I’ve worked with all levels of projects and when push comes to shove I go for the straightforward. Our dining table is one that we built several years ago and I shared in an updated TUTORIAL. We scored the base that is from a Pottery Barn farmhouse table at a yard sale a long time back. The top had a lacquered ugly yellow finish that was really thick and the table was too small. Off came the base and we used it to build a new tabletop on. The base and legs were already painted in the creamy white that is still on it, so we didn’t do a thing with that. I love the farmhouse look of the top that we built, stained and waxed, but it has been calling my name to lighten up for a long time!
Whitewashing A Farmhouse Table In 30 Minutes
How To Easily Whitewash Furniture
- Grab a paintbrush and my favorite white acrylic paint. I would NOT recommend using oil based paint! You would have to thin it out with mineral spirits and it’s toxic.
- Water down the paint in a small manageable bucket like a used large plastic yogurt container. For this table I mixed about 2/3 paint to 1/3 water. This table had an original wax finish but I didn’t think that it was necessary to sand it off. To be on the safe side you certainly can give it a light sanding first if preferred.
- Start painting little by little in the direction of the grain of the boards on the FARMHOUSE TABLE. Use the same technique if your tabletop is one solid piece of wood or veneered.
- Paint a small area at a time and before the paint dries have a damp rag on hand and wipe the painted finish you just applied down until it looks like a wash. You may have to repeat in some areas if you’ve wiped off too much.
Furniture Wax With A Whitewashing Technique
Here is the finished table and it really took me maybe 20 minutes to do. I’m going to let it cure for a day or two and then give it another coat of wax with my FAVORITE WAX. I’ve been using the wax for years and it’s the BEST!
SO EASY!
I can’t wait to set the table for some fun posts to share coming your way soon!
Do you have a piece of furniture that you would like to lighten up by whitewashing? Let me know if you have any questions!
This looks great. Is it possible to do this on already whitewashed furniture that just needs a touch up?
What did you use for the paint? You noted you grabbed a brush and your favorite acrylic paint but I wasn’t sure what paint you meant. I have a friend who wants me to white wash a credenza for her and this is the look she wants. Thanks for any info!
Hi Michelle. I linked the paint that I used within the post, so if you click on that you’ll see the specifics. It’s my favorite for lots of projects!
Could you seal it with poly acrylic instead of wax?
Hi Jena…I think that you could, but I like the look of wax and haven’t tried it. Maybe do a small underside test area first?
What kind of wax do you use?
Hi Debby! The wax that I always use is linked in the instructions in the post. Have a great day!
I’m excited to try this for a desk. Right now the poplar wood is completely raw. Do I need to finish in any way before whitewashing it?
The wax you mentioned was to finish it after the white washing process, yes?
Thanks so much!
Every wood is going to absorb things differently Mia, so if it were me I’d try it on a small inconspicuous area first. Yes, waxing would be last and with raw wood you might need a few coats.
You said you used acrylic paint but the link to the rustoleum is LATEX paint.
It is water based and not oil based paint. Cleans up with soap and water and can be diluted. Check the Amazon questions and answers and thanks for stopping by.
Hi , Can you do a whitewash finish in a cream paint with more beige tones? If yes what BM Color works well for this? Thank you. Gayle
I’m not a beige lover personally, but I do love the Rustoleum brand American Heirloom color paint (comes in a spray AND a can).
Hi Janet,
Have you ever whitewashed with Rustoleum Champagne metallic paint? It is water based too. Would love to see results!
Thanks! I just asked another question about Rustoleum Metallic in Champagne! ???
What is the best type of sealant for a dining room table that I just white washed? I know you mentioned wax but does it hold up over time vs Polyacrylic?
Lexi…just catching up here and wanted to answer you. I prefer wax and not a sealer personally, and it does hold up beautifully in my experience. Just maybe give it another coat of wax every couple of years if necessary.