How To Distress Furniture Whitewash

Have you ever seen a whitewashed piece of furniture and just loved its rustic charm? The distressed look can add character and vintage appeal to any piece and is actually quite simple to achieve. If you have a piece of furniture that you'd like to distress and whitewash, keep reading for a step-by-step guide.

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need sandpaper (medium and fine grit), a sanding block, a clean cloth, white paint (latex or chalk paint work well), water, a paintbrush, and a clear sealant (optional).

Begin by preparing your piece of furniture. Remove any hardware like handles, knobs, or hinges. If there are any major imperfections, like deep scratches or dents, you may want to fill them with wood filler and let it dry completely before moving forward.

Next, take your medium-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface of the furniture. This step helps to remove any existing finish, smooth out any rough patches, and create a better surface for the whitewash paint to adhere to. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain for the best results.

Once you have finished sanding, use a damp cloth to wipe away any sanding dust or debris. This will ensure a clean surface for painting.

Now it's time to mix your whitewash. In a small container, combine equal parts white paint and water. Stir the mixture well until it reaches a consistency similar to heavy cream. If you prefer a more opaque look, add less water to the paint mixture.

Using your paintbrush, apply the whitewash mixture to the furniture in long, even strokes. Work in small sections so that you can easily manipulate the paint before it dries. After applying the paint, use a cloth to gently rub and wipe away some of the paint, creating a distressed effect. You can focus on areas that would naturally wear over time, such as corners, edges, and areas with raised details.

Allow the whitewash to dry completely. Once dry, assess whether you're satisfied with the level of distressing. If you'd like to enhance it further, repeat the process by applying another layer of whitewash and distressing as desired.

After achieving your desired distressing, allow the final coat of whitewash to dry completely. If you want to protect your newly distressed furniture, you can apply a clear sealant for added durability. However, keep in mind that this step is optional, and some people prefer to leave the furniture without a sealant to maintain its rustic look.

Finally, reattach any hardware, and your whitewashed distressed furniture is ready to be enjoyed. It can add a touch of shabby chic or farmhouse charm to any room in your home.

Remember, distressing and whitewashing furniture is a subjective art form, and there's no wrong or right way to do it. Feel free to experiment with different techniques, paints, and levels of distressing to achieve the look that best suits your style.

So, if you have an old piece of furniture just waiting to be transformed, grab some sandpaper, paint, and a little elbow grease, and give it a new lease on life with a beautiful whitewashed distressed finish.