
How to Whitewash Cabinets
- Remove the Doors. Taking off the cabinet doors will make removing the old stain and applying the whitewash much easier.
- Clean. It is very important that all the cabinet surfaces are suitably cleaned. Spray a heavy-duty degreaser on the...
- Strip the Cabinets Down. In order to get the best bond between the whitewash and your cabinets, you will...
How to renew whitewashed cabinets?
- Put simple, repetitive decor pieces in those upper glass cabinets (ie: coordinating bowls/vases/stacks of plates)
- Remove the knife holders as they’re hangry looking
- Add a plant or two to complement the warm tones and add some energy! ...
- Use a nicer utensil holder with some stainless utensils
- Add a decorative soap dispenser
How to refinish white washed kitchen cabinets?
Stain
- Brush a coat of chemical stripper onto the whitewashed wood. ...
- Scrape the softened finish off the wood with a flat stick. Scrape from the inside out, letting the gelled finish drop off the side.
- Sand the whitewashed wood vigorously, parallel to the grain pattern until the whitewash is reduced to a faint tint.
How to whitewash cabinets with chalk paint?
To whitewash with Chalk Paint, spray water on one section at a time. Get it pretty wet. Then lightly dip the end of the paintbrush ( these brushes are my favorite) in the white Chalk Paint and brush over the wet area. The paint will thin out and might even be runny.
How to clean white kitchen cabinets?
Kitchen cabinets are for storing dishes ... It has amazing grease-busting, cleaning ability, too. Dampen a clean, dry cloth with undiluted white vinegar, and wipe down greasy cabinets. Rinse your cloth with warm water; wring out most of the moisture ...

How do you whitewash old cabinets?
To whitewash cabinets, dip a clean paint brush in a whitewash pickling stain and apply it using smooth strokes from the bottom of the cabinet to the top and then back again. After you have applied the wash, wipe it with a clean, soft cotton cloth against the grain, This Old House describes.
Can you whitewash already stained wood?
The whitewashing technique can be applied to stained or natural wood. Whether it's oak, pine or another variety doesn't matter. The end result may look slightly different due to the differences in the wood species but you'll achieve a similar effect.
Can you whitewash already painted wood?
Whitewashing works best on raw wood. That being the case, it's critical that you remove as much of any existing finish—be it paint, stain, or varnish—as possible. Do so by thoroughly sanding the surface you intend to whitewash. Sanding by hand is one option, but it's far quicker and easier to opt for a power sander.
Can I whitewash over existing paint?
The answer is no, you cannot whitewash over a pre-existing finish as the original stain or finish will create a barrier, and the whitewash will not be able to penetrate to the wood. You can, however, use solid stain over old panelling and it looks terrific.
How do you whitewash over dark stain?
The Best Way to Whitewash WoodStain the wood (or leave it raw for a light finish).Mix 2 parts white paint (flat latex or matte acrylic both work fine) with 1 part water.Brush on the water/paint mixture in the direction of the wood grain.Use a clean rag to wipe off the paint in the direction of the wood grain.
How can I lighten wood stain without sanding?
Use Steel Wool to Lighten Stained Wood Steel wool is a viable option to lighten wood without sanding. Start by dampening your 0000 steel wool in warm water. Run the steel wool along the grain of your wood to avoid scratching it.
How do you whitewash over white paint?
Making whitewash is simple and inexpensive. Simply mix white water-based paint with water to the desired consistency. A 1:3 paint-to-water ratio will give a thin, translucent coating that doesn't need to be wiped or dry brushed. A 1:1 ratio will give a thicker coating that can be wiped or sanded for a distressed look.
What kind of paint do you use for whitewash?
Mix Whitewash We recommend a water and paint mixture. It's super easy to mix and apply, and it's budget-friendly. Mix white, latex paint with water in a 1:1 ratio, which will give you a nice, transparent look. Test on a scrap piece of wood or an inconspicuous area, then adjust the ratio to your liking.
