How to White Wash With Paint

Linda Sikut
by Linda Sikut
5 Materials
$8
2 Hours
Easy
Hi everyone,
I've seen a lot of questions in Hometalk's DIY Forum about how to get the white-washed look using paint. Since I did it, I decided to post a tutorial. I just used flat white latex paint and water to make mine and I'll write about what I did. Some of the photo's were "staged" because I didn't take the photos when I did it. I actually did this shortly before I found Hometalk, but I've used my half-done pic many times to show people the difference.

I have Z-Brick on one wall in my living room. It was great when it was in style, but I was sick of it and am not crazy about the look of a painted fireplace so I decided to white-wash it.
This is before. I had taken down one curtain.
So, here are the supplies I used:
White flat latex paint
water
2" brush
Kids "stippling" brush
Sponge
Container for mixed paint
Supplies
I mixed 1 part paint with 2 parts water and mixed it thoroughly. I have noticed that on some websites it says use a 1/1 ratio, but the 1/2 worked for me.
Sponge Technique
I used a paint brush & sponge technique to get the look I wanted. I didn't want to cover all of the colors in the white/gray brick so I painted on some of the white-wash mix then went over it with a sponge.
Brush on the mortar
The "mortar - glue" for Z-Brick was black and this kids paintbrush worked perfectly. I could cover all of the black including getting into the nicks & crannies of the black "mortar". I took my time with this and went around each "brick" separately.
Halfway done
This is what the wall looked like when it was halfway done. I still had to finish the other half and the part below the mantle but this really shows how different the simple white-wash looked.
Finished Wall
Here's what it looked like when I was done. I love how it brightened up my north-facing living room and gave me a fresher look.
Suggested materials:
  • White flat latex paint   (Walmart)
  • Water   (on hand)
  • Paint brush   (on hand)
See all materials
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  1 question
  • Millymolly Millymolly on Jun 21, 2018

    Would this be removable if you needed to change it?

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 10 comments
  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Mar 24, 2018

    Linda Sikut, you are an amazing DIYer! I’m glad you posted this. I had noticed quite a few questions about whitewashing. And even questions about removing whitewash! Best wishes ☺️

  • Girls Build Club Girls Build Club on Apr 23, 2018

    Amazing transformation! Amazing what a coat of white wash can do.

Next