How to Whitewash Your Dining Table

This article will show you how to add a rustic touch to your dining space by whitewashing your dining table. Whitewash furniture is a trend that’s hot right now. It’s got the steps and the tools.

Quick Facts

• Whitewashing furniture is a super easy DIY project that gives a rustic, farmhouse vibe and can be done on any wooden furniture.

• Proper prep (removing existing varnish and cleaning the wood) is key to a successful whitewash.

• Maintaining your whitewashed table is a breeze—just dust and gentle clean and it will look great, and touch ups are easy if any scratches happen.

• Whitewashed furniture is popular for its versatility, low maintenance and beautiful in any room.

What is Whitewashing

Applying a layer of paint that shows off the natural texture of the wood is what whitewashing is all about, resulting in a warm and beautiful finish. This is the way to bring that farmhouse vibe into your modern home. Whitewashed furniture is beautiful and popular, versatile and low maintenance, so it’s perfect for any room. The good news is it’s not hard to achieve this whitewashed look, it’s a simple project that doesn’t require a ton of tools or painting skills. By adding these pieces to your space you’ll be cozy in no time.

Want to breathe new life into an old piece or update something new? Whitewashing is fun and rewarding. So put on your work clothes and reimagine your dining space as a beautiful scene to delight the people gathered around the table.

Can You Whitewash Any Dining Table?

Consider a transformation for that big dining table or those solid dining chairs with a white washed look? Whitewash furniture is versatile, you can do it on almost any wooden furniture. Whether you want to soften the look of new furniture that feels too perfect or revive an old piece that needs a refresh. By doing this you’ll add a distressed and antique look and let the wood grain beneath the whitewashed finish show through.

If you’ve done DIY projects before or are just starting out, take comfort in knowing that whitewashing your table and chairs is a doable and super rewarding home project.

Tools and Materials

Before you start your furniture whitewashing project, make sure to gather your tools and materials. You don’t need a ton of specialized tools. A few handmade ones will do. Start by choosing a paint for wood furniture—RUSTOLEUM CHALKED paint, milk paint or regular house paint are good options.

For the application process you’ll need a staining pad to spread the whitewash stain evenly and super-fine steel wool to get a smooth finish on your table top. These can be found at most hardware stores. Having these on hand will make the process go smoothly and be fun. Consider the grain pattern of your wood, the size of your table and the finish you want to achieve and choose your tools accordingly — take your time and click through the options online before making a decision.

Now you have your tools, you can start your project.

Preparing Your Dining Table for Whitewashing

To get a beautiful whitewashed look on your dining table start with preparation. If there’s a thick layer of varnish on the surface apply a chemical stripper to remove it so the whitewash will adhere evenly. When you see bubbles forming from the varnish use a paint scraper tool to scrape off what’s left of the old finish.

Don’t forget to clean the wood thoroughly. Grease spots can ruin the finish of your whitewashed table. Get a clean surface by mixing denatured alcohol with water and wiping down after sanding. Sanding is optional when using milk paint as it adheres to porous surfaces like raw wood but an orbital sander with 150-grit sandpaper can be a lifesaver in removing stubborn stains or smoothing out imperfections.

Take your time during prep as any mistakes in removing old finishes will prevent the whitewash from absorbing fully and that’s key to getting the best results.

Whitewashing Your Dining Table

Now you’re ready to transform your dining table. The whitewash application is where the magic happens and you’ll see your plain wood furniture turn into a beautiful piece. Layering diluted paint is key to getting that whitewashed look. Be patient and apply thin layers until you get the desired coverage.

Use water-based paint because it’s easier to work with and less toxic when mixing. Two parts paint to one part water is the optimal consistency. Take your time in this step—apply and then wipe away excess whitewash while damp and you’ll get a beautiful weathered finish.

Now dive into how you can get different results with milk paint or house paint and how color affects those results in the world of whitewashing furniture.

Milk Paint for Whitewashing

For a user-friendly and eco-friendly paint milk paint is the way to go. Known for its durability and ability to get a whitewashed look without primer it’s perfect for that rustic farmhouse look.

