NEWS
4 Reasons Why Whitewashing is a Popular Design Technique
Posted on July 16, 2018
What is whitewash?
Often when most people refer to the term “whitewash”, what they mean is simply to paint a surface in white. But, “whitewash” can also be referred to an antique way of brightening a surface (usually wood) by using powdered lime ( not the green color fruit, but the mineral stone – limestone ) and water.
Back in the days, whitewash was often used in farming – for the chicken coop and barn. Today, interior designers use either white paint or lime-based whitewash to add an old-fashioned charm to the room. If you’re a vintage lover, you’ll definitely love the look. Promise.
Reasons why you’ll consider about whitewashing your furniture/walls
Simple & Cheap
To be honest, this point has made a lot of people nod their head. Here are what you need for a whitewash:
- Powdered Lime – 23kg for $31.09 on Amazon
- Table Salt
- Water
Simple, right?
Although $31.09 might sound like a lot, that’s probably enough to paint a few walls and still have extra to lend to your neighbors. And you can just get the table salt and water from your kitchen. Which makes it truly one of the most affordable design technique on the market.
Also, you have to make sure you’re not using masonry lime but hydrated lime – which you can find in any local hardware store.
If you’re just using paint, then it’s even simpler.
What you need is just a pail of paint and water.
For the hardware, here are what you need to whitewash a wall/furniture by yourself:
- Paintbrush
- Bucket
- Mixer
4 Simple Steps To A Whitewashed Vintage-looking Furniture / Wall
- Add all the ingredients in the bucket. Mix well.
- Adjust the thickness of the solution according to your preference.
- Use a paintbrush to apply evenly on the wood surface.
- Wait and see the magic happens! ( The wood turns white as it dries.)
The 2nd step – adjusting the thickness of the solution brings us to the next reason why people love whitewashed furniture.
Customize to fit your preference
Yes. You can decide the shade of the whitewash by varying the amount of water mixed in the solution. More water leads to a lighter shade.
If you’re a first-timer, you’re probably thinking how much-powdered lime or paint do you need to mix with the water. Start off by trying these 3 water-to-paint ratios:
- 1:2
- 1:1
- 2:1
A 1:2 ratio gives you a translucent and thin coating that doesn’t need to be dry brushed. A 2:1 ratio gives you an extra think coating that you can dry brush the surface for a distressed look.
Of course. You can adjust the ratio freely according to your own preference after trying out a few times. Sadly, there’s no shortcut to this, you’ll just have to try it repeatedly to find the shade you like the most.
The best part is – there is no wrong in the shade you like. Match your whitewashed furniture with the rest of the room, and see how it can brighten up your room with just a simple touch.
With enough research, you might even be the next top interior designer in your country. Who knows, right?
Fight bacteria
This is the main reason why people used lime-based whitewash for their barn or chicken coop. It fights bacteria to protect the extra sensitive respiratory system of the chicken.
Designers then implement the same whitewashing design technique in our homes. Either it to be the ceiling, walls or furniture, they are all safe to use it anywhere in your home.
Making it safe, clean and beautiful for your family.
Enhance your distinctive interior design
If you love a vintage, old-fashioned aesthetic, you’ll enjoy this. Whitewash brightens up wood surfaces while allowing its grain and texture of the wood to show through.
A piece of whitewashed wall introduces a warm texture and ambiance to the room. Whether it is in a bedroom or kitchen, it offers a welcoming farmhouse aesthetic.
A sanded whitewash on a furniture gives a sophisticated distressed look, accompanied by a whitewashed ceiling and floor for a classy and clean look.
If you’re an interior design freak, matches the color of all your furniture, such as your sofa cushion, curtain with the same distinctive color.
The whitewashed elements allow the furniture to pop out, creating a strong visual contrast and impact to the eyes.
Here are some application techniques for whitewashing your furniture/wall surface to attain a different look:
So there all you have it. The reasons why you should consider whitewashing your furniture and how to make it happen. But… what is its holdback?
Well, if you’re talking about a lime-based whitewash, then it has no resistant to water. So, you might only use it for indoor purpose.
Even for indoors, you’ll still have to redo it every once in awhile to maintain the ideal texture and look that you love.
Is it worth it? I’ll leave you to decide.
Also, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Share with us if you have any experience or tips on how to whitewash a furniture. Or why do you think whitewash is still a popular design option even after all these decades.