How to Whitewash Furniture

[@sandrahaynie1594]

Christy, please do more You Tube videos. You are a natural and do a great job of explaining everything. I have been following you for quite a few years and you're the best at diy!

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you SO much, Sandra! I'm working on creating more videos! xoxo

[@sallyann8686]

love love love did this over 12 to 15 years ago then it kind went out of style for me and my new house NOU 2023 I Back and ready to do it all over im excited so im enjoying watching you teqnique xo

[@ChristyJames]

Oh Awesome!! Have fun with your new house!

[@wandashakopee8050]

This process seems to be the easiest of all the videos I watched thus far. I’m gonna go with this. Thank you❤️

[@ChristyJames]

You’re welcome! Good luck! 😊

[@claudiamiller7730]

I agree…seems like some of the folks on YT are just making things so difficult to do a simple, clean whitewash…love this video!

[@laurasylvester5250]

I’m in love with everything that you do. I’m especially thankful for the videos because I’m a visual person and seeing it is magical!

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you SO much, Laura!! I'm so glad you find the videos helpful! :)

[@GlowWithChristy]

It’s so pretty...I love whitewashing! This tutorial is so easy to follow 👍

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you!! :)

[@claudiamiller7730]

Well this is just lovely…thank you! I’m not adverse to working hard on a piece of furniture to get it right…buy doing something this simple for such a pretty outcome is stupendous! So much of a job is proper prep and using the right tools and products. Thanks sooooo much for posting this…and now I’ve got an ugly oak table to rescue!!

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you so much, Claudia! I love this method because as you can see in the video, if you don’t love it, you can just apply the paint again and wipe back. You can also take a wet rag and wipe it back in areas that you don’t love…super user friendly! Best of luck with your table!

[@claudiamiller7730]

@@ChristyJames ❤️!

[@observer4497]

Very nice.. Ill be sure to share with my Daughter-in-law as she loves this look.

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you! 💕

[@genna2586]

I really like your technique in whitewashing. The results are so beautiful and so easy to do! Thanks

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you!!

[@genna2586]

Christy James Can you apply this technique to painted furniture?

[@ChristyJames]

@@genna2586 Great question! You can't apply the stain over paint as it will not absorb the paint, but you can do a whitewash over paint. You will just see whatever color it is underneath come through the whitewash. I did it here over blue: www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/60-thrift-store-dresser-makeover/ If you don't want to sand your furniture, you can probably paint your furniture gray first and then whitewash and get a similar look. Hope this helps!

[@genna2586]

Christy James awesome. This looks great. You should a video to demonstrate . Thanks

[@westvirginiaglutenfreepepp7006]

Thanks for the straightforward explanation!

[@ChristyJames]

Sure thing!

[@clc1003]

Beautiful! I’m going to try a coffee table.

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you, Cindi! Good luck with your table! 💕

[@EfieldHfield_377]

Looks great thx so much for sharing

[@robininva]

So pretty!

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you, Robin!! :)

[@paulhemphill8204]

awesome job. thank you

[@ChristyJames]

Thanks, Paul!

[@kimmitchell-williams5079]

Can you do this in any color I have a table that's just like yours that stands behind the couch and I like what you did with yours

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Kim! You could use watered down paint to create a wash that would give you a similar look in any color you like!

[@rhondaphillipson8600]

How much of each should I get, I have the 6 ft long desser, and end table

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Rhonda! One bottle of the stain and a 16oz of paint should be plenty! If you are purchasing the sealer also, an 8 oz will do both pieces.

[@TennesseeKim1]

Thank you, I'm a visual learner! New Sub here 🙂

[@ChristyJames]

Glad you liked it!! :)

[@sweethaven1929]

Wow that was so easy , thank you so very much , first time on your channel ❤️

[@ChristyJames]

Glad you enjoyed it, Maria! :)

[@abigailwolfset4056]

If I was going to do this for the top of a dining table, what product would you suggest I use to seal it?

[@sidneypike3446]

I really feel like I can do this now, thank you for the video! I do have a question.. if you wanted to do the top coat (whitewash part) a different color such as; tan or brown etc. Would you still get the same rustic look?

[@ChristyJames]

Awesome! You can use any color you want. I’ve done it a blue wash also. I would just test it on a scrap piece first!

