Can i whitewash over paperbag technique done by previous owners?

If I were you, I'd take one thing at a time. And the first thing I would do is paint the walls. Then see what you think, the paperbag might not be so bad after you lighten up the walls with maybe a light aqua or blue.

You can whitewash nearly any surface and over any color. It’s a little like adding confectioner’s sugar to the top of a cake: the white on top is lovely, but the color underneath highlights it. ☺️

I doubt it would look like anything more that a mess, as the paper bag treatment is sealed with multiple coats of top coat, and then there is the fact that whitewashing is done to feature the grain of wood which it is not.

You could lay wood over top and whitewash it.

Hi Kimba,

I was thinking the same thing as Shore grandmom. You could also paint that dark vanity cabinet. Due to the fact that it's such a small room, if you want more light, I'd suggest a very light paint. I'd actually paint it white and use towels for color. You might be able to white wash the floor. Remember that it has several coats of sealer on it so that will need to be roughed up. I'd use a paint white-wash because actual white wash is supposed to soak in and that can't happen on this floor. Once you get the look you want on the floor, add sealer and let it cure before using the room. Check on the sealer can for the amount of time the product needs.

By any chance is this a mobile home? Subfloors are different in mobile homes than stick built. Maybe the previous owner took up the flooring that was in there before and figured that was the cheapest way to cover up the sub floor. How smooth or rough is the floor?

It is a counter top. Yes sealed. She also did the doors in the house but not sealed. Yes a mobile home. Very rustic outside and inside. Was hoping these would grow on me but they have not. .

Here is another person who thinks lightening the wall color and painting the vanity would make a difference. I noticed the mirror unit on the wall that could be framed or replaced with a larger mirror.

I thought I recognized that medicine cabinet lol. I used to live in a mobile home from the 60's so I feel your pain. You should be able to paint over that countertop if you sand it lightly with 0000 steel wool, wipe it down, prime it with Kilz and when that's dry paint. When you are satisfied with the coverage and it is completely dry add two or three light coats of polycrylic and let that dry completely. BTW I vote for light gray walls and white for the vanity and trim. Best wishes.