Whitewashed Nightstands

Roberta
by Roberta
6 Materials
$30
30 Minutes
Easy

I picked up a pair of nightstands that were luckily already prepped for me with primer. I wasn't really sure what direction I wanted to go, so I just grabbed the paint and went with it.

The Beginning


So here are the nightstands. Very simple. I could have gone in any direction with them I suppose. I grabbed a can of paint I already had on hand and I got to work. Since they were already prepped and primed all I had to do was clean the dust off.

Gothic Gray


I have a ton of paints already opened so I grabbed Gothic gray by Retique It. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go modern at first. Either way I knew this would be a good base. Since this paint is chalk based, there was nothing to it and I was able to have both tables painted in no time.

Seal


I used my Retique It polyacrylic to seal, applying it with a sponge in 2 thin coats. I noticed a little bit of the paint had come off showing through the white primer. This gave me my "aha" moment. I decided whitewashing is exactly what they needed!

White Glaze


So white washing is really just applying white glaze. You can mix 50% paint with 50% of a glazing medium to get a great consistency to work with. I was lucky to find glaze medium by the gallon at Sherwin Williams when they were closing it out, so I have enough for a lifetime! You can also use Flotrol. (I posted how to do this previously)

Applying Glaze


So personally I find it easiest to make sure I get enough glaze in all of the nooks and crannies first. I'll start with small sections so that my glaze does not dry too fast and I'm able to wipe off the excess easily.

Cover the area


You don't want to be too skimpy with your glaze when your white washing because you want to leave a good amount behind after wiping.

Wipe off extra


Make sure you have a wet rag ready and I keep a bucket of water close by just in case I need to rewet or rinse my rag. Wipe off your extra glaze until you get the look that you love.

Finish up glazing


When you are finished glazing all the sections of your piece, take a step back and see if you want to put a little more or take off a little extra. It's best to do this now before it dries fully. You have a little more workability time with glaze versus paint, but not more than 15-20 minutes.

Finished!


Since the glaze is mixed with basically a sealer you don't need to seal again over it. I applied my new hardware and they are done! I might not have known where I was going with them to start but I sure love how they ended up. And the good part is they sold in 5 minutes! 😳😁

Like the hardware? They are from D.Lawless Hardware. Use code ESCHIC to save 10%!

Resources for this project:
See all materials
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  2 questions
  • LJ LJ on Nov 15, 2020

    Just wondering if you needed to put the acrylic finish over the grey paint when the glaze had a sealer already in it ???

  • Glenda Brown Glenda Brown on Nov 15, 2020

    I love where this DIY ended up. You did a fantastic job. Glad you have already sold them, sorry for all of us.

    One more thing, where did you get the picture behind the tables? I love it. I live on the East Coast so I am into nautical decor.

    Keep up with your inspiring project, they are great. Thank you!!!

    Glenda

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 7 comments
  • Diane Diane on Nov 14, 2022

    Love the look

  • Kathie Kathie on Nov 16, 2023

    Where did you find the handles on them? I love the pewter look and have a few pieces of my own that would great with them!

    Katz

Next