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How to Whitewash Wood in 3 Simple Ways – An Ultimate Guide

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In this step by step guide with video tutorials, we will explore 3 super easy techniques to whitewash wood, and some beautiful examples of whitewashed floors, walls and furniture.

Here’s a summary of the 3 whitewash wood techniques:

1: Diluted paint method to create a smooth whitewashed wood finish. This is the easiest technique.

2: Scraper technique to white wash wood with lots of textures in one easy step.

3: Candle method to create distressed shabby chic style whitewashed wood.

The 3 whitewashing techniques will create different looks on different types of wood, such as smooth pine wood, pallet wood, and reclaimed wood. They are all really easy, quick and fun!

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Some of the most timeless and beautiful designs are born out of necessity. Whitewash is one of them. When Tom Sawyer was punished to whitewash a wood fence, no one back in the 1800s would have thought that the whitewashed look would become one of the most popular interior and exterior design styles!

Traditionally, white wash is actually lime wash:  a mixture of salt, water and hydrated lime used as an economical and easy way to make a farmhouse look clean and bright. You can learn a lot of interesting facts online about lime wash, such as its antibacterial properties.

In modern times, when we recreate the whitewashed look, it is usually done with diluted white paint, which is what we will be using in the tutorials today. However, I am so curious about real lime wash I may just have to try it soon! 🙂

To see these 3 techniques in action, check out the video tutorial below!

Lots of readers have asked great questions such as: can you white wash stained wood

Materials for white washing wood:

( Some of the helpful resources are affiliate links. Full disclosure here. )

If you want to work with reclaimed wood, here’s a detailed guide on where to find pallets and how to work with pallet wood!

A detailed guide on where to find pallets and how to work with pallet wood. apieceofrainbow.com

Now let’s start with the most basic method!

Technique 1: how to whitewash pine wood or other smooth finish wood using a rag

This is the easiest way to white wash wood, and the most commonly used. It is good for all types of wood, and easy to do on both floors and walls.

Many types of wood we get from hardware stores have a smooth finish surface, for example: 2x4s, common boards, plywood, etc.

This whitewashing method is good for smooth and textured wood. It creates a clean, refreshing and bright look, great for modern, farmhouse, or Scandinavian style. The whitewashed wood plank wall in the photo at top ( source) from a modern farmhouse bathroom is a great example.

The beauty of white wash vs white paint is that the wood grain shows through and adds a richness to the finished piece.

First dilute the white paint to a consistency of heavy cream. Dip a rag  into the paint and wipe it onto the wood surface.

Use it as a white wash stain. Repeat with another 1-2 layers if you want it to look more white. Let dry between layers.

You can also use a paint brush. I like the rag because it creates a very even whitewash stain without leaving brush strokes.

Update: I just put together 30 great examples of my favorite Pallet Wall and Shiplap Wall tutorials and inspirations you can check out here!

30 best DIY shiplap wall and pallet wall tutorials and beautiful ideas for every room. Plus alternative methods to get the wood wall look easily! - A Piece of Rainbow

30 favorite Pallet Wall and Shiplap Wall tutorials and inspirations.

Technique 2: how to white wash reclaimed wood in one easy step using a scraper

This method is incredibly fun! It works best on wood with lots of surface textures, such as reclaimed fence wood. Use this method when you want to create a rustic and aged look such as a plank wall made with old barn wood.

Clean the wood with soapy water and a brush. Let dry.

The Decoart Americana Outdoor Living Picket Fence White paint is the perfect consistency for this technique. If your paint is too thick, dilute the paint to a consistency of crepe batter.

Now the fun part: pour paint onto the wood surface. Take a scraper and scrape the paint along the wood grain.

Some paints will be soaked into the grooves. Let dry and we have a piece of rustic white washed wood!

The beautiful aged barn wood plank wall example above is from here.

Technique 3: how to create shabby chic style whitewashed look with the candle method

Shabby chic, distressed, chippy paint. These words are often used to describe a charming aged peeling paint finish often seen on vintage furniture and decor pieces. Continue To Next Page…

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Comments

  2. This is such a great step by step – I want to do this for some pieces that would be perfect for my shore house!

    Reply

  6. I have loved white washed wood for years and I have done quite a few pieces and you are right it is easy and fun, you really can’t make any mistakes as long as you remember to dilute the paint.
    You did a great job on the tutorial and I always look forward to your posts. I always learn something new, like the candle method, can’t wait to try that
    Thank you so much, for all your DIY tips and tutorials and decorating tips.

    Reply

    • thank you so much dear Patty for your kind words! the candle method is surprisingly easy with beautiful effects! =)

      Reply

  9. OMG I love that second white wash look! This would be great to use for a background for flatlay photos, I’m going to have to try this!

    Reply

  10. Wow this is such a neat DIY project with wood. I have a ton of plywood and white paint left over from a project that I’m definitely going to be rolling my sleeves and trying this.

    Reply

  11. Oh wow this such a fantastic project, especially to spice up the home. Need to grab some plywood and white paint and definitely give this a go.

