How to Whitewash Walls

Create a paste by mixing 2 parts calcium hydroxide, also know as hydrated lime, to 1 part water., Create a salt water solution by mixing 2 parts salt with 1 part water. , Remove any excess water from the calcium and water mixture in the morning...

12 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Create a paste by mixing 2 parts calcium hydroxide

    Mix the 2 ingredients together until the paste is creamy.

    Let the mixture sit overnight.
  2. Step 2: also know as hydrated lime

    , Stir the mixture again until it becomes a thick paste-like consistency. , Stir well until the mixture is completely blended and has a similar consistency to cake or brownie batter.

    Continue stirring the mixture, adding extra water if you feel it is too thick.

    It's easier to fix a solution that is too thick than too thin, so only add small amounts of water at a time. , Watch it dry, if it dries looking coarse and bumpy, the solution is too thick and more water needs to be added. , Add pigments, purchased from a local hardware store, that can be safely added to any paint or plaster mixture. , These stains can show through after whitewashing. , This will help the whitewash spread once you apply the whitewash. , It is easiest to apply the whitewash to the tips of the brush and lightly apply it to the wall.

    You should be aware that whitewash is thicker than paint and doesn't go on as smoothly as interior paint does.
  3. Step 3: to 1 part water.

  4. Step 4: Create a salt water solution by mixing 2 parts salt with 1 part water.

  5. Step 5: Remove any excess water from the calcium and water mixture in the morning.

  6. Step 6: Add the salt water mix to your paste.

  7. Step 7: Test your paste mixture by painting it on top of a piece of paper.

  8. Step 8: Add pigments to your whitewash solution

  9. Step 9: if you want to have your whitewash colored.

  10. Step 10: Cover your floors with plastic and clean your walls prior to whitewashing and remove any scuffs or stains.

  11. Step 11: Wet the walls by applying water with a paintbrush to your walls.

  12. Step 12: Use a wide paintbrush to apply a thick coat of whitewash to the wet walls.

Detailed Guide

Mix the 2 ingredients together until the paste is creamy.

Let the mixture sit overnight.

, Stir the mixture again until it becomes a thick paste-like consistency. , Stir well until the mixture is completely blended and has a similar consistency to cake or brownie batter.

Continue stirring the mixture, adding extra water if you feel it is too thick.

It's easier to fix a solution that is too thick than too thin, so only add small amounts of water at a time. , Watch it dry, if it dries looking coarse and bumpy, the solution is too thick and more water needs to be added. , Add pigments, purchased from a local hardware store, that can be safely added to any paint or plaster mixture. , These stains can show through after whitewashing. , This will help the whitewash spread once you apply the whitewash. , It is easiest to apply the whitewash to the tips of the brush and lightly apply it to the wall.

You should be aware that whitewash is thicker than paint and doesn't go on as smoothly as interior paint does.

About the Author

H

Hannah Burns

Specializes in breaking down complex practical skills topics into simple steps.

84 articles
View all articles

Rate This Guide

--
Loading...
5
0
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: