How to Whitewash Bare Wood with a Latex Paint and Water Mixture

Learn how to whitewash a bare wood crate with a simple water and latex paint mixture.

I’ve been whitewashing furniture before I even knew what whitewashing was. It can also be called “pickling wood,” although some people would say they are two totally different techniques. Let me show you how to whitewash bare wood with a latex paint and water mixture.

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There are loads of paint products on the market that are made specifically for whitewashing. Some of these products are white gel stains and pickling stains and a white wax called liming wax that will give any piece a white washed look.

While these products work well, I’m sharing the old way to whitewash or pickle wood; with regular old white paint and water.

I just learned the other day that generally whitewashing is referring to a pine wood surface while pickling is referring to an oak wood surface. Did you know that?

A friend gave this crate to me because she was about to throw it away. I kept it a while and almost gave it away myself. I’m so glad I didn’t.

It’s a simple wooden crate. You can see where the two top slats have come off.

There are so many uses for wooden crates. Not too long ago I rounded up ways to repurpose them. Why did I ever think of getting rid of this?

Supplies to whitewash wood

• White paint (any type paint will do)
• Water
• Paintbrush
• Lint free rags

How to whitewash bare wood

1. Mix white paint with water; 1 part white paint to 1 part water.
2. Apply the paint solution in the direction of the grain with a paintbrush or lint free cloth.
3. Use the lint free cloth to wipe the excess paint away.
4. Continue this process until you are pleased with the finish.
5. Apply a sealer after the whitewash is dry.

Note; if you are looking for a more opaque finish, try using more paint and less water. If you are looking for a more translucent finish, use less paint and more water.

Always test a small area before completing the entire project. Don’t forget to wait until it fully dries before deciding if you need another coat because it will look completely different once the paint dries.

Easy right? Like I said earlier, there are a ton of products on the market that will “whitewash” a surface without having to mix your own paint. When it’s this easy, why not whitewash it yourself?

This white wash technique will also work on any painted or stained surface too. Always test a small area first before completing the entire project to make sure the end result is what you want.

Side note; most “pickling” techniques (when working with stain) call for wiping against the direction of the grain when working with oak wood. This ensures that the paint or stain seeps way down into the pores of the wood. This doesn’t apply to this project because it’s not oak wood and we aren’t using a stain.

If you are looking for a weathered white wash look, I’ve shared a few different techniques for that. I’ve created a post for a DIY weathered wood look on a smooth surface (like laminate) and also how to create a weathered wood look on new wood. The last post about DIY weathered wood techniques uses a product you never would think to use! I of course have video tutorials on both.

Related Whitewash furniture posts

How to use Lime wax with a Lime Washed Coffee Table Makeover

How to Create an Antique Fireplace Mantel with a Whitewash Technique

How to Create the Weathered Barn Wood look with New Wood

White washed furniture makeovers that will wow you!

Best White Wash Wood Stains with Products

Do You Need to Seal Whitewash Furniture and Wood?

Paint Wash for Furniture; Easiest Way to Mute Outdated Furniture Tones

How to whitewash wood with step by step pictures

• Mix the paint solution 1 part water to 1 part white paint.

• Apply paint to surface in direction of grain with a paintbrush.

• Make sure to wipe excessive paint with lint free cloth in the direction of the grain. Also watch out for drip marks.

I’m loving the way the old crate is looking now. It’s brighter and looks more finished.

I love how the whitewash finish highlights the wood grain.

One of the benefits of whitewashing any wood surface is that it highlight the wood without hiding the wood grain.

Almost done! Funny how a little paint can transform a simple wooden crate.

After the paint was dry, I used a Polycrylic spray sealer.

The last thing I did was add a few cabinet pulls to really “jazz” it up.

I used gorilla glue to attach the pulls to the wood.

Video tutorial for how to white wash.

My intentions were to use this as shoe storage. I quickly changed my mind when I realized how well it could work as blanket storage in our living room!

Maybe I should have used a little wood filler or putty to cover up the holes, but it adds to the rustic vibe right?

If you are curious about my chippy blue antique barn door, it’s a staple in this room and I love it!

I hope this looks as easy as it was to complete. Make sure to check out all my painting and refinishing furniture posts here! Thanks for following along friends.

Lindsey**