Expert: Rebecca Bushner - 9/30/2006

Question
I have a wall in my family room that the previous owner called, Barnsiding, a raw like paneling. I want to lighten it up and think whitewashing is the way to go. What is that process like? Can I just thin the paint with water and apply it? Thanks

Answer
There are several techniques you can use to "whitewash" wood:
Bleaching or pickling and "lime washing", which emulates the chalky look of slaked lime on wood. Bleaching is used to remove stain from wood and you can use special wood bleaches: 2-part peroxide bleaches, calcium hypochlorite (swimming pool chemical) bleach, or oxalic acid. Which to use depends on whether the wood is a dye stain or a pigment stain. You can purchase wood bleaches from your local paint store or read about DYI here: http://www.antiquerestorers.com/Articles/jeff/using_wood_bleach.htm

Simulated lime washing is basically putting white stain or paint on wood in some way. There are three methods: one involves painting the wood with latex enamel paint, some times two colors, usually white first, then a color. It dried after each coat, and then wiped off with rags soaked in denatured alcohol. The amount of color left on is up to how much paint you rub off. This gives a wonderful aged look compatible with country decorating styles. The second method involves dilute white or light latex paint. You’ll need to experiment with the amount of water to paint; depending on how much coverage you want.  Use sponges that you have cut the corners off of (You want round edges) to apply the dilute paint. Work from top to bottom so drips don’t mar what you’ve already done. You may want to use a latex varnish to seal the wood afterwards, but wait at least 24 hrs to dry. Sometimes wood resins may seep when using this method and tint the white paint pink. You can test an area first and if you don’t like the result; use a primer such as shellac and sand it well after drying. The third method is to try a white wood stain, following the manufacturers directions. Use a good brush and stay away from the 2 in 1 stain-sealers.
Proceed with caution since most of these techniques include some serious chemicals!