Step-by-Step Limewashing
Limewashing is a great painting technique, especially when used on wooden furniture. Inspired by the weather-worn look of rustic beach houses, it’s an easy effect to master, taking minimal time and even less cost.
You Will Need:
- The object you want to limewash, pine works especially well
- Sandpaper of various grains and a roll of clean muslin cloth
- Good quality paintbrush
- White PVA paint, the amount depends on the size of the object
- Water
- Mixing bowl or tray and wooden stick for mixing
- Heat sealant
What To Do:
- Sand object until it has a smooth finish.
- Dilute your PVA paint with water – two parts water to every one part PVA. Mix well.
- Apply PVA to sanded object in broad strokes. Allow to dry partially. Rub object with the muslin cloth to remove some of the PVA. Make sure you rub with the grain of the wood for desired effect.
- Once completely dry, apply a coat of heat sealant, which acts as a varnish and protects your object from wear and tear.
Note:
You can mix up paint colours for more interesting effects. For example, first limewash the object in white, then limewash over it again in a light grey paint. Alternatively, mix up colours like blue and green, or grey and yellow, before finally varnishing with heat sealant.
