3 Foolproof Ways to Whitewash Wood in Your Home

Whitewashing wood gives it a unique distressed look.

Make no mistake: Wood will never go out of style. But every now and then, the wood in your home might feel a little lackluster. If you're looking for an easy but effective way to spruce up your home's grain, you might want to consider whitewashing your wood.

Whitewashing is a simple process that involves adding a semi-opaque stain to your bare wood, giving it a lighter, farmhouse-inspired appearance. There are a few different ways to complete this home project, and the method you choose comes down to the look you want to achieve.

Related: Your Complete Guide to Painting Wood Furniture—From Sanding to Sealing

How to Prepare Wood for Whitewashing

Like staining your favorite coffee table or rocking chair, wooden furniture is the most malleable in its natural form. Before you get started, there are a few things you must do to 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, merchant of paint and interior and exterior 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—you can simply dilute white 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 New Jersey-based designer Christina Kim. "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. Let it dry and see how you like it.

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

Believe it or not, you can use a candle to whitewash 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

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

• 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 piece 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 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. If necessary, use a narrower paint brush to whitewash the edges of the wood and any other spots that might be hard to reach.

6. After it has dried completely, use a rag and wipe the surface with some added pressure to remove any wax shavings and reveal the more distressed look desired.
   

How to Whitewash Wood With a Scraper

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

Materials Needed

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

• Fine-grit sandpaper

• Drop cloths

• White latex 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 dry overnight.

How to Seal the Wood

Unless you're whitewashing a low-touch area like a ceiling, you'll want to add a clear coat of water-based polyurethane. Not only will this layer protect your whitewashed wood from nicks and scratches, but it'll also give your setup a nice sheen. Once the piece is completely dry, add your polyurethane according to the instructions on the label. Follow the drying and curing times and soon you'll have a beautifully revived wooden surface.