How to Whitewash Furniture

Whitewashing furniture creates a soft, airy, Scandinavian-inspired look that lets the natural wood grain show through a translucent veil of white. It's lighter and more subtle than painting, more intentional than bare wood, and incredibly versatile — it works on everything from rustic farmhouse pieces to modern coastal decor. Here's how to do it.

What You'll Need

• White chalk-style paint: Heirloom Traditions ALL-IN-ONE Paint
• Chalk paint brushes: Chalk Paint Brushes 5-Piece Set
• Sandpaper: Atosun 45PCS Sandpaper Set
• Tack cloth: Dura-Gold Pure Gold Tack Cloth, 12-Pack
• Topcoat: General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, Satin
• Drop cloth: GREEN LIFESTYLE Canvas Drop Cloth

What Is Whitewashing?

Whitewashing is a technique where diluted white paint is applied to wood and then partially wiped away, leaving a translucent white layer that tints the wood while allowing the grain to show through. The result is softer and more natural-looking than solid white paint — it enhances the wood rather than covering it.

Step 1: Prep the Surface

For the best whitewash effect, start with bare or lightly sanded wood — the paint needs to soak into the grain. Strip any existing finish and sand to 120-grit. Wipe with a tack cloth. If you're whitewashing over an existing painted piece, sand to 220-grit to scuff the surface.

Step 2: Mix Your Whitewash

Mix white paint with water in a 1:1 ratio for a light, translucent wash. For a heavier coverage, use a 2:1 paint-to-water ratio. Use white Heirloom Traditions ALL-IN-ONE Paint as your base — its chalk-style formula dilutes beautifully and soaks into wood grain evenly.

Step 3: Apply the Whitewash

Dip a chalk paint brush into the diluted paint and apply it to the wood in long strokes following the grain. Work in sections of about 12 inches at a time.

Step 4: Wipe Back

While the wash is still wet, use a clean lint-free cloth to wipe back the paint, again following the grain. The more you wipe, the more translucent the effect. Wipe lightly for a heavier white coverage; wipe firmly for a very subtle tint. This step gives you complete control over the final look.

Step 5: Build Up Layers

Once the first coat is dry (30–60 minutes), assess the coverage. If you want more white, apply a second coat and wipe back again. Each layer adds more opacity while still allowing grain to show through.

Step 6: Seal the Finish

Once you're happy with the look, seal with General Finishes High Performance Topcoat in a satin or matte finish. This protects the whitewash and prevents it from yellowing over time. Apply 2 coats, sanding lightly between coats with 220-grit.

Pro Tips

• Open-grain woods like oak and ash show the most dramatic whitewash effect — the grain fills with white beautifully.
• Test your dilution ratio on a scrap piece first — the effect changes significantly with different ratios.
• For a more rustic look, skip the wipe-back step and let the wash dry as-is for a heavier, more opaque coverage.
• Whitewashing works beautifully on wood floors, paneling, and brick as well as furniture.
• A matte topcoat preserves the natural, understated look of whitewashed wood better than a glossy one.