vintage white wash technique

Back in the late 80's early 90's a hot trend was to white wash furniture. Like all trends to much gets to be too much and the whole look died and became just another dated fad look in thrift stores.

It's time to revive it but with a subtle, fresh, vintage look.

In my opinion the key to a good vintage white wash let the projects original color toning be the behind the scenes star. In other words less is definitely more.

reclaimed lumber table with vintage white wash

Step 1, making your white wash solution.
The solution may vary from person to person but actually it's pretty simple 2 parts white latex paint 1 part water.

I like to use an old glass jar for my container for a couple of reasons; one, you can shake it up which mixes it really well. Second, you can store the excess for another time. Whatever mixing container you choose measure the height of it and divide by 3. The first 2/3rds will be for paint (mark it with a sharpie) the last 3rd is your water fill line (mark it with a sharpie).

dividing your container by 3 and marking fill lines

first add your white latex paint to fill line

now add water to fill line

put the lid on shack it up and it's ready

Step 2, (assuming your project is prepped and ready) apply the first layer of white wash.

Remember less is more.

Before you apply your first layer and after you dip your brush into the solution tamp off excess paint on a piece of cardboard or something like that. This prevents getting to many initial runs on first strokes. Only paint horizontally with this first layer stroke. As with any painting the pressure you apply to the brush determines the amount of paint to your project, ease into it...

tamping excess paint off your brush

first layer stroke horizontally

Step 3, second white wash layer.
After your first layer is dry use the same method with the exception of stroke direction, now use a vertical stroke. Adjust the amount of paint by using a heavier and lighter stroke. I like the base color to be the silent star so I use less solution.

second layer vertical stroke

The final product.
Remember to have fun with it and that nothing is perfect. If you get a little blotchy in some area's don't worry about it. The project is about the overall look you want to achieve...

corner detail of my table