If you’re looking for a way to brighten a room or revive an old piece of furniture, then learning how to white wash timber can be a game changer.
Whether you fancy yourself as a tinkerer, a hardcore renovater, or even just a little bit artsy and crafty, knowing how to white wash timber at home is a surprisingly easy skill to learn. Although a popular method to use on furniture, you can even revamp a wall, floors or even bricks to give that vintage-modern feel to your space, particularly if you’re chasing a bohemian or coastal vibe.
Learning How To White Wash Timber
The best part is that white washing timber is a fairly cheap and easy process that requires very little in regards to the technical tools required. In saying that, before you get started on your white washing journey, ensure that you have the following items ready to go.
- White latex paint
- Water
- White vinegar
- Rags
- Paint brush
- Sandpaper
- Paint stirring stick
Once you have your supplies fully stocked, the process of learning how to white wash timber at home is surprisingly easy.
Step One – Although it sounds like a no brainer, it’s essential to ensure that your timber surface is cleaned thoroughly prior to commencing work. Wood can accumulate oils and dirt that only really showup after you start painting, so take your vinegar and wipe down the wood with a rag.
Step Two – If your timber surface has any previous paint or finish lingering, you’ll need to remove it all prior to commencing whitewashing. Use a medium grade sandpaper to get it all off and remember that the more you sand, the smoother the finish.
Step Three – After you’ve finished sanding, you’ll need to clean off any form of dust or debri leftover accordingly. Wash or wipe the timber surface down again if required, but give it time to dry completely before moving onto the next step.
Step Four – Once you’ve finished all of the prep work, the fun really begins as it’s time to get busy mixing the paint. White some recommend one part white latex paint to one part water, try to stick with a low VOC product for a high quality finish.
Step Five – Once you’ve mixed your paint, it’s time to get cracking and bring your timber surface to life. With your brush, use the white wash paint to evenly coat over the entire surface. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect – it’s not supposed to. Allow five minutes for it to dry.
Step Six – Wipe down the surface with a clean rag, and remove any excess paint residue. This is the magical technique that gives the timber that rustic, white washed look that we’re all down for. Even if you make a mistake, you can always repaint and follow the steps once more.
Step Seven – Once you’re happy with the overall “rustic-ness” of your piece of furniture, wall or floor surface, make sure that you deploy a quality clear coat product in order to protect both the final look, the finish and the wood itself. Congratulations, you’ve nailed timber white washing!
Sourcing Help With Renovating And Design
If you’re looking to give your home a facelift that goes beyond a simple coat of paint or a new piece of furniture, then it’s always important to speak to a professional before you start tearing apart a room or home.
In operation for over ten years, Brisbane based Kibo Constructions believe that quality, reliable workmanship with an honest approach shouldn’t be the exception to the rule. By working closely with our clients, we ensure that the entire process is both a transparent and enjoyable experience from start to finish – after all, undertaking a home renovation project of any size shouldn’t be painful.
If you know that there’s an upcoming project coming up for you, your brand or your business, we would love the opportunity to provide a quote – you might be pleasantly surprised at the result. As we specialise in residential, commercial and hospitality fitout options in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, please get in touch to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.