[@fahimehkarimi9699]

May I know the name of the grey product,

[@ChristyJames]

That is Voodoo Gel Stain from Dixie Belle. 😊

[@kateoshea413]

Wow thank you ❤️

[@ChristyJames]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@susank6122]

Can you post the name of the products? Thank you. This is the best, simplest, white-wash video. Great idea about using the stain first. I wanted to use two colors, didn't know how to do it and found this!!!! THANK YOU, maam! Love it. Going to your Pinterest page next.

[@ChristyJames]

Here is a link to the post on my blog which links to all the products used in my Etsy shop: www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/thrift-store-stool-makeover-and-how-to-whitewash-furniture/ Glad you found this helpful! 💕

[@kimmitchell-williams5079]

Another question do you have to sand down the table before you whitewash or can you use the table top as is

[@ChristyJames]

I would recommend sanding for best results.

[@AB-ro3fu]

Ammazing thanks ✨❤️

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you! 💕

[@cassiewright1516]

Absolutely beautiful 😍 at the beginning of the video you said something about the grain and a conditioner. So I would need a conditioner to make the grain pop a little more?

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Cassie! Thank you! I would use a conditioner if I did not plan to whitewash. If you want the grain to pop a little more, you can wipe more off by dampening your rag, or you can water your paint down a little more. :)

[@cassiewright1516]

Ok Thank you verymuch! 😁

[@lizanthomas163]

Nice😍😍😍

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you! :)

[@susansirges8978]

Are you using chalk paint for whitewashing? Would love to know many thanks

[@ChristyJames]

Hi! Yes…I show what I used at the start…it is watered down chalk paint. 💕

[@paulaboardman2438]

Do you have to stain it I have a table that is natural white washed I would like keep same

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Paula! You do not need to stain it first. Whatever color it is now will show through the white wash though, so just keep that in mind.

[@monaka2111]

Do you have any projects with just the gel stain you used here? I love it just like that. I have an oak bedroom suit and would love to do this. Also bathroom oak cabinets. Would love to see if you do

[@ChristyJames]

Hi! I do not as I usually just use this color as a base for the white washed look. However, you can see another project I used it on here which might give you an idea of how it looks on another piece before I add the whitewashing: www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/drop-leaf-table-makeover-and-how-to-apply-sealer-with-a-sponge/

[@monaka2111]

@@ChristyJames thank you so much!! So helpful!!

[@ChristyJames]

@@monaka2111 You’re so welcome!

[@gisellaaraujo7188]

Hi! Just found amazing you! I have a knotty pine dry sink. The surface is rough in spots which I like but it is varnished. Any technique to jump the sanding? Thank you!

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Gisella! There is no need to sand with chalk paint, but you will want to seal those knots, or they will bleed through over time. You can use shellac, a shellac-based primer, or Dixie Belle BOSS. 😊

[@susank6122]

@@ChristyJames I have the same issue - the knots in the wood are showing through as large dots. So you're saying the shellac will hide them if used prior to painting?

[@ChristyJames]

@@susank6122 Hi Susan! Yes, you need to add a shellac-based primer or Dixie Belle’s BOSS which is water-based over those knots. Allow it to dry at least overnight before repainting. 💕

[@karabanks7702]

Just came across you on Pinterest and I already have projects in mind for the techniques you've shown. Would love to see a house tour, your decor is beautiful!

[@karabanks7702]

Nevermind, found it lol!

[@ChristyJames]

Aww thank you so much!! You can see some of my home on my blog here: www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/home-tour/ But I'd like to add a video tour! :)

[@VITTLESANDVOYAGES]

did you seal the whitewash?

[@ChristyJames]

Hi! I do! I use Dixie Belle's Satin Clear Coat to seal. Here's a larger project I completed using this finish: www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/drop-leaf-table-makeover-and-how-to-apply-sealer-with-a-sponge/

[@VITTLESANDVOYAGES]

@@ChristyJames thanks

[@jdmke7417]

love your blog!!!! quick question, why not use a brush to spread out the stain? wouldnt you use less? i hate wasting expensive products on towels... :-) thanks!!!

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you!! You could absolutely use a brush. I like to use a rag because I can really buff the stain into the surface. :)

[@miatagalbev2283]

What kind of white paint did you use? Chalk? Acrylic?

