If you are looking for different ways to add a hint of color to your wood furniture while allowing the wood grain to shine through, applying a paint wash is a perfect option!
We have been refinishing old furniture for a while and sometimes instead of using another stain, we like to experiment with different paint washes, which is basically diluted paint. If you want to see some examples of our paint washes, we used it on our console table, refinished vintage end table, entryway shelf and even on our farmhouse bench. We also wrote about a whitewash gray stain but this post is focused on only paint wash techniques.
Keep reading to learn how to paint wash wood furniture, as well as why we do it and what technique we recommend to make it most appealing.
What is a Paint Wash?
A paint wash is a diluted mix of paint and water and the reason it’s diluted is to create a subtle, semi-transparent finish. Paint washes allows the underlying wood grain to show through which gives the piece a softer look that using full-strength paint.
Why We Use Paint Washes
It all depends on the look you are going for. We have applied regular, solid paint on wood furniture plenty of times but here are some reasons why we’ve opted for a paint wash:
Highlighting Wood Grain: When we want to really emphasize the wood grain and not hide it. Because of its translucency, a paint wash accentuates wood grain texture and we think it adds to the visual interest.
Customizable Intensity: When we want to create a unique color or color intensity. Paint washes allows us to blend paint to find just the right wood tone for the furniture we’re working on.
Versatility: Paint washes work really well on detailed or carved surfaces where full-strength paint might obscure the intricacies.
Materials:
Latex or chalk paint (your choice of color)
Water
Clean rags
Tools:
Mixing container/cup
Stirring stick (or just something to stir with)
Drop cloths (to protect your work area)
How to Create a Paint Wash for Furniture
Step 1: Choosing the Right Paint
The first step in creating a paint wash is finding your paint. We have a lot of neutral Sherwin Williams sample paints at any given time, so we actually just start with the paints we have already in the house. Latex paint is a common choice for folks because it’s easy to work with and widely available. Chalk paint is another popular option you will see online, but we haven’t used it ourselves. But if you are going for a matte, vintage look, this chalk paints could be a good option for you.
When choosing a color, we’d recommend taking a look at the existing tones in your room and how you want the finished piece to fit in. Neutral colors like white, gray, black or tan work well for furniture in most rooms but there’s nothing with going bold as long as it doesn’t clash with other items in the room.
Step 2: Mixing the Paint Wash
Once you have your paint, you can make the paint wash and it’s very simple to do. We use a paint wash ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part paint but this can vary depending on the thickness of the paint you have and how translucent you want the painted finish to be. However you do want this to be a thin dilution to achieve the semi-transparent finish.
Here’s how to mix it:
Pour the Paint: Start by pouring the paint into your mixing container or cup. Depending on the size of your project, you may need anywhere from a few tablespoons to a full cup of paint.
Add Water: For every part of paint, add three parts water. For example, if you’re using 1 cup of paint, add 3 cups of water.
Stir Well: Use a stirring stick or plastic utensil to mix the paint and water thoroughly. The goal is to achieve a smooth, consistent mixture without any clumps or streaks.
Step 3: Testing the Paint Wash
Don’t apply the paint wash to your entire piece of furniture before you test it! Put it a small, hidden area to see if you like it first. This allows you to see how the color and consistency will look on the wood. If the wash is too light, you can either plan to do multiple coat or find a darker base paint color. On the other hand, if it’s too dark, only one coat may work or look for a lighter paint color.
How to Apply Paint Wash on Wood Furniture
Step 1: Preparing the Furniture
Clean the furniture to remove any dust, dirt, or grease. A clean surface will help the paint adhere better. If the furniture has an existing finish, take time to remove the finish with a paint stripper or a sander to create a bit of texture for the paint wash to cling to. Use drop cloths to protect your work area, and cover or remove any parts of the furniture you don’t want to paint, like hardware or other details.
Related Post: Choosing the Right Grit Sandpaper and Sander to Prep Wood Furniture for Paint
Step 2: Applying the Wash
With your paint wash mixed and your furniture prepped, you’re ready to apply the wash:
Dip and Brush: Dip your chip brush into the paint wash and brush the wash on the furniture, working in the direction of the wood grain. If you want a deeper color, let it set for at least 20 seconds but don’t let it dry out at this step.
Wipe Off Excess: Wipe off the excess with a clean, lint free rag. The goal is to leave a thin, even layer of color on the surface. If you want more coverage, you can leave more wash on the surface or apply more coats later.
Step 3: Layering for Intensity
If the initial application was too light, you can build up the color by applying additional layers. Allow the first coat to dry before adding another. Each layer will deepen the color. Keep in mind that it’s easier to add more layers than to remove them, so build up more paint very gradually until you get the look you are going for.
We hope this quick tutorial was helpful for you! Remember that you can customize paint washed however you’d like–from the paint color, the paint wash ratio and how many layers you apply.
Have you tried a paint wash recently? Show us your style by tagging us @hammerandhandsaw on Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok!
If you want links to these decor pieces on this post, visit our LTK shop!
