Whitewashing With Annie Sloan Paint: A Simple Guide

how to do a whitewash with annie sloan paint

Whitewashing is a great way to lighten and clean up old furniture without losing the grain of the wood. Annie Sloan's Old White Chalk Paint is a popular choice for whitewashing wood. It is a soft off-white shade with a slight tint of grey, giving it an aged feel. To create a whitewash effect with Annie Sloan paint, thin the paint with water to create a wash. Then, apply the wash to the wood using a small paintbrush, working in sections. Once the wash is applied, wipe off the excess in the same direction as the wood grain. After the whitewash has dried, you can apply a topcoat, such as Annie Sloan Clear Wax, to seal and finish the piece.

Characteristics Values
Paint type Chalk Paint
Paint colour Old White
Paint brand Annie Sloan
Paint finish Soft off-white
Paint technique Whitewash
Paint application Brush
Paint dilution Water
Paint quantity 1/4 cup
Paint coverage Varies, depends on surface
Paint surface Wood
Paint effect Bleached, coastal, antique
Paint combination Honfleur, French Linen
Paint tools Wax brush, sandpaper

cypaint

Prepare the surface

Preparing the surface is key to achieving the perfect whitewash effect with Annie Sloan paint. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Firstly, determine the type of surface you are working with. If you are applying the whitewash to a wooden surface, ensure that it is free of any finish, such as shellac or glossy sealers, as these can prevent the wash from adhering properly. The wood tone should be something you want to peek through the whitewash. If you are working with a previously painted surface, lightly sand the piece to create a key for the new paint to adhere to.

Next, consider the condition of the wood. If it is old or worn, you may need to fill any cracks or holes with wood filler and sand it smooth once dry. Ensure the surface is clean and free of any dirt, dust, or debris. Use a tack cloth to remove any residual dust from sanding.

If your surface has an existing finish that cannot be removed by sanding, you may need to use a paint stripper to remove the finish. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and effective use of the paint stripper.

Once your surface is prepared, you can proceed to mix your paint. Annie Sloan's Old White Chalk Paint is a popular choice for creating a whitewash effect. Mix the paint with water in a ratio of 1:1 and stir it well. You can adjust the ratio to create a thicker or thinner wash, depending on your desired effect.

Before you begin painting, protect your work area with drop cloths or newspapers, especially if you are working on a large surface like floorboards. It is also recommended to wear protective clothing, such as an apron and gloves, to avoid getting paint on your clothes.

Now your surface is prepared, and you can begin the whitewashing process!

cypaint

Mix paint with water

To create a whitewash effect with Annie Sloan chalk paint, you can mix the paint with water to thin it out. Firstly, pour about a 1/4 cup of paint into a plastic cup and then add an equal amount of room temperature water. Mix the solution well. You can then apply the wash to your desired surface, such as wood, using an Annie Sloan small paintbrush. Work in sections and apply the wash in the direction of the wood grain.

If you are applying the wash to a wooden surface, it is important to note that the wood should be stripped and free of any glossy sealers for the wash to adhere properly. After applying the wash, let it dry for 24 hours before proceeding to the next steps.

You can also thin Annie Sloan chalk paint with water if you prefer a thinner consistency. Add water to the paint until you achieve the desired consistency. You can then apply a thin coat of the watered-down paint to your surface. Allow the paint to dry, and then lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper. Repeat this process as many times as needed until you achieve the desired result.

When using chalk paint on surfaces that require a durable finish, such as kitchen cabinets or benches, consider using a water-based polyurethane finish (polycrylic) or a water-based enamel paint. These options provide a more durable and water-resistant finish compared to wax. However, if you prefer to use wax, it is recommended to apply a thin coat and then lightly sand it.

cypaint

Apply paint

To apply a whitewash with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, you'll first want to select the right paintbrush. Annie Sloan Small paintbrushes are recommended. You'll also want to ensure you're working in a well-ventilated area and covering any surfaces you want to protect.

Before applying the whitewash, you'll need to prepare the paint. In a plastic cup, pour approximately 1/4 cup of paint and add an equal amount of water at room temperature. Mix the solution well.

Now you're ready to start painting! Work in sections, applying the wash over one whole section at a time. Use your paintbrush to apply the wash, following the direction of the wood grain.

After applying the wash, use a couple of sheets of Scott Shop Towels to wipe off the excess in the same direction as the wood grain. This step is important to create the whitewashed effect.

Depending on the look you're going for, you may want to apply more than one coat of paint. You can also experiment with dry brushing in some areas to create a unique texture.

Once you've achieved the desired look and allowed the paint to dry, you can apply a topcoat for protection and to enhance the colour. Annie Sloan offers Chalk Paint Wax and Lacquer for this purpose. Using a wax brush or soft cloth, apply the product in thin, even coats.

cypaint

Distress the wood

To distress the wood, you can use Annie Sloan's medium sanding sponge. This will allow you to distress the paint to show the colour of the wood beneath. You can be strategic about this process, distressing the paint in some areas and not others to create a varied and textured finish. For example, you could apply paint in different directions, so that when you sand it, the underlying colour will show through in some areas and not others.

Be careful when distressing the wood, as it can be easy to take off more paint than intended. You can also use a sanding pad to smooth the paint or create an aged effect. This will give your piece of furniture a more rustic, country look.

If you are applying a wash over a wood piece, rather than over a layer of chalk paint, you should wait 24 hours after the wash has dried before applying your topcoat. This will allow the chemistry in the paint to work effectively and adhere better.

You can also use a wax brush to apply a coat of Annie Sloan Clear Wax, which will help to seal and finish your piece.

cypaint

Seal and finish

When you are done whitewashing with Annie Sloan paint, there are a few options to seal and finish your project. Firstly, you can use Annie Sloan Clear Wax. This is a great option if you are applying a wash over a wooden piece. You should wait 24 hours after the wash has dried before applying the wax. Alternatively, you can use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Wax or Lacquer to seal and finish your project. Lacquer is particularly useful if you are painting kitchen cabinets as it will create a water-resistant finish.

If you are going for a coastal or Scandinavian look, you can use White Wax to mute colours and create a soft, quiet look. You can also use Paris Grey and then put White Wax on top for a deckchair look.

If you are using a base coat of paint, make sure to apply a coat of clear wax over your base coat of paint before applying your wash so that you do not wipe away any of the base.

Carving Fun: Paint a Soccer Ball Pumpkin

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

To create a whitewash effect with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, first, choose your base coat colour and apply it to the piece of furniture. Then, add a small amount of water to your chosen pot of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and mix well. Apply the mixture to your piece of furniture and wipe off the excess paint with a cloth, wiping in the same direction as the grain of the wood.

The best colour of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint to use for a whitewash effect is Old White. This is because it is a soft off-white colour with no pink or yellow undertones, so it can be used to lighten other colours.

To finish a piece of furniture that has been whitewashed with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, you should use either an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Wax or Chalk Paint Lacquer to seal and finish. Apply the wax or lacquer with a wax brush or soft cloth.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment