Did you know that you can get a real limewashed look on wood without the original limewash technique? The answer is yes! I created this look with thedry brush paintingTechnology.
While they're not exactly the same, they look very similar. I have a dining room table that is whitewashed (probably not the original technique either) and I wanted this look in the...TV console tablecreated
You might also like these other woodworking ideas:DIY distressed wood look using dry brush painting technique,Simple DIY Rustic TV Console Table, jDo-it-yourself rustic wooden headboard.
Table of contents
CREATE a whitewashed look using the dry brush painting technique
After some trial and error I was able to get this look. I didn't quite get the color right, but I still loved the result.
after I posted minerustic TV consoleI have many questions about how I painted it. I figured the best way to explain it would be with a detailed tutorial and video.
The hardest part was naming this technique as it is not a true lime or whitewash but dry brushing is too broad a concept and the appearance of the wood was too similar to sandblasting. confused right? Yes, I think so too.
The best idea I've come up with is to call it Lime Wash Look with the dry brush painting technique because that's what it is anyway.
I used this technique for the top of my TV console and then used the distressed wood technique for the bottom, which I'll be sharing in another post soon.
Before we move on, let's explain some details here first.
What is LimeWash?
According to Home Guides, before the development of furniture finishes, a common way to preserve wood was to wash it with a mixture of lime and water. When a whitewash contained adequate amounts of salt, calcium carbonate, and water, it set into the wood and provided protection from insects and rot.
But the technique comes before that, lime is a very old paint made from limestone that has been crushed, fired and water quenched to make lime putty. Lime putty is aged for several months before being diluted with water to make whitewash.
This technique was also used to paint brick walls and exterior walls.
Today there are many ways to create the limewash look and it has become very popular. This technique is often referred to as, or confused with, whitening. Some explanations seem to define them as the same and others make some differences.
What I like the most is that the painting technique emphasizes the marks on the wood in most cases. You can clearly see 2 tones: one as the base and the other that forms the lines of the wood. I love that
This is exactly what I was able to achieve with the dry brush painting technique. I am totally in love with this look. For the love of it I've already made a few other pieces to decorate my home.
What is dry brushing?
Dry brushing is a staining technique used to finish any irregularly shaped surface that creates the roughness associated with aged materials. You add layers until you get the result or look you want.
I've used it in so many different craft projects. Tone painting is one of them and of course wood, my favorite medium.
This tutorial was created while applying the technique to some shelves I made and the video was recorded while I was doing itTV console table.
How to create a limewashed look with the dry brush painting technique
In this tutorial I will show you how I created a whitewashed wood look using the dry brush painting technique very lightly on a wooden board and box that I used for mineTV console table.
Let's start then.
Deliveries:
- wooden plank.
- Dark wood stain (I made my 50-50 sand gray paint and water)
- White cotton latex color
- 2 brushes
- plastic or paper plates
- Papier
- Sandpaper (I used 150 grit)
- Scrubbing brush with brass bristles
- clothing
- Spray Matt Barniz Transparente
Alternatives to dry brush paints
Well what I've learned is that quality matters. Whatever you choose, make sure it's of good quality.
Then I saw that latex and acrylic paint work very well. Of course I use specific varnishes for furniture because they combine everything I need, durability, finish etc., although for wood I still use a matte spray varnish to finish it.
Chalk paint doesn't really do as well as acrylic or latex for a dry brush effect and texture due to the nature of the paint mixture.
Instructions:
I made this video tutorial for you of my painting process. If you prefer a detailed written step-by-step tutorial, just scroll down a bit and read on.
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Step 1: Preparatory work
First, let's avoid getting splinters on our fingers. Sand all edges (I used 150 grit). Just the edges because we don't want the surface of our board to be too soft.
When the edges are finished we will enhance the lightening effects of the dry brushing by opening the pores of the wood with the brass bristle brush before applying.
Work the brush along the grain of the wood to avoid unsightly scratches.
Clean sanding dust well before applying wood stain.
Step 2: Stain the wood
Do-it-yourself lime. If you plan to use paint as a stain, prepare your stain by diluting 50-50 of your chosen dark paint and water. Mix well.
Apply the stain to the entire wooden board with a brush.
More than one coat of paint may be required to achieve the desired look. I wanted it to be a bit dark so it wouldn't lighten too much after dry brushing.
Let it dry completely. It may take a few hours.
Step 3: Applying the dry brush technique
Then drip a very small amount of paint onto the plastic or paper plate.
Now, gently rub the tip of your dry brush into the paint and wipe it across a piece of paper or paper towel to remove excess paint.
You want to keep your brush tip "dry" and not saturated with color, so I suggest starting with just a little color and adding more as you become more comfortable with the technique.
Notice how most of the bristles are still separate and not saturated with paint? This is what you are looking for.
Use short, quick strokes in both directions (along the wood grain and across) to add texture and emphasize the lines of the wood.
This allowed me to lighten the wood without completely covering the entire design, giving it a lot of character.
