How do I put a wash over dark wood stained bookcase ?

Hi Cindy,

Here are instructions for all the steps, you'd use the color you want to do the whitewashing:

https://salvagedinspirations.com/how-to-whitewash-wood-furniture/

You can use a dry brush technique with the turquoise paint.

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/furniture/dry-brush-old-wood-technique-7554861

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/picture-frame-wreath-using-dry-brushed-painted-frame-18097959

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/furniture/how-to-create-a-dry-brush-finish-20647252

Thank you so much for the detailed tutorial, this will be the first time I will try this. The bookcase was made by my dad 60 years ago, so it’s special. I’ll try to post a picture when it’s done.

While the traditional color to whitewash with is white, you can use this technique with pretty much any color of paint. Bright colors will give you a more sheer effect, while whites and pastels will provide a little more opacity. Dark colors need to be watered down very well in order to achieve the desired effect.

White stains are widely available in water-based or oil-based forms. Whitewash stain is ideally suited to pine. Apply the white stain with a brush. Once the stain has set up for 2 to 3 minutes, work the stain into the wood using a rag and wipe away the excess stain -- wiping gently with the grain.

You will need to scuff the surface with 220 grit sandpaper first. Clean off the dust and then water-down your paint. Use a brush to paint and then take a rag to remove some of it until you have your desired look. Good luck with your project!

You could paint turquoise color then when completely dry sand down the spots you want to come through

You would need to sand it down. Clean the surface properly, and paint it. For a detailed tutorial you can refer to this https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DyQXk-4E1WX8&ved=2ahUKEwjWtvKrkJT1AhVigtgFHeZ1AmYQwqsBegQIBBAB&usg=AOvVaw1GPIOhVka3DrO3Nt63CFGM

Lightly sand with a fine sanding sponge, A magic eraser will work also. Then use a turquoise stain or acrylic paint with a microfiber cloth to the thickness of your liking

Scuff with fine steel wool and wipe with alcohol. Then you can put the paint in, wipe just a bit or use a sanding block to let the wood tones peak through.

Is the bookcase sealed or are you looking to do this directly over the stain? If it's the latter, what kind of stain was used, oil or water based? If the latter again, you can use an acrylic or latex paint to dry brush over.

Hi Cindy, hope this helps you out,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrP2aWXDoqo

I would use a paint primer, and then cover with the turquoise. Then sand it a bit in some places where you want some of the brown to come through. I used a fine sandpaper with a dremel tool when I did something similar with a desk I painted over here: https://happydealhappyday.com/7-ways-re-decorate-room-budget/

Dixie Belle paints makes a color of water based gel stain called Temptress that will give you that effect and you won't have to sand and prime. It will go right over the dark stain.