It has become very popular to create paint effects on used or even new furniture. White wash and the distressed look are two of these techniques. Both techniques are simple to master and with the modern water base paints, glazes and varnishes you can get a real professional look.
White Wash
In the past, whitewashing was accomplished through thinning down white paint. That method is still used, but there is an easier way to achieve this classic look. Now, you can purchase oil- or water-based whitewash stains that are specially made for this procedure. Simply apply this to the piece of furniture as prescribed by the manufacturer. You could also take a water based acrylic paint and dilute it and then apply lightly to the object. White wash works best on pine furniture. If you have a piece that has old paint or varnish, make sure that all of this removed to expose the bare wood before white washing. Also remember that washing need not necessarily be white, Pastel colors also give a beautiful wash effect.
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| Distressed cabinet light green undercoat and terracotta overcoat |
Distressing is a technique used to age a painted surface, giving the appearance of being worn and chipped over time. The key to this technique is to concentrate on the areas that would naturally receive more wear such as corners, edges, raised areas and around handles. It is preferable to use water based paints and then seal with a varnish for durability.
If your piece of furniture is dark wood you can paint straight on it and then sand back to the natural wood. On lighter woods it is preferable to apply a dark stain first. On non wood surfaces it is necessary to paint the piece dark brown first.
Candle wax then needs to be rubbed onto the piece where you want the dark color showing through. Two to three coats of acrylic paint, in white or a light color, can now be applied. Once dry the piece can be lightly sanded to lift the acrylic paint off the waxed areas and then sealed with a water based varnish.
The cabinet in the picture was undercoated with a light green and over coated in terracotta. The edges were lightly sanded to produce a distressed look.
For more information on paint techniques, get "Refinishing Old Furniture - start a home business"
If your piece of furniture is dark wood you can paint straight on it and then sand back to the natural wood. On lighter woods it is preferable to apply a dark stain first. On non wood surfaces it is necessary to paint the piece dark brown first.
Candle wax then needs to be rubbed onto the piece where you want the dark color showing through. Two to three coats of acrylic paint, in white or a light color, can now be applied. Once dry the piece can be lightly sanded to lift the acrylic paint off the waxed areas and then sealed with a water based varnish.
The cabinet in the picture was undercoated with a light green and over coated in terracotta. The edges were lightly sanded to produce a distressed look.
For more information on paint techniques, get "Refinishing Old Furniture - start a home business"
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