There is no right or wrong way to dry your brush; So get creative with your painting, you might discover looks you didn't even know you would love!
Let it dry when you're done.
Then we do the same with another brush, but with a dark color. But this time it will be very short strokes here and there to create some darker areas (depth).
If you are happy with the result, let it dry overnight.
Step 4: Spray paint to finish your work
Finally, when your piece is completely dry, spray on your matte clear coat to protect and finish your masterpiece.
Why spray?
Because when you use a paint brush, the dry brushed paint starts to blend. While it also looks nice, in this case it's not the final finish you're looking for.
Let it dry and you're done!
Your limewashed look effect is ready to rock!
The whitewashed finished console table.
Isn't it super easy and looks amazing?
Now is your time to get creative and bring out your smart and creative side!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lime washing?
In its simplest form is lime washingLime putty diluted in water to give it a milky consistency. The lime wash isa finish that gets its structural layer from sandstone aggregate. This surface has an almost chalky appearance.
What is dry brushing?
Dry brushing is a staining technique used to finish any irregularly shaped surface that creates the roughness associated with aged materials. You add layers until you get the result or look you want.
What kind of paint can be used for dry brushing?
I have found that latex and acrylic paint work very well. However, I do use specific varnishes for furniture because they combine everything I need, durability, varnish etc, although I still use a matte spray varnish for wood to finish the pieces. Chalk paint doesn't really do as well as acrylic or latex for a dry brush effect and texture due to the nature of the paint mixture.
More woodworking projects to try
if you liked thatDrybrushed, limed appearanceTutorial, you will love these others tooWoodworking project ideasAlso:
DIY distressed wood look using dry brush painting technique
Easy DIY Farmhouse TV Stand
Do-it-yourself rustic wooden headboard
✂️ Tutoring
DIY Whitewashed Look mit Trockenpinsel-Maltechnik-Tutorial
Camila Rojas
Did you know that you can get a real limewashed look on wood without the original limewash technique? The answer is yes! I created this look with thedry brush paintingTechnology.
Print recipepins recipe
preparation time15 Protocol
time to cook1 Hour 30 Protocol
dry season2 Std.
total time3 Std. 45 Protocol
CourseDIY and handicrafts
CocinaWood painting, carpentry
portions1 Piece
equipment
Scrubbing brush with brass bristles
safety goggles
Ingredients
- wooden plank.
- dark wood stain I made my 50-50 sand gray paint and water.
- White cotton latex color
- 2 to brush
- plastic or paper plates
- Papier
- Sandpaper I used 150 grit
- Piece Of the screen
- Spray Matt Barniz Transparente
instructions
STEP 1: PREPARATORY WORK
First, let's avoid getting splinters on our fingers. Sand all edges (I used 150 grit). Just the edges because we don't want the surface of our board to be too soft.
When the edges are finished we will enhance the lightening effects of the dry brushing by opening the pores of the wood with the brass bristle brush before applying.
Work the brush along the grain of the wood to avoid unsightly scratches.
Clean sanding dust well before applying wood stain.
STEP 2: COLORING THE WOOD
Do-it-yourself lime. If you plan to use paint as a stain, prepare your stain by diluting 50-50 of your chosen dark paint and water. Mix well.
Apply the stain to the entire wooden board with a brush.
More than one coat of paint may be required to achieve the desired look. I wanted it to be a bit dark so it wouldn't lighten too much after dry brushing.
Let it dry completely. It may take a few hours.
STEP 3: APPLYING THE DRY BRUSHING TECHNIQUE
Then drip a very small amount of paint onto the plastic or paper plate.
Now, gently rub the tip of your dry brush into the paint and wipe it across a piece of paper or paper towel to remove excess paint.
You want to keep your brush tip "dry" and not saturated with color, so I suggest starting with just a little color and adding more as you become more comfortable with the technique.
Notice how most of the bristles are still separate and not saturated with paint? This is what you are looking for.
Use short, quick strokes in both directions (along the wood grain and across) to add texture and emphasize the lines of the wood.
This allowed me to lighten the wood without completely covering the entire design, giving it a lot of character.
There is no right or wrong way to dry your brush; So get creative with your painting, you might discover looks you didn't even know you would love!
Let it dry when you're done.
Then we do the same with another brush, but with a dark color. But this time it will be very short strokes here and there to create some darker areas (depth).
If you are happy with the result, let it dry overnight.
STEP 4: SPRAY PAINT TO FINISH YOUR WORK
Finally, when your piece is completely dry, spray on your matte clear coat to protect and finish your masterpiece.
Let it dry and you're done!
keywordDIY furniture painting, dry brush painting, dry brushing, whitewashed look
Other wood painting techniques from my favorite bloggers:
- How to lighten wood in 3 easy waysAnanda and A Piece of the Rainbow.
- Tutorial on how to build a wall of wooden palletsbyKelly en The Kelly homestead.
- How to age woodAshley und Cherished Bliss.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and if so, don't forget to share it with your friends!
Until next time...
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