Barnwood has that perfect rustic charm, but sometimes you might want to lighten it up just a little to brighten your space while still keeping that beautiful, weathered look. Enter: whitewashing! It’s an easy and fun way to give barnwood a fresh, soft vibe that still celebrates its natural texture and history. Whether you're using barnwood for home décor or as a backdrop for your photography, whitewashing can make a huge difference. Let's dive into this simple DIY project and turn your wood from this to that!
- White paint (I recommend the plain white samples from home depot, flat or matte)
- Barn wood (cleaned and ready to go)
- Water (to dilute the paint)
- Large Paintbrush
- Rags or paper towels (for wiping off excess paint)
- Drop cloths or newspaper (to protect your surfaces)
- Extra wood planks or risers (to place barn wood planks on)
- Sandpaper (optional for extra smoothness)
Step 1: Prepare the Barn wood
Before you start, make sure your barn wood is clean and free of dust or debris. You can wipe it down with a damp cloth or use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean any dirt or grime. If the wood has a lot of rough edges or splinters, lightly sand it to make sure it’s smooth to the touch. If you're using barn wood for a newborn photography backdrop or milestone session, this is an especially important step to ensure your surface is smooth and splinter free.
Step 2: Mix Whitewash Solution
Whitewashing is essentially a diluted paint solution. Mix your white paint with water in a 1:1 ratio (1 part paint, 1 part water) for a more translucent look. If you want a more opaque finish, you can use less water. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. For pure white, the samples from Home Depot worked great. To warm it up, I added a bit of benjamin moore navajo white.
Step 3: Apply the Whitewash
Use a paintbrush to apply the whitewash mixture onto your barn wood. Work in small sections to avoid the paint drying too quickly before you can wipe off the excess. Apply the whitewash evenly and don’t wipe off too much paint. You’ll get a more solid, whitewashed effect. For a more “washed-out” look: Apply the whitewash, then immediately wipe off most of it with a rag, leaving just a hint of white on the wood's surface, or add more water to dilute the solution.
Step 5: Let It Dry and Seal
It may need another layer once it dries. If you feel like you need more whitewashing, you can apply additional layers. Remember, you can always add more paint, but you can’t take it away! Once you’re happy with the look, seal your wood with a clear polyurethane or wax. This will not only help preserve the finish but also make it easier to clean—ideal for high-traffic areas or photography props.
- Test First: Before diving into the whole project, test your whitewash mixture on a small piece of barnwood. Barnwood absorbs the paint differently depending on its age and condition, so testing ensures you get the finish you want.
- Brush or Rag?: Both options work great! A paintbrush gives you more control and even coverage, while a rag can create a softer, more natural look. Try both to see which effect you prefer.
- Layer It Up: Whitewashing is all about layering! Add as many layers as needed to get the perfect look. Just make sure to let each layer dry before adding more.
- Distress It for Extra Character: After the wood is dry, you can lightly sand the surface to give it a more distressed, rustic look. This adds even more character and makes it perfect for photography backdrops or other creative projects.
Whether you're a photographer looking for the perfect backdrop for a newborn session, or hoping to update a space in your home, this DIY project is a fun and easy way to get a beautiful, custom background that complements your photos and space. If you are local to the Portland area, I often find barn wood locally through lumber yards or Facebook Marketplace!