How do you whitewash over GREY paint?
1:207:11Grey Wash Wood How To (With Stain and Paint) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPiece with either a white or a light gray paint. And then go over. It sort of with a watered down orMorePiece with either a white or a light gray paint. And then go over. It sort of with a watered down or very light brushing of another type of gray like a darker gray. With this method.
Can you use a roller for white wash?
Brush on the whitewash. Use a paintbrush—not a roller—to apply the whitewash paint. Brush on the paint in the direction of the wood grain, working it into the grain to hide brush strokes.
Can I use Chalk Paint to whitewash?
Using Chalk Paint™ to whitewash wood brings out the grain and creates a classic limed oak look in just a few simple steps. On some projects, you'll be working with old wood with the most beautiful grain in it. Creating a whitewash with paint is a great way to bring out the grain and create a classic country look.
How do you make paint look washed?
2:366:26How to Whitewash Wood with Paint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStore that's just for paint.MoreStore that's just for paint.
How do you lighten already stained wood?
To lighten the dark stains on wood, you need a clean cloth or rag and mineral spirit or turpentine. Soak the cloth in a mineral spirit and carefully rub along the grain of the wood to lighten the stain.
Can you paint over stained wood without sanding?
Can you paint over stained wood without sanding? If you use the right primer, you don't have to do any sanding before painting. Some of the items you can paint without sanding include cabinets, furniture, and trim molding. For the best results, though, sanding is recommended.
How do you whitewash finished furniture?
1:042:45How To Whitewash Furniture | Step by Step DIY Tutorial - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can apply to paint at full strength or you can fill it with water up to about one part of waterMoreYou can apply to paint at full strength or you can fill it with water up to about one part of water to two parts of paint. Make sure to go in the same direction as the wood grain.
How do you whitewash stained timber?
0:225:075 DIY White Wash Finishes for Wood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhitewash i let the stain soak into the wood for about 10 minutes. And then used a clean lint-freeMoreWhitewash i let the stain soak into the wood for about 10 minutes. And then used a clean lint-free rag to wipe off the excess. This is the important part of the process.
How long does it take to whitewash cabinets?
Whitewashing can create instant appeal on your old kitchen cabinets. It can be a time-consuming project, but it's not difficult. You will need three to four days to complete the project, but most of that time is spent waiting for it to dry. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the project go as smoothly as possible.
How to get whitewash to bond with cabinets?
In order to get the best bond between the whitewash and your cabinets, you will first need to remove the old stain or varnish. Purchase a high-quality stripper, apply it as directed on your product, and allow it to sit and work its magic. Then, while wearing gloves, wipe away the stripper and the old stain or varnish.
How to whitewash wood?
This is the step that actually achieves the whitewash look. Dip a rag into some denatured alcohol and rub it into the wood to remove some of the top paint layers. Follow the grain when you rub, and when your rag becomes tacky switch it out for a new one; you will need a lot of rags for this step.
Can you hang two cabinet doors the same size?
Even if two doors are the same size, they were not necessarily hung the same. Make sure you match your hardware as well and then adjust to make everything sit properly.
Is whitewashing cabinets a good idea?
Whitewashing your cabinets is a fairly inexpensive way to modify your space with already existing cabinets. It does not take a lot of expertise, but it will take time and patience.
How to remove stains from white cabinets?
If there are any difficult stains, for example as you might come across before you whitewash kitchen cabinets or bathroom cabinets, you can use baking soda to remove. Fold a piece of 120-grit sandpaper in half and then in half again and use it to sand the cabinet doors, moving in the direction of the wood grain.
What is whitewashing cabinets?
Once you whitewash cabinets, they bring rustic, country charm to spaces, including kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. Applying a whitewash technique really isn't all that difficult if you have the right supplies, and the results will give your room a face lift that will leave your guests in awe.
How to sand cabinets in the direction of grain?
