Color washing wood with acrylic paint is a fun and easy way to change the look of wooden furniture or other wood surfaces in your home. Acrylic paint is a good choice for color washing because it adheres well to wood, dries quickly, and is available in a wide range of colors. With just a few supplies and some simple steps, you can transform plain wood into something unique and stylish.
Supplies Needed
Here are the basic supplies you’ll need:
- Acrylic paint in your desired colors
- Paintbrushes in various sizes
- Sandpaper or sanding block (150-220 grit)
- Clean rags
- Drop cloth or newspaper
- Paint tray or plastic containers
- Water
- Cleaning supplies like soap and water
Make sure to use acrylic craft paint or something similar that is designed to adhere to different surfaces. Stay away from wall paints which may not stick as well. Having a variety of brushes from small detailed brushes to wider brushes will give you lots of options for different techniques and effects.
Preparing the Wood Surface
Properly preparing the wood is one of the most important steps for getting great results. Here’s how to get the wood ready for painting:
- Lightly sand the wood to rough up the surface. This helps the paint adhere better. Be careful not to sand too much or you may create an overly smooth surface.
- Wipe away any dust with a clean rag.
- Clean the wood with soap and water and let it fully dry.
- Apply a primer if desired, but when color washing this is often skipped since the acrylic paint will adhere without it.
Sanding, cleaning, and priming ensures you are starting with a smooth blank canvas. Always read and follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for proper surface prep and priming.
Selecting Your Paint Colors
One of the fun parts of color washing is choosing your color palette! Consider the following tips:
- Pick 2-4 colors that complement each other. Analogous colors that are next to each other on the color wheel are a good choice.
- Lighter muted colors work well for a relaxed vintage look. Try soft blues, greens, grays, pinks.
- Bolder colors make a brighter, funky statement. Try primary colors, bright oranges, aquas.
- Metallic acrylic paints add a modern twist. Golds, coppers, silvers create an eye-catching finish.
- Consider the existing decor and let that guide your color choices.
Test your colors on scrap wood to make sure you like them before committing to the project.
Doing the Color Washing
Here are the key steps for applying the acrylic paint:
- Pour the paint colors into separate containers. Working out of small dishes makes it easy to continually reload your brush.
- Dilute the paint just slightly with water. Around 10% water is ideal. This helps the paint go on translucent.
- Apply the lightest color first using irregular brush strokes. You want a random, mottled look, not solid color coverage. The wood grain should show through.
- Overlap the colors as you move on to darker shades. Brush back and forth between colors for a blended effect.
- Add details like dabs, spots, and squiggly lines. Dry brushing and splattering also create interest.
- Work in small sections for the best blending and effects. It’s ok if things look messy at first, you’ll bring it together as you go.
- Seal with a water-based polyurethane (optional). This helps protect the finish.
Apply as many coats as needed to build up the desired color intensity. Work slowly and let things dry between coats. The irregular nature of color washing means mistakes are easy to incorporate rather than a problem to fix.
Color Washing Wood Furniture
Color washing can update old furniture pieces like dressers, tables, and cabinets. Follow these tips when painting wood furniture:
- Remove hardware like knobs and hinges. Set hardware aside in a container so it doesn’t get lost.
- Use painter’s tape to mask off areas you don’t want painted.
- Paint the inner surfaces and outer surfaces to coordinate.
- Seal with water-based polyurethane for durability.
- Reattach hardware once fully dry.
Almost any type of furniture can be color washed from large dressers to small items like boxes and picture frames. It’s a great way to refresh thrift store finds or dated pieces.
Color Washing Paneling or Plywood
Drab wood paneling and builder basic plywood are instantly upgraded with color washing. Here are some tips:
- Lightly sand then wipe paneling to remove any gloss or sealant for better paint adhesion.
- Use painter’s tape for clean edges along ceilings, trim, and in corners.
- Prime first if the wood has an uneven finish or stains you want to hide.
- Use multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat.
- Carry your colors onto trim or molding for a cohesive look.
Color washing helps hide imperfections in inexpensive paneling and plywood. The translucent layers of paint soften the plasticky faux wood grain while allowing natural texture to show through.
Creating a Weathered Painted Finish
For an antique weathered look, add a few extra steps:
- After sealing the paint with polyurethane, lightly sand to distress some areas.
- Dab on spots of water to create intentional water stains.
- Use steel wool to rub away paint in places simulating wear and tear.
- Apply a dark antique glaze into cracks and crevices.
- Buff it off the raised areas so it remains just in the details.
- Finish with a final coat of matte polyurethane sealer.
Combining color washing with weathering creates a finish that looks like it has lived a full life. The key is to be subtle and shift between adding and removing layers of color for an organic look.
Safety Tips
Take the following precautions when working with paint and materials:
- Work in a well-ventilated area and use a face mask if needed.
- Keep paint away from children and pets.
- Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Clean up spills immediately.
- Store paint cans securely closed.
- Dispose of rags properly due to combustion risks as they dry.
- Follow all manufacturer safety recommendations.
Conclusion
With some simple steps and basic supplies, you can easily transform wood surfaces with color washing using acrylic paints. It’s a flexible technique that allows for everything from muted patinas to bold colors. Test colors first, prepare the wood properly, work in sections, and seal when done for long-lasting results. Let your creativity and style inspire your color combinations. Color washing is the perfect way to give wood furniture, cabinets, paneling, and other surfaces new life!
Supplies Quick Reference Table
| Supply | Details |
|---|---|
| Acrylic craft paint | Designed to adhere to various surfaces like wood, metal, fabric, etc. |
| Paintbrushes | Array of sizes for different techniques from tiny detail brushes to wider brushes. |
| Sandpaper | 150-220 grit for light sanding. |
| Clean rags | For wiping away dust and spills. |
| Drop cloth | Protects floors and furniture from drips and spills. |
| Paint trays | For pouring paint colors into separate sections. |
| Water | For diluting the paint slightly. |
| Polyurethane | Water-based works best with acrylic paint. Provides protection. |