How to Whitewash Trim
Prepare your working area., Strip all varnish and paint from trim., Rub steel wool on the wood to clean it once it's stripped., Check if the wood is light enough., Decide whether to use an oil or water based stain when choosing how to whitewash...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Prepare your working area.
Cover the floor with a drop cloth.
Open all windows and doors to provide ventilation.
Wear gloves and a face mask. -
Step 2: Strip all varnish and paint from trim.
Use paint remover for trim that has more than 1 layer of varnish or paint.
Furniture stripper can be used on finishes with fewer coats.
Apply the stripper or paint remover with a brush.
Follow the manufacturer's directions for timing and removal.
You may need to use a scraper or steel wool to remove stubborn stain or paint. , Sand the surface, either by hand or with a palm sander.
Start with 60 grit sandpaper, and end with 100 grit.
You should see a light wood underneath. , Bleach with a wood bleach if necessary.
Use rags or sponges to apply.
Wipe off as directed. , Oil based stains produce more odors and fumes and are more difficult to clean up.
Water based stain cleans up with just soap and water. , Look at paint chips and samples to find the right stain. , Add aluminum powder and titanium dioxide--both available at artists' supply stores--to a light toned shade of wood stain.
For this method, fill a plastic bucket 2 inches (5.1 cm) with an oil based wood stain in a light toned shade.
Mix in 2 tbs. white titanium dioxide.
Stir in 1 tbs. of aluminum powder, and mix well. ,, Stand back to check the color and sheen.
Add more stain, dioxide, or aluminum powder as necessary until the wood has the look you want. , After a few minutes, run a rag along the wood to push it into the surface.
Wipe away excess stain.
Use a picking technique to whitewash oak.
Brush the wood stain on against the wood grain to work it into the large pores of the wood. , Let the stain penetrate for about 15 minutes.
Wipe it off with soft rag, going against the grain for oak and with the grain of the wood for other woods. , Brush on a clear matte water based sealer, such as acrylic, over the whitewashed wood. -
Step 3: Rub steel wool on the wood to clean it once it's stripped.
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Step 4: Check if the wood is light enough.
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Step 5: Decide whether to use an oil or water based stain when choosing how to whitewash trim.
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Step 6: Select a stain to achieve the tone and shade of whitewashed wood that you want.
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Step 7: Create your own custom whitewash as an alternative to commercial wood stains.
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Step 8: Test the wood stain on scrap wood made of the same material as the trim.
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Step 9: Apply the stain to the least visible point in the room.
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Step 10: Brush on the stain liberally.
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Step 11: Work on 1 area at a time.
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Step 12: Wait 2 days for the stain to dry.
Detailed Guide
Cover the floor with a drop cloth.
Open all windows and doors to provide ventilation.
Wear gloves and a face mask.
Use paint remover for trim that has more than 1 layer of varnish or paint.
Furniture stripper can be used on finishes with fewer coats.
Apply the stripper or paint remover with a brush.
Follow the manufacturer's directions for timing and removal.
You may need to use a scraper or steel wool to remove stubborn stain or paint. , Sand the surface, either by hand or with a palm sander.
Start with 60 grit sandpaper, and end with 100 grit.
You should see a light wood underneath. , Bleach with a wood bleach if necessary.
Use rags or sponges to apply.
Wipe off as directed. , Oil based stains produce more odors and fumes and are more difficult to clean up.
Water based stain cleans up with just soap and water. , Look at paint chips and samples to find the right stain. , Add aluminum powder and titanium dioxide--both available at artists' supply stores--to a light toned shade of wood stain.
For this method, fill a plastic bucket 2 inches (5.1 cm) with an oil based wood stain in a light toned shade.
Mix in 2 tbs. white titanium dioxide.
Stir in 1 tbs. of aluminum powder, and mix well. ,, Stand back to check the color and sheen.
Add more stain, dioxide, or aluminum powder as necessary until the wood has the look you want. , After a few minutes, run a rag along the wood to push it into the surface.
Wipe away excess stain.
Use a picking technique to whitewash oak.
Brush the wood stain on against the wood grain to work it into the large pores of the wood. , Let the stain penetrate for about 15 minutes.
Wipe it off with soft rag, going against the grain for oak and with the grain of the wood for other woods. , Brush on a clear matte water based sealer, such as acrylic, over the whitewashed wood.
About the Author
Susan Flores
Enthusiastic about teaching organization techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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