Fold a piece of 120-grit sandpaper in half and then in half again and use it to sand the cabinet doors, moving in the direction of the wood grain. Take care to sand all of the nooks and bevels. For large, flat spaces use an orbital sander to make the work go faster. Sand the front frame of the cabinets, if they are visible, using sandpaper.
How to apply polycrylic top coat?
Apply a water-based polycrylic top coat using a long, smooth brush stroke that slightly overlaps the previous stroke. Allow this coat to dry completely before applying a coat to the opposite side of the cabinet. Once the top coat has dried for a few hours, sand it with fine sandpaper and apply a second coat.
How to keep whitewash from yellowing?
Protect your whitewa sh with a clear polyurethane or polycrylic sealer. This should also help prevent your whitewash from yellowing over the years.
What Is Whitewash?
Modern whitewash is essentially watered-down white paint used to give bare wood a semi-transparent, chalky white appearance that allows the wood grain to show through. It is typically made with watered-down white latex paint, though it can be made with white oil-based paint thinned out with turpentine.
How to prevent pickling stain from blotching?
If you’re working with a softwood like pine, apply a water-based pre-stain. This helps prevent your pickling stain from looking blotchy. For harder woods, feel free to skip this step.
What is the best way to protect wood from yellowing?
Allow the stain to fully dry and finish with a water-based polycrylic topcoat to protect the wood and prevent yellowing.
How to make paint opaque?
Mix your paint and water together in your bucket using a 1-to-1 ratio. Test the mixture on a scrap piece of wood or on an inconspicuous area on your wood surface to see if you like the look. Add more water for a more transparent finish or more paint for a more opaque finish.
How to remove old finish from wood?
To do this quickly, use a power sander to remove the existing finish. Vacuum up the debris when you’re done, then run a tack cloth over the wood surface to remove any stubborn dust particles.
Can you whitewash wood?
Complete DIY beginners can easily apply whitewash paint to wood.
What is whitewash paint made of?
As mentioned before, the term "whitewash" is used for a variety of finishing techniques, including using a mixture made from hydrated masonry lime and crushed rock salt. We recommend a water and paint mixture. It's super easy to mix and apply, and it's budget-friendly.
How to get grain out of wood?
Once your wood is prepped and cleaned, test your stain on a scrap piece of wood or inconspicuous area. If you like the result, begin applying the stain with a brush or cloth. A cloth is helpful for working the stain into the pores of the wood to help accentuate the grain. Allow the stain to penetrate the wood to your liking and wipe away excess with a clean rag as you go.
Why do barns have white paint?
Whitewashing with slaked lime and calcium carbonate paint was used routinely to paint the rough surfaces of dairy barns, which is why the barns are famously white. The slaked lime and calcium carbonate paint was popular for its hygienic and sanitary properties, its ability to protectively coat rough, uneven surfaces and, of course, its rustic charm.
How to get opaque paint on wood?
This helps hide excessive brush strokes and leads to a more consistent look. If your paint is building up too much in certain spots, simply wipe with a damp towel until you're pleased with the look. To aid in maintaining proper opaqueness, keep a spray bottle of water on hand to spritz any inconsistent areas.
How to make a transparent finish with paint?
It's super easy to mix and apply, and it's budget-friendly. Mix white, latex paint with water in a 1:1 ratio, which will give you a nice, transparent look. Test on a scrap piece of wood or an inconspicuous area, then adjust the ratio to your liking. Add more paint for a less transparent finish.
Why use water based clear coat?
Because oil-based clear coats tend to yellow over time, a water-based clear coat finish is recommended in order to maintain your clean, whitewashed look. Apply your chosen finish according to the manufacturer's instructions and, as it dries, begin thinking about what you want to whitewash next.
Can you remove clear coat from wood?
Because you are staining the wood, it is important to remove any coating and get to completely raw wood. Pro Tip: When sanding clear coats, it can be hard to know when you've fully removed the coating. To aid in the process, keep a damp cloth handy and wipe the surface as you go.
