Grey White Washed Wood – Whitening the surface of wood is a relatively simple and historical process. However, I have found that you may need to develop a bleaching technique when bleaching bare wood and still want to see the natural grain of the wood. And so I did. Let me show you how I bleached raw wood into a whiteboard.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy and privacy statement.
Grey White Washed Wood
This old Eastlake sink has been extensively tested. I had every intention of testing and sealing it, but each time I encountered new challenges. So we had some great adventures together.
Gw Leader Premier Floor 14mm X 125mm Grey White Washed Matt Lacquered Engineered Real Wood Flooring
First, I used oven cleaner to clean it of the original stains and paint. To read about the process, check out this post How to Clean a Sink with Oven Cleaner.
I’ve seen very red wood tones in stained wood scraps or wood species.
Then I thought it would be appropriate to whiten the wood with red tones. The second process used Zinsser 2 Part Wood Bleach. To read about the process, see How to Stain a Wood Sink.
The Best Way To Whitewash Raw Wood — Capturing Wonderland
It was good, but it was obvious that the wood of the frame and the wood of the drawer were not the same.
Third time’s the charm and I think I was able to give it the perfect finish with the bleach. I really wanted to try to give the whole piece a very even tone.
You can still admire the beautiful wood grain, so I really like that I can give it a mostly clear finish (matte). It looks very similar to a pickle.
How To Whitewash Wood Furniture
There were a few specific things I had to deal with this sink, but there are a few other options that would be great options for different situations.
Depending on several factors, creating a whitewashed cover is quite simple. Let’s take a look at the reasons why I choose to use bleach over other types of bleaching looks.
To get the look I got, the first step is to remove the existing finish on the piece. This tutorial is based on the assumption that you start with raw wood, not a painted surface.
How To Whitewash Wood: Farmhouse Kitchen Ceiling Idea
You can achieve the look of bleached wood without reducing it to its natural grain. However, I already had a rough piece of wood. And I like to start from a clean, flat place.
I decided to use the stove cleaning method to remove the original stain and paint from the sink. But of course there are other options you can use depending on the type of finish.
This method is probably the least difficult when it comes to hard work. Fortunately, this process doesn’t take much time either. Within a couple of hours, including sun drying time, I welded the piece to the raw wood.
Arthouse White Washed Wood Wallpaper
For this step, you will need a separate container for mixing paint, bleach, hot water, and a stirring stick.
You don’t need a lot of paint to create the look of bleached wood. To be honest, I used a small portion of what I made, probably about 2 cups. So, regardless of the size of the piece you want to bleach, you only need a small amount.
And even though it’s called “whitening,” you can technically use this paint technique with any paint color.
Whitewash Barn Wood Planks
This technique requires two separate parts of the process. I developed this method through trial and error because I wanted a light finish and still see the natural grain.
This first layer absorbs very quickly into the pores of the wood. So you need to work quickly and in small batches to get the best results. We wash the whole face evenly and try to avoid lumps.
Before you start, you can practice with scrap wood. Using scrap wood allows you to perfect this technique before adding paint to the freshly scraped piece. I won’t lie, I was scared.
Grey Washed Wood By Arthouse
The next part of the two-part process must happen soon after the first part for it to work properly. The idea is to wet the wood and seep into the wood as white wood stains.
When whitewashing untreated wood, remember to seal it. So at this point you need to choose the type of finish you want to use as your top coat.
Since this sink is waterproof, I chose a waterproof Minwax Polycrylic top coat.
Multi Purpose Wood’n Kit (large)
For areas that don’t see heavy use, 1-2 coats is fine. It is appropriate to use 3-4 layers on heavily used areas or areas where water is visible.
To make traditional lime, mix powdered lime with water. It is also non-toxic and creates a paint or sealant that is safe for animals. Traditional bleaching is popular because it is a thin coating. This will eventually appear as a white spot of natural wood chips.
Whitewashing is usually associated with the Shabby Chic style, but it works well with almost any decorating style. Many other decorating styles will work as well
Parador Basic 5.3 Vinyl Oak Grey Whitewashed Brushed Texture
Cover the wood grain while you paint the surface. For traditional bleaching, remove excess paint mixture to create a matte white wood stain. This still allows you to see the natural grain of the wood.
Technically, traditional bleaching and limewashing are the same thing. However, bleaching dyes provide smooth, bright and durable dyes. Whitening paints are also available in a wide range of colors and are suitable for previously painted surfaces.
For acrylic, latex and chalk paints, mix equal parts paint and warm water. Use milk paint as a bleaching agent, but quickly wipe off the excess with a dry cloth.
White Wash/gray Wash Fireplace
Before bleaching raw wood or new wood, carefully sand the raw wood with fine sandpaper to create a smooth surface.
Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope I’ve inspired you to make and use your own white paint to transform any rough wood!
Hello friends, I’m Julia! Over the past decade of owning a home, I’ve dabbled in the craft of transforming a builder’s home into a beautiful and charming vintage-style home. I practice and teach skills such as DIY with power tools, simple furniture restoration and how to achieve great results on a limited budget. Other passions include thrifting, crafting and repurposing anything (including vintage artwork, bedding or home decor). Bleached wood furniture is a great way to brighten up furniture without covering up the wood or color tones. From beach-seasoned wood to salted, there are tons of ways to create this beautiful style that I’ll explain so you can get the results you want!
White Washed Wood Photo Frame 5×7
Have you ever wondered how to finish bleached wood furniture? Have you ever stopped scrolling through social media when you came face to face with beautiful white oak furniture? I’ve used these techniques a lot, so I wanted to show you step-by-step how to create any furniture or decor look you want in your home.
What I love about this effect is how versatile it is. Works well with many decor styles, from beachy waves to white wood. let’s start!
There are several methods that produce a similar effect, but they are produced in different ways. Getting the desired effect means knowing which technique to use.
Wood Texture Background, White Wood Planks. Grunge Washed Wooden Wall Pattern Stock Photo By ©ivo_13 202493826
Cerusing: In this method, the varnish brings out the grain of the wood, usually oak. I have a full woodworking tutorial for a closer look at how this technique works.
Limewash: Limewash furniture uses a white wax that is used to remove or whiten the grain in paint or stains. The difference is that you can’t put topcoat over the wax, which is opaque in the crevices, and color wash and drybrushing often go over the high spots.
Color Wash: This is today’s method of applying thinned paint, brushing it over with a dry brush or lint-free cloth, and wiping off the excess. Some of the remaining color washes off the surface and cracks. You can use any color, including black, white, or a shade similar to the base. Here is an example of a color wash with tea.
Are Gray (graywash) Floors Going Out Of Style? Are They Still Trendy?
Pickling: This method is similar, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, to pickling
Karndean washed grey ash, grey washed mirror, washed grey desk, grey washed jeans, grey washed wood desk, grey washed wood floor, grey washed coffee table, grey washed furniture, grey washed wood, washed grey bookcase, grey washed wood dresser, white washed grey wood