Easy as 1-2-3 White Wash

This week I found an old barn door in storage that was perfect for hiding the fridge.
I've been looking for one on my junking trips with no luck--a good thing--
I'd forgotten about this one. . . .

Kind of "beat up"--that's the rustic part--
but a bit drab for the white kitchen---

had discolorations and some kind of dark something that had been spilled on it. . . .

So, I decided to give the vintage barn door a face lift.

This white wash technique works best on old wood or pallet wood or any wood with texture. 

 I think it's a lot easier than mixing water with paint and then applying it.

You'll have much more control over the white washing process, too.
Easy as 1-2-3. . . .

1-Water
It's best to lay the object flat.

Brush water directly onto the wood. . . .

2-Paint
Brush on a little "full strength" paint. . . .

Working with a little at a time. . . .

3-Water
Dip the tip of your brush into the water. . . .

Blend the paint and water in  long brush strokes.
 Most of the time, you'll be able to go a long way
without more paint and water.

You'll love the control you have. . . .
The wet boards make blending easy. . . . 

Add a little more paint if there's too much water.

Not too much. . . .

It will dry whiter than it looks when wet.

Still not white enough?

Brush on more paint and add water as needed.
Too white?
Brush on more water.

Once the wood is completely dry,

you can seal it--but it's not necessary.

I spent about 45 minutes total on the entire piece.
Fast and easy--I love those words. . . .

We've used this method on barn wood signs, bird houses,
the bird condo, jelly cabinets, old windows--

anywhere I wanted a little "pickling" effect.

 And, here's the result. . . .
Not bad for a 75 year old.

The door looks fantastic in the kitchen--
helps to hide the refrigerator from sight.
We used "L" brackets on the wide baseboard
to hold the door upright.

John told me months ago if I wanted to be authentic to the 1930s,
I should move the vintage oak icebox in and have ice delivered daily.
Well--some things I don't want to do without--
As long as I can hide them. . . .

Remember:
Easy as 1-2-3. . . .

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