Changing Wood Furniture Color With Paint Washing Techniques

Changing the Color of Wooden Furniture With Paint Washing

Updating old wooden furniture with a fresh new color is a great way to give new life to antique finds or flea market treasures. While staining can work, many furniture DIYers and flippers are now using paint washing techniques to transform the color of their wood pieces.

What is Paint Washing?

Paint washing involves applying a coat of chalk style paint, letting it dry, and then wiping some of the paint back off to allow the original wood grain to show through. This creates a washed, distressed type of finish that mutes the wood color rather than fully covering it up.

Paint washing is often done with specialty chalk or mineral paints like Fusion Mineral Paint. These paints adhere well to raw wood and have a matte, porous finish that makes the washing process easy.

Benefits of Using Paint Washing

There are several advantages to using paint washing over traditional wood staining:

• No sanding or primer needed - Chalk paints stick to raw wood so there's no prep work
• Won't peel or chip like solid paints
• Creates a distressed, worn-in look with little effort
• Mutes existing wood tones rather than totally covering them
• Can create an aged, antique appearance on modern pieces

Paint washing is also more forgiving than staining - there's room for error and you can keep wiping the paint back until you achieve the washed out look you want.

How to Paint Wash Wood

While techniques can vary slightly based on the paint used, the basic process for paint washing wood is:

1. Lightly sand the wood piece to rough up the surface and remove any glossy areas
2. Clean wood thoroughly and let dry
3. Apply first coat of chalk paint in your color of choice
4. Let paint dry completely
5. Rub paint back with sandpaper, steel wool, or abrasive pad to reveal wood underneath
6. Seal with finishing wax for protection

The key is to rub the paint back randomly so some areas have more visible wood grain than others. This creates variation and an authentically distressed appearance.

Tips for Paint Washing Success

Follow these tips when paint washing furniture at home:

• Always work in the direction of the wood grain when rubbing paint back
• Try different abrasives - some people prefer steel wool while others like sanding pads
• Apply dark wax to deeper grooves and detailing for added dimension
• Consider highlighting edges and ornamental carvings by removing paint completely from these areas
• Seal paint with furniture wax or polyurethane when done

Choosing Paint Colors for Washing

Neutral paint colors like beiges, grays, and whites are common choices for paint washed furniture. But you can really use any shade that complements the undertones of the wood.

For example, a blue-toned gray chalk paint would pair nicely with oak, while a warm white would accentuate walnut beautifully. Think about the tone of the wood you'll be working with and test out paint swatches to find a harmonious color combo.

You can also take color cues from any hardware, upholstery, or accessories that will be used with the refinished piece. Matching or coordinating the colors will give you a cohesive look.

Preserving Character in Antique Furniture

Paint washing is an ideal refinishing technique for antique furniture. By keeping some of the worn, weathered patina peeking through, you can maintain the character and history of the piece.

Look for areas where the original wood finish has worn down to bare wood and avoid removing paint from these spots. The variation between the raw, aged wood and your chalk painted finish will add lovely dimension.

Achieving an Updated Look With Algonquin Paint

One of my favorite paint colors for washing wooden furniture is Fusion Mineral Paint's Algonquin. This warm beige has orange undertones that work beautifully to alter all different wood species.

I recently used Algonquin to paint wash an old pine farmhouse table. Just two coats warmed up the orangey tones in the pine, making it a gorgeous harvest style dining table.

But when working on oak cabinets, Algonquin takes on a more neutral brownish hue that's elegant and modern. So while it's in the beige color family, Algonquin is really versatile and adapts well depending on the wood you use it on.

If you're looking for an on-trend paint for transforming golden oak furnishings from the 1980s or 1990s, Algonquin is a great choice. It mutes that intense orange oak color into a more contemporary neutral shade.

Experimenting with Different Paint Washing Techniques

Once you get the basics of paint washing down, experiment with more advanced techniques to create different effects. Try layering colors, using crackle mediums to simulate alligatoring, or even add metallic gilding wax for a glam touch.

You can also plays with different materials for rubbing paint back. I've used everything from wet sponges to balled up plastic wrap! The key is trying things out on test boards first before moving onto your furniture piece.

Paint washing opens up a whole world of faux finish possibilities. The more you do it, the more ideas, combinations, and patterns you'll come up with for achieving unique wood makeovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of paint works best for washing?

Chalk and mineral paints designed for furniture are best for paint washing. They have a matte finish and porous texture that allows the paint to be cleanly wiped away to reveal wood grain underneath. Brands like Fusion Mineral Paint, Annie Sloan, and Americana Decor work well.

Do you have to use wax when paint washing?

Applying a topcoat wax is highly recommended after paint washing to protect the finish. Paste wax formulated for painted furniture provides a protective seal against scratches, stains, and moisture. And wax adds nice shine and depth.

Can you paint wash stained wood?

Trying to paint wash over an existing wood stain generally does not work well. For the best results, remove old finish completely by stripping wood down to its bare state before paint washing.

Does paint washing work on veneer?

Paint washing can work on some veneered furniture, but you need to be extremely careful about rubbing too hard to avoid penetrating the thin veneer layer. Always do test patches first before paint washing valuable wood veneer antiques.

FAQs

Can you paint wash furniture without waxing?

It's best to apply a protective topcoat like paste wax after paint washing. The wax seals the distressed paint, prevents staining, and gives the finish durability. Paint washed pieces left unwaxed may show signs of wear faster.

Does paint washing work on metal furniture?

Paint washing can work beautifully on metal patio sets, headboards, cabinets and more. Just be sure to properly prepare the surface by removing rust and priming metal beforehand so the chalk paint adheres properly.

What colors should you not paint wash?

Extremely dark paint colors don't lend themselves well to the paint washing technique. Since the process involves distressing paint to reveal wood undertones, dark paints end up looking overly worn and muddy when wiped back.

Can you paint wash over chalk painted furniture?

Yes, you can paint wash over an existing layer of chalk paint if you want to alter the color. Just be cautious about rubbing through to bare wood. Consider applying a fresh coat of paint before washing back.