[@ChristyJames]

Hi! I used chalk paint, but you could probably use just about any kind since you’re wiping it back off anyway.

[@billbrennenstuhl3350]

Thanks for the lesson. We're buying some new bedroom furniture and I'm planning on building the headboard and frame to go around the adjustable bed. The wood on the stool looks like a dark hardwood. What kind of wood do you suggest for that look?

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Bill! You’re welcome! I have done this technique on several different types of wood with great results, so the choice is up to you!

[@gardueld]

Need you help! My stairs were stained a really dark grey almost blue looking. Would the whitewash help lighten them up?

[@ChristyJames]

Hi! It would definitely lighten them up, but then you would need to protect them really well. I’m not sure what would be recommended to protect stairs, though.

[@TheCreativeChica]

Do you have to seal it with anything? Would you seal a table? With what? Thanks!

[@ChristyJames]

Hi! I would seal it...this is the product I used: www.etsy.com/listing/707319351/dixie-belle-clear-coat-satin You can see how I applied it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnS1hp5qbdFoqrM Hope this helps!

[@TheCreativeChica]

@@ChristyJames Thanks!👍

[@lholton2]

Did you use a water based or oil based stain?

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Lynn! This is water based stain.

[@julieellis6793]

Beautiful!! Would you put a clear coat on it?

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you, Julie! Yes, I would follow up with the Clear Coat or even Gator Hide if you want more protection. 😊

[@julieellis6793]

Thank you, Christy

[@IamMinnie90]

Thanks so much! Question - Is the stain mandatory or can you whitewash without staining? 💚

[@ChristyJames]

You’re welcome! You can absolutely whitewash without staining first, but the color underneath is what will show through. So, for this piece, it would look more brown than gray. You can also use this technique over gray paint for a similar look.

[@IamMinnie90]

@@ChristyJames thank you 😀 I just started my kitchen table looking good so far!

[@ChristyJames]

@@IamMinnie90 You’re welcome! Have fun with it!! :D

[@mariavasallo7620]

Thank you! Question: what is the process to white wash an already-painted piece of furniture? For example, I have both a black table that I'd love to grey/white wash, as well as set of dark brown wood stained coffee tables. Would using the grey voodoo gel still do the trick? And...do you seal it at the end? Thanks so much!

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Maria! To get this look with an already painted piece of furniture, you have two options. The first is to sand down the existing paint finish or use a paint remover to get down to the original wood. Then you could proceed as seen in the video. Another option would be to paint over the existing color with a light gray and then do a whitewash over that. It will give you a similar look. And yep, you would want to seal it at the end to protect the finish. For a high traffic piece, I love Dixie Belle’s Gator Hide, and for not soo high traffic pieces, I like Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat in satin. I hope this helps!

[@mariavasallo7620]

@@ChristyJames oh thank you so much for your prompt reply! I think I will do the latter- paint with a grey paint first, then whitewash. Would it be ok to spray paint for the grey? Also, would I need a primer? Sorry for all the questions, and thank you!

[@ChristyJames]

Spray paint is oil based, so I don’t recommend that as your whitewash finish will not adhere well to it. You want to use a chalk paint or even a latex enamel paint. If you use chalk paint, no primer is required.

[@OK-66]

Hi don't know if you will answer my question in time... I was painting my TV cabinet today. I painted the whitewash paint and tried to wipe it off with a rag, but it turned out taken off few paint spots. It looked ugly and not even. Don't know where I went wrong. And also I didn't paint a dark paint before whitewashing. It looks a bit pinky white after it was done... is it compulsory to do dark color before white wash? I might have to sand it back and do it again tomorrow...😭😭 Thank you!

[@ChristyJames]

Oh no! Is your cabinet a cherry or mahogany? They will tend to bleed through. Bleedthrough will look splotchy though, not even. Whatever color is underneath is what will come through when white washing. Cherry and mahogany are known to bleed through paint. You may need to seal the tannins in first. Dixie Belle makes a product called BOSS in clear that would work for this or you can also use shellac that you can find at Home Depot. Be sure to allow either plenty of dry time. Also, make sure when you are wiping the watered-down paint off with your rag that you go in straight even strokes from edge to edge since you will see the impression of the rag in your finish. If you think your piece is not cherry or mahogany, try doing another white wash/wipe off on one of the sides of your cabinet and see how it does. You may just need to add another layer. Here is a cabinet I redid that looked terrible after the first coat, but the second coat fixed it: www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/whitewashed-cabinet-makeover/ I hope this helps and good luck!

