How to you get a white washed look on exterior bare wood?

Susan Turner
by Susan Turner

Looking to turn new wood on porch to look whitewashed or look older?? Thank-you


  7 answers
  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Jun 16, 2020

    Can you share a photo of the look you’re after?

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jun 16, 2020

    You can thin latex paint with water. Then paint it on and wipe off to produce the whitewashed look.

    You can also age the wood with stain by applying in streaks and quickly wiping off. Then add a bit more in other areas so that it appears to be weathered rather than normal staining.

  • Em Em on Jun 16, 2020

    There are great paint stains. I used a grey to do my shed door and the grain shows thru very nicely. Check at your local paint store for which is best for outdoors.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 16, 2020

    Hello Susan,

    Use a watered down White Emulsion paint.. If you want it to be whiter useless water.

    Best wishes.

  • Recreated Designs Recreated Designs on Jun 16, 2020

    Hi Susan, Whitewash is simply white paint watered down. You can apply it either with a brush or a cloth but it should be fairly transparent. A non latex paint like a milk paint or true chalk paint (Annie Sloan) work beautifully for this type of look. If you need to do a large area though you may need to use a latex (that comes in gallons). Just remember you won't need nearly as much as normal as you will add at least half to three quarters in water. It is a beautiful look when done. Have fun!

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Jun 16, 2020

    Hi Susan,

    You got some good idea. I created a "white-wash" to use on faux brick on a wall needed to be lighter. It had white tile with black/gray markings but black faux grout. I mixed 1 part latex paint and 2 parts water to make mine. Since you don't want it to be a solid white, test that to make sure the mixture won't make the wood a solid color. If needed, wipe that off immediately and add more water. I used a sort of a "dry brush" method, in that I kind of skimmed over the faux brick so it wasn't overwhelmed with white. I also stippled it a bit in some places (the dry brush method would work too) so that it wasn't solid white. It took a little experimenting to get the look I wanted. I'd suggest that you find an old board that you can practice with before you start. Also remember that the first coat, especially, will sink in to the wood quickly. I think it's better to use light coats rather than try to paint it with just one coat. In essence, you are creating a work of art! Have fun. Wishing you the best.