When you’re ready to use the milk paint on your dining table just mix equal parts of the powder with water. Once mixed you can apply a dead flat finish that will adhere to any clean, porous wood surface. The process is to brush the mixture onto the table and then wipe away excess so you see the wood grain – this will give your piece extra texture and character.

Rustic Look with House Paint

If you want to get a farmhouse look or an antique feel consider using house paint to get a whitewashed look. Use water-based paint like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove not oil-based which requires mineral spirits to thin. Get that weathered look by applying the paint in thin coats and following the wood grain.

As you apply each coat use a cloth to wipe away some of the coating to reveal some of the wood beneath it. To get that vintage look once dry lightly sand the surfaces and edges with sandpaper – this will really make it rustic.

Sealing and Protecting Your Whitewashed Dining Table

To keep your newly whitewashed dining table looking great you need to apply a sealant to the surface. Use water-based polyurethane as it will protect against damage and wear and won’t yellow over time. Apply 2-3 coats with a foam brush and sand after each application to get an even and durable finish.

For a matte look use Rust-Oleum Chalked Protective Topcoat. Sealing does more than just extend the life of your whitewash it also protects the subtle color of your whitewash from spills and stains that may occur. The sealer you choose can not only protect but also enhance the look of your table so consider adding wax or glaze as a final touch to your design.

How to Maintain Your Whitewashed Dining Table

Easy to keep looking great by following these:

• Dust regularly to keep it looking great.

• For a deeper clean use a slightly damp cloth and mild soap.

• Don’t use harsh chemicals that can damage the whitewash.

If over time your table gets small scratches or wear you can just use a diluted version of the original paint to touch up. With regular care your whitewashed dining table will be a showstopper for years to come.

Before and After: Whitewashed Dining Table Makeovers

Whitewashing your dining table can turn an ordinary piece of wood furniture into the focal point of your room. The process gives the wood a softer look and highlights the grain of the wood giving texture and depth to the space.

Whitewashing is customizable to your taste. You can:

• A subtle look by letting most of the original wood show through

• Complexity by using different shades of white paint as a finish

• A solid white base with slight distressing

By doing this you’ll not just have a table but a focal point in your Australian home – one that will grab attention and intrigue because of the whitewashed top.

Whitewashing Mistakes to Avoid

To get it right with your rustic whitewashing you need to avoid some common mistakes. One big mistake is applying whitewash over a varnished surface without removing the varnish first. This will result to an uneven finish. Always use a lint free cloth when wiping away excess whitewash so no fibres get left behind.

While you want to highlight the grain with a beautiful whitewashed look excessive sanding will actually work against that. Be careful how much and how hard you sand before applying your finish. Moderation will increase your chances of getting that rustic look.

Conclusion

Whitewashing your dining table is the final step of a project that not only revives your dining area but gives it purpose and elegance. With this simple but effective method you’ll have a piece of furniture that’s more than just functional. It’s charming and sophisticated. By choosing the right supplies, mastering the whitewash technique, getting the right sealant coverage and learning the maintenance protocol – this DIY is within your reach. Let your imagination run wild on your dining table and enjoy the new look as a guest in your own home – every mealtime will be an art form, a testament to your dedication to craftsmanship within your own walls.

FAQs

Can I whitewash a table that has a previous finish or varnish?

Yes, to whitewash a table that already has an existing finish you need to remove the old layer with a chemical stripper and maybe sand the surface to make it even for the whitewash to adhere.

Do I need to sand my wooden furniture before whitewashing?

For wooden furniture whitewashing, while it’s not necessary to sand the surface, it will help to remove previous marks and prep the wood for a smoother application of the whitewash.

Can I use any kind of paint for whitewashing?

Use water-based paints like milk paint or specific house paint for whitewashing. Avoid oil based paints as they require hazardous thinners.

How do I protect my whitewashed dining table?

Protect your whitewashed dining table by applying 2 to 3 thin layers of water based polyurethane or clear matte top coat. Sand lightly between each layer for a tough finish.

How do I keep the whitewashed look of my dining table?

Keep the whitewashed look of your dining table by dusting and wiping with a soft, damp cloth with mild soap. Fix small scratches by applying a diluted solution of the paint used on the table.

Follow these easy care tips to keep your table looking fresh.