[@kristylopez9080]

Hi Christy, Im trying out this technique now I’m actually letting my stain dry. But I used minwax classic grey stain which is oil based and realized yours is water based. Is the dry time the same or should I wait longer before adding my white paint??

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Kristy! Yes, I would wait for the stain to completely dry, which being oil-based could take up to three days. Good luck! 😊

[@rachelbennett3860]

I just came across this -- could you share what kind of wood that is?

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Rachel! That was probably pine, but I have also created this look with oak and mahogany.

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Abigail! I would seal any surface that will get a lot of heavy use and potential water contact with drinks, etc, with Gator Hide: www.etsy.com/listing/707322289/dixie-belle-gator-hide

[@dorothybahmuller44]

Do you seal this when done?

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Dorothy! Yes, I use Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat in satin or their Gator Hide to seal, depending on how much abuse it will get.

[@susanbrennan658]

have you ever whitewashed without sanding first?

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Susan! You absolutely can, but you would skip the stain and go straight to the watered down paint. Whatever is underneath will show through though, so if you do it over wood that has not been sanded and stained gray first, it will have more brown in it. I did that on a piece here: www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/whitewashed-cabinet-makeover/ Hope this helps!

[@jafallica]

What products can be used if we don’t have Dixie Belle?

[@ChristyJames]

Bahama Mama Hi! I used different products to get the same look on the table in this post: www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/pedestal-kitchen-table-makeover/ Hope this helps!

[@sleetherznews]

Is that acrylic paint?

[@ChristyJames]

This is chalk paint, but I’ve used watered down latex paint also.

[@rosastratton6503]

Hi ! What did you seal it with?

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Rosa! There are two sealers I like by Dixie Belle. The first is their Satin Clear Coat which is great for most pieces and the second is Gator Hide which is perfect for high-traffic pieces. I love them because they are both non-yellowing on lighter pieces. You can find them both in the link to my Etsy shop above and you can see a video on how I apply them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnS1hp5qbdFoqrM :)

[@rosastratton6503]

Thanks! I want you to know I’m a big fan, I look at your diys every week. I love your colors and style! Have a great day! 😊

[@ChristyJames]

@@rosastratton6503 Thank you SO much! xoxo

[@acamilanunes]

Hi! Thanks for the video.. I'm wondering, Do you have to do the gray first if you want a white wash look? This may be a ignorant question but I have no experience and I plan on doing on one of my furniture. Thank you!

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Camila! When you apply the paint and remove it, whatever the base color is will show through. I like a gray shade as the base for my whitewash finish. If you applied the white over a brown stain, you would see more brown come through. I did that on this piece as that is what my friend wanted: www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/whitewashed-cabinet-makeover/ You can always test the back of a door if your piece has doors and see if you like it. ;)

[@acamilanunes]

@@ChristyJames oh ok, for it! Thank you so much!

[@jeangeopfert8892]

Could you just get a Dixie Belle Gel Stain in white and stain it and leave it? Would you need to use another product, like an oil to put over that?

[@ChristyJames]

Hi Jean! This is what the White VooDoo gel stain looks like by itself: www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-stain-furniture-white/ The method I share in this video is the easiest way I've found to get this look. :)

[@annatarres9363]

Hola 👍👏🙋😘

[@annatarres9363]

BARCELONA ESPAGNE

[@ChristyJames]

Hola!

[@jeanettepalazzolo6704]

Where do I buy the grey paint

[@moniquemagalhaes43]

Tudo mentira paguei e não tenho notícia do produto consulta diz que o pedido não existe

[@ChristyJames]

??

[@pamelawarner5455]

Pretty, but I liked it better before you white washed it.

[@ChristyJames]

Thanks... it is a great stain and looks fantastic by itself also!

[@debkski6084]

Not at all liking this whitewash result. I prefer to see an opaque woodgrain pattern, not horizontal wipe marks.

[@ChristyJames]

Thank you for spreading kindness today.