    Reply

  12. I have used the white vinegar with steel wool method. I let it sit for about two weeks and strained through a cloth. I poured it into a spray bottle and used it on a cheap light wicker laundry basket from the Dollar Store that I paid two or three dollars for. It turned into the prettiest shade of golden brown. I now use it for some of my throw blankets.Think I’m gonna have to try some of the other methods.Thanks!

    Reply

  15. I may have to try this in the future. My dad is going to make me a farmhouse table, and I may use this technique on the chairs. Not sure yet. Painting furniture scares me LOL.

    Reply

  17. Awesome tips!! I could have used these when I was working on a project last week but I’ll just save them for next time. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply

  20. Thanks for sharing how to do this. Saving this page for later. My husband is going to make some wood boards for our site, so this will be very helpful!

    Reply

  22. This looks great! Do you think it would work on my 80’s vintage barnboard paneling in my family room?

    Reply

    • hi tracy, i think so, but i would test and practice some on a few pieces of scrap wood with similar texture, before working on the vintage wall! =) also keep in mind that if you don’t like it or make a mistake, you can wash it off within the first couple of minutes and start over!

      Reply

  27. Boy I can’t wait to try this, You did a great job explaining how to get the Look I Love. Thanks Ann

    Reply

    • yes, i think it will work nicely! i would test a small area first. if the stain repels the white wash, just sand it a little. =)

      Reply

    • Have used white paint over projects that were old and the stain actually came through and made the paint have yellow spots. I’ve since learned if you have an issue with that you can seal the piece with something like Zinsser clear shellac spray then paint over it with whatever technique you are using. I’ve also heard you can use this product if you have a “smelly” piece of furniture (cigarette, musty smells) and it will help with that.

      Reply

  29. I would love to do this on an outside table. I’m assuming I would need to seal it since it will be in the sun. Do you have any suggestions on what to use to seal it?

    Reply

  30. Wow! What a great tutorial! Thank you so much! I do have one question… When you mention diluting the paint, that is with water, correct?

    Thanks again for the wonderful advice! This is great!

    Reply

  31. Love the examples provided for each technique. Plan to use reclaimed pallets to blank my ceiling but will be white washing the wood to keep the room light.

    Reply

  32. I just read this post ( it was linked by another blogger ) and I LOVED it !!!! I am so wanting to try this with different types of wood on different projects.
    BUT….my biggest attraction was the one where you said it was ceramic tile made to look like wood. I am “BEGGING” you for any further information you can give me, link me to…provide me with. I have the worst tiles in my kitchen and dining room….they only can be described as old Italion terra cotta orangy brownish looking type. (AND you should see what is on my counter and back-splash ). I do not have the funds to remove or replace them; so if ‘painting them’ is an option…I HAVE to try it. I was just thinking of a dining room makeover…but now I want to start with the tiles IF it is possible…so any information you can offer; I would so greatly appreciate. Thanks in advance !!!!

    Reply

    • hi laura! that was a sample tile i got a few years ago and no longer made. if you google ” white distressed wood porcelain tile” there are many great choices to buy!! 🙂

      Reply

      • I am sorry but what I am looking for is a way to PAINT my tiles to look like wood tiles….I do not want to buy anything..or replace the ones I already have….. I have tried google….pinterest…etc..and I do not see anything that is helpful to me. I have been ‘led’ back to you on a few occasions. What should I try typing in the search bar? I just keep getting actual ’tiles’ that are looking like wood….not A WAY to PAINT them. Thanks again in advance.

        Reply

  33. Love your whitewash!
    We have an old parquet floor that I would like to do but it has quite a glossy finish to it. Even the parquet tiles in the box that are left over from previous owners have the same shine. Is this going to have to be sanded in order for the whitewash to stick? Ugh the mess. Or are there floor sanders that suck it up at the same time?

    Reply

  34. Also really curious about real lime, can’t wait to read your thoughts on it =) I really liked technique #2, the scraper looks practical and efficient!

    Reply

  36. Any further tips for using these methods when the wood is already on the wall and not laying flat?

    Reply

    • hi lori, the 1st method works best for that, and you can also sand a little after the paint dries if you want it to look more rustic. =)

      Reply

  37. eugénieduchet@gmail.com
    j’aimerais peindre le parquet en blanc je pense que la technique à la bougie est la plus belle ( je lave depuis longtemps ce parquet qui était ciré avant il est maintenant tres mat et je pense qu’il est possible de passer le blanc ) je vis à Bruxelles pensez vous que cette peinture soit trouvable ici ? Merci c’est tres beau

    Reply

  40. I tried to find an answer but can you do white washed with wood that is already painted or stained? It’s a dark greyish color. It might be pretty trying to do white washed to it with some of that color in background? I thought I could use sandpaper then wash it before using your rag or scraper method? Thanks for the help!

    Reply

    • hi dina, yes i would sand it to create a more absorbent surface first , especially where the paint finishes is super glossy. 🙂

      Reply

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