply the paint solution in the direction of the grain, using a lint-free cloth to wipe the excess paint away.
7. If necessary, use a narrower paint brush to whitewash the edges of the wood and any other spots that might be hard to reach.
8. Continue this process until you are pleased with the finish.
9. Let dry.
   

How to Whitewash Wood With a Candle

Use a candle to whitewash your wood. "Using paint and a candle to whitewash wood offers a more distressed look," says Gary McCoy, store manager at Lowe's. "The wax of the candle is used to mask the high points and grain on the surface of the wood before painting."

Materials Needed

Have these materials on hand for this method.

• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Drop cloths
• White latex paint
• Candle
• Wide paint brush
• Narrow paint brush
• Lint-free cloth
  

Steps

Follow these steps to whitewash wood with paint and a candle.

1. Sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe clean with a damp, lint-free cloth.
2. Cover floors and nearby furniture with drop cloths.
3. Rub an unlit wax candle roughly along the wood to leave wax behind on the grooves of the surface.
4. Using a wide paint brush, apply white latex paint in the direction of the grain, using a lint-free cloth to wipe the excess paint away.
5. Use a narrower paint brush to whitewash the edges of the wood and any other spots that might be hard to reach, if necessary.
6. When completely dry, wipe the surface with a rag using some added pressure to remove any wax shavings. This will reveal a more distressed look.
   

How to Whitewash Wood With a Scraper

Whitewashing wood with a paint scraper and paint is a great technique for large horizontal surfaces, says McCoy.

Materials Needed

Have these materials on hand before starting.

• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Drop cloths
• White latex paint
• Paint scraper
  

Steps

Follow these steps to whitewash wood with paint and a scraper.

1. Sand the piece with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe clean with a damp, lint-free cloth.
2. Cover floors and nearby furniture with drop cloths.
3. Pour a small amount of paint directly down the center of the wood board you are working on.
4. Using a scraper, drag the paint across the board to fill in the grooves in the grain.
5. Repeat, if necessary, then let the surface dry overnight. 

How to Seal Whitewashed Wood

Add a clear coat of water-based polyurethane to whitewashed furniture or surfaces in high-traffic areas. This layer protects your whitewashed wood from nicks and scratches while adding a subtle sheen. Once the piece is completely dry, add the polyurethane according to the instructions on the label. Follow the drying and curing times, and soon you'll have a beautifully revived wood surface.