In this post: Want to get the lime wash/white washed wood finish without the blue undertones that typical store-bought pickling finish gives? Here’s how to do it!
This post was sponsored by Rust-Oleum Consumer Brands Canada. All opinions are as always, our own. See our full disclosures and policies here.
When we shared our original white wash wood finish a few years ago, we loved it. Honestly, it was a good finish. But over time, all we could see were the cool blue undertones. So, we kept looking for way to get the look, without the blue. We finally found it! Here’s how to get the lime wash/white washed wood finish without the blue undertones!
How to Get the Lime Wash/White Washed Wood Finish Without the Blue Undertones!
Supplies
- wood table or another piece to finish
- wire brush
- water
- lint free rags (several)
- fine grit sandpaper
- Varathane® Wood Grain Enhancer in White
- Varathane® Ultimate Wood Stain in Sun Bleached (optional)
- gloves (optional)
- wax or another top coat/sealer/protectant (optional)
Instructions
Depending on the piece you’re finishing and the look you want, you may need to stain your piece first. The Varathane® Wood Grain Enhancer is very flexible. You can use it on top of stain or on bare wood. Our suggestion would be to stain your wood and then use the wood grain enhancer for a layered and aged-over-time sort of finish.
We used Varathane® Ultimate Wood Stain in Sun Bleached and Varathane® Wood Grain Enhancer in White for a very subtle lime wash/white washed wood textured look on this console table that Dean built. You could also try using both the White Wood Grain Enhancer AND the Black to create a layered look. We plan to try this on another piece with a darker wood stain too.
1. Following the directions on the Wood Grain Enhancer can, wet previously stained or raw wood using a lint free rag rubbed in the direction of the wood grain.
2. Then brush the wood with a wire/steel brush, also in the direction of the wood grain.
3. Using another lint free rag, apply Wood Grain Enhancer liberally against the grain. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes and then with yet another lint free rag, wipe off the excess. Let dry fully.
4. Give your piece a light sanding with fine grit sandpaper. See our sandpaper guide for which grit to use. Wipe away sanding dust.
5. Apply a wax or clear sealer to give your finish a smooth and protected finish. We used a clear/natural wax.
Of course, if we’d used a darker stain, the contrast would be even more visible and obvious. But for this piece, in this space the light, warm gray colors work perfectly.
Want to create your own gorgeous makeovers?
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Have you been looking for a lime wash/white washed wood finish option?
