How to Whitewash Furniture Like a Professional

I’m going to show you the exact steps to whitewash furniture and create that sought-after, light, rustic finish in your home.

These are the same methods I’ve used to transform over 50 pieces of furniture, from small side tables to large wardrobes.

My techniques helped me build a successful home restoration business that I started in my garage.

Let’s get started with your furniture makeover.

What is Whitewashing?

Whitewashing began as a budget-friendly method to protect and brighten wooden surfaces in the 1800s.

Back then, people mixed lime with water to make a basic white coating. They applied this mix to barn walls, fences, and basic home furniture.

Today, I use different materials to create that same light, bright look. Instead of lime, I work with watered-down white paint or special white wood stains.

This method lets the wood’s natural patterns show through while adding a soft, white finish.

Many of my clients love whitewashed furniture because it:

• Brings light into any room
• Shows off the wood’s natural beauty
• Fits well with many home styles
• Costs less than most other finishing methods
• Lets you control how much white you want to see

Benefits of Whitewashing Your Furniture

Preserving Wood Grain

When I whitewash furniture, I love how the wood’s natural patterns remain visible. Unlike solid paint that covers everything, this method puts a gentle white layer over the surface.

The knots, lines, and swirls in your wood stay clear, adding true warmth to each piece.

Adding Character and Brightness

My whitewashed pieces bring a fresh feel to any room. The light finish reflects more sunlight than dark wood. This subtle white layer works well in small spaces.

Plus, each piece gets its own unique look since the wash reacts differently to different wood types.

Cost-effectiveness

I save money by whitewashing my old furniture instead of buying new pieces. The basic supplies – white paint, water, and brushes – cost under $30.

That’s much less than a new dresser or table. Plus, I keep good furniture out of landfills.

Tools and Materials Required

Tools	Materials
Rotary Sander	Dixie Belle Voodoo Gel Stain
Sandpaper (100-grit and 220-grit)	White Paint (e.g., Dixie Belle Cotton)
Mixing Cup	Tap Water
Paintbrush	Clean Cloths
Gloves	Paint Stirrer

Step-by-Step Guide to Whitewashing Furniture Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare the Furniture Surface

• Sand the furniture thoroughly using 100-grit sandpaper, followed by 220-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.
• Use a rotary sander for efficiency if available.
• Wipe off any dust or debris to ensure the surface is clean and ready for staining.

Step 2: Apply the Base Stain

• Shake the gel stain container vigorously to mix thoroughly (e.g., Dixie Belle’s Voodoo Gel Stain in “Up in Smoke”).
• Put on gloves and apply the stain evenly using a clean cloth or a paintbrush.
• For larger pieces, work in sections to maintain even coverage.
• Allow the stain to dry completely (approximately 15 minutes) before applying a second coat if a deeper color is desired.

Step 3: Mix the Whitewash

• Prepare the whitewash mixture by combining two parts white paint (e.g., Dixie Belle Cotton) with one part water in a mixing cup.
• Stir the mixture well to ensure a smooth, consistent texture.

Step 4: Apply the Whitewash

• Use a paintbrush to apply the whitewash in small sections for better control.
• Immediately wipe off the excess paint using a clean rag, moving in the direction of the wood grain to create a natural finish.
• Adjust the whitewash intensity by wiping more or applying additional layers for a brighter look.

Step 5: Final Touches and Drying

• If desired, use a dry brush technique to apply additional white highlights after the whitewash dries.
• Let the furniture dry completely before use. Optionally, apply a protective topcoat for durability.

For a more detailed tutorial, check out the video below:

Whitewashing Tips and Tricks from the Experts

• Test your paint-water mix on the furniture’s hidden spot first
• Clean the wood surface with soap and water before starting
• Sand in the direction of the wood grain, not against it
• Wipe off dust with a damp cloth after sanding
• Mix 2 parts white paint with 1 part water for the perfect consistency
• Apply thin coats instead of one thick layer
• Keep a dry cloth ready to wipe excess wash immediately
• Let each coat dry completely (about 2 hours) before adding more
• Check your work in natural daylight to spot any missed spots
• Seal the finished piece with clear wax for lasting results

Other Alternate DIY Whitewashing Methods

1. Candle Wax Technique for a Rustic Look

I use a plain white candle to rub random spots on the wood before painting. When I add the whitewash, these wax areas resist the paint.

After it dries, I lightly sand these spots. This creates natural-looking worn patches that make furniture look aged and well-loved.

For a detailed tutorial on candle wax technique, check out the video below:

2. Dry Brushing for Subtle Effects

Here’s my go-to method for gentle white hints: I dip my brush in paint, wipe most of it off on paper, then brush lightly over the wood.

The nearly-dry brush leaves faint streaks of white. This works great when I want just a hint of white.

For a detailed tutorial on dry brushing whitewash process, check out the video below:

3. Using a Scraper for Texture

I grab a plastic scraper after applying whitewash while it’s still wet. Pulling the scraper along creates small lines in the finish.

This method gives my furniture pieces unique patterns. The scraping depth controls how much wood shows through.

For a detailed tutorial on whitewashing using a scraper, check out the video below:

Maintenance and Care Tips

Taking care of whitewashed furniture isn’t hard, but it needs the right attention. I’ve learned that gentle, regular care keeps these pieces looking fresh for years.

Cleaning Whitewashed Furniture

Looking after whitewashed items takes special care. I’ve found that using the wrong cleaning products can damage the finish, so here are my tested methods:

• Use a soft, dry cloth for daily dusting
• Mix mild dish soap with warm water for deeper cleaning
• Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip the finish
• Never soak the wood – use a barely damp cloth
• Pat dry immediately with a clean towel
• Skip furniture polish – it can leave a sticky film
• Use white vinegar mixed with water for tough dirt

Touch-Ups and Refreshing the Finish

Even with good care, whitewashed pieces might need fixing over time. I’ve developed these simple solutions for common wear issues:

• Fix small scratches with a white chalk stick
• Keep leftover whitewash mix in a sealed jar for quick fixes
• Sand scratched areas lightly before touching up
• Apply touch-ups with a small art brush
• Blend edges of fixed spots with a dry cloth
• Add a new clear wax coat yearly to protect the finish
• Fix sun-faded areas by lightly reapplying the wash

Wrapping It Up

Whitewashing furniture brings new life to old pieces without breaking the bank. Throughout this guide, I’ve shared my tried methods for creating beautiful, light finishes that showcase natural wood beauty.

From basic cleaning to creative effects, each step helps you turn worn items into treasured pieces.

Remember, good prep work leads to better results. Take time with sanding, use the right paint mix, and don’t rush between coats. Your furniture deserves that attention.

Want to start small? Try whitewashing a simple shelf or side table first. Once you see how the finish brightens your space, you’ll be ready for bigger projects.

Have questions about your furniture makeover? Leave a comment below – I’m here to help you succeed!