How do you "whitewash"?

Prepare furniture for whitewashing by gently sanding its surface, diluting white paint, and applying a thin coating to the wood. Wipe the paint with a sponge, and allow the wood to dry. If desired, apply a second coat of paint, and seal with a protective finish.

1. Sand the wood

   Prepare the wood for painting by gently sanding its surface with 220-grit sandpaper. Continue sanding until the surface is evenly treated.

2. Dilute white paint

   Mix two parts white latex paint with one part water, and pour the mixture into a paint-rolling tray. Thoroughly stir the mixture with a wooden spoon.

3. Test the consistency

   Apply several strips of paint to a piece of scrap wood to check its consistency. If the color is too thin, add 1/2 cup of paint. If the color is too thick, add water in 1/2-cup increments until the paint reaches the desired consistency.

4. Roll on the paint

   Select a well-ventilated area to paint. Apply an even coating to the wood with a foam roller or paintbrush.

5. Rub the paint with a sponge

   While the paint is still wet, wipe it in the direction of the wood grain with a clean, dry sponge. Press the sponge firmly, but don't remove all the paint.

6. Check the results

   Once the first coat has dried, check the results. If the coat is too thin, apply an additional coat.

7. Seal the paint

   Once the paint reaches the desired thickness, wait for it to dry. Seal the paint with a clear-gloss protective finish.