In a classic, shabby-chic or nation kitchen, whitewashed cupboards provide the finishing touch which sets your decoration in the period. Whitewash allows some of the natural grain to show through, providing the cupboards an authentic weathered look of the wood. Contemporary recipes do not include lime due to its caustic properties although whitewash is constructed of salt and lime. The paint you use does not need to be white, either the word”whitewash” can reference the painting technique, in place of the paint colour, so feel free to mix in different colors if desired.
Spread dropcloths on your work area. Unscrew the cabinet doors, and remove of the hardware, like hinges, hinges and handles. So that you know where one to place it back 16, label each door and hardware item.
Using a household cleaner and a cloth you plan clean of the surfaces of the cupboards. Rinse them and allow them to dry.
Strip any prior finish off or varnish employing an agent. Choose a agent according to what kind of finish or varnish you’re removing. Test several varieties if you do not understand what kind of stripper you need. The stripper using a cloth or brush, allow it to sit for the duration of time then scrape or wipe it off. Follow the instructions on the stripper’s label to ensure you’re using the product.
Sand the cupboards’ surfaces with a power sander equipped with sandpaper. Wipe the wood with a damp cloth to remove the dust.
On the cupboards in thin layers using a flat, wide brush paint the whitewash. To get a even coating, apply the whitewash along the direction of the grain; to get a less even desperate look, use it against the grain. Painting over any screw holesimmediately wash paint with a pipe cleaner. Allow the paint to dry.
Apply a second and third coat of whitewash if wanted, again cleaning the screw holes as you move. Allow the paint to dry completely. Sand it by hand with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the outside out; to distress it further, sand the paint off on the corners and also in different areas according to a artistic preference.
Paint on a sealant to protect the whitewash and keep it smooth and clean. Allow the sealant to dry and cure according to the specifications on the label of the product.
Reassemble your cupboards.
