Whitewashed Furniture
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next painting project, whitewashed furniture is an easy and versatile option. With a few simple steps and some creativity, you can give your old furniture a fresh new look. Whether you’re going for a rustic, beachy vibe or a modern farmhouse feel, whitewashing furniture is the perfect way to add character and charm to any room.
So we gathered these painting furniture ideas to help you get started with transforming your piece into whitewashed furniture. Keep reading to learn more about this painting technique and see furniture makeovers with this style.
Whether it’s adding a fresh new look to a treasured antique or just reinventing something old, whitewashing furniture is sure to spruce up any room. The process involves thinning down paint and applying it onto the surface of the furniture, giving it a light, washed out appearance.
One great thing about whitewashing is that it allows you to show off the texture and character of your piece while also adding a touch of color. With this, you can update outdated furniture without completely covering up its natural beauty.
If you’re not sure how whitewashed furniture looks like, and how to create that look, then we will show you that it’s actually quite easy! These makeovers will guide you through the process and inspire you to try out whitewashing on your own furniture.
How do you Whitewash Furniture?
To whitewash furniture, you will need some white paint, a brush, and sandpaper. Start by sanding the piece of furniture to remove any glossy finishes or coatings. Then, mix the white paint with water to thin it out and create a washable consistency.
Apply the mixture to the piece of furniture using a brush in long strokes until all surfaces are covered. You can wipe off the excess with a lint free rag. Let the first layer of paint dry completely before adding additional coats for a more vibrant finish.
You can check out how to whitewash furniture here for a more detailed guide on this process.
What Kind of Paint do you use to Whitewash Furniture?
When whitewashing furniture, use waterbased paint specifically made for furniture, such as acrylic, chalk, all in one or mineral paints. Avoid using oil-based paints. Here’s our list of the best paints for furniture so you can choose the best one for your project.
Additionally, you can use any color of paint that you like – white is the most popular but any neutral hue will also work well.
More Painted Furniture Ideas
Looking for more painted furniture ideas? For more inspiration, be sure to check out our other blog posts:
- Stenciled Furniture
- Antique Painted Furniture
- Whimsical Painted Furniture Ideas
- Annie Sloan Chalk Painted Furniture
- Retro Painted Furniture
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Can you whitewash over existing paint?
Absolutely! Whitewashing can be done over existing paint, as long as the surface is sanded down and prepped properly. You should sand, especially if your piece has a glossy finish. This process will help the whitewash adhere better to the furniture and give it a more even finish.
However, keep in mind that the color of your existing paint may affect the final look of your whitewashed furniture. If you have a dark colored paint, it may be harder to get a light and airy whitewash finish. In this case, you can either sand down the existing paint even further or completely remove the paint for a fresh start. Here’s how to remove paint from wood furniture if you decide to start from scratch.
If you have a light colored paint or a natural wood finish, then whitewashing over it will be easier and the final look will be closer to traditional whitewashed furniture.
How long does it take for the whitewash to dry completely?
So when you apply the whitewash, you work in small sections that are manageable to make sure you complete the process before the whitewash dries. You let the whitewash sit for about 30 seconds then wipe the excess away.
You want a smooth and consistent finish, without any uneven patches or lines. Once all surfaces are covered and have been wiped off, you just need to wait for the whitewash to dry completely. For one coat, it can take around 2-3 hours, but it’s always best to leave it overnight for a more durable finish.
If you’re adding multiple coats to create a more vibrant look, just make sure to check that each layer has dried before adding another one. Patience is key when it comes to that perfect whitewashed furniture look!
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