If you find yourself in need of white paint but don’t have any on hand, there are several alternative options you can use to achieve a similar white or off-white color for your painting project.
Use Another Light Color Paint
One of the easiest substitutions is to use another light color paint that you already have. Paint colors like light gray, beige, cream, eggshell, linen, antique white or ivory will provide a similar light neutral base color in place of stark white. The undertones may skew slightly warm or cool rather than a true white, but the overall effect will be close.
Make sure the alternate paint color you choose is a light shade. Darker grays, taupes or beiges will not give the same brightening effect as white. Test your paint color on a sample board or inconspicuous area first to ensure you’re happy with the tone before applying it to the entire surface.
Tint Your Existing Paint
Another option is to tint a can of white or light paint you already have on hand to make it brighter and closer to a true white. Purchase white paint tinting (tinting white or primary mixing white) from a paint store. Add small amounts at a time, mixing thoroughly before testing the color. A little tinting white goes a long way, so add slowly.
This technique works best with lighter paint colors like light grays, tans, yellows, blues or greens. Don’t try to tint darker paints too much lighter as it will take a lot of tinting white and may not work well.
Mix Your Own White Paint
For a homemade white paint, you can mix together a lighter color paint you already have with either white acrylic craft paint or titanium white artist’s paint. The acrylic craft paints sold in squeeze bottles at craft stores work well for small DIY projects. For larger painting jobs, use an artist’s tube of titanium white paint from an art supply store.
As when tinting, add small amounts of white to the paint little by little. Mix thoroughly before testing the color to ensure you don’t over-lighten it. Mixing just a quarter to half a tube of white acrylic or artist’s paint into a quart of light paint should be sufficient to brighten it to an off-white.
Use White Paint Additives
There are white tinting additives, often called extenders or whiteners, made specifically for lightening paint colors without thinning the paint. These liquid additives can be purchased at paint stores and home improvement centers and work much like tinting white. Start by adding a small amount at a time, mixing thoroughly and testing before adding more if needed.
White extenders are compatible with either water-based or oil-based paints. They will lighten the shade while maintaining the paint’s opacity and thickness for proper coverage.
Whitewash Technique
For a rustic, antiqued whitewashed finish, thin white or light gray paint with water rather than using it straight from the can. Apply the thinned paint in layers, letting it streak and bleed for a timeworn weathered look. Sand paint layers lightly between applications to distress the finish even further.
Whitewashing works well painted over wood surfaces in coastal, farmhouse or cottage decor styles. The imperfect, veiled white paint job exudes vintage charm and casual appeal.
Use White Paint Alternatives
If you want a white painted look but are willing to use an entirely different medium, here are some common white paint alternatives:
| Medium | Description |
|---|---|
| White chalkboard paint | Creates a paintable matte finish that can be used as a chalkboard. Can be purchased or made by mixing unsanded grout powder with latex paint. |
| White lime wash | Made from limestone, water, and natural earth pigments. Breathable finish often used on exteriors of historic buildings. |
| Whitewash pickling stain | Milky white wood stain that allows wood grain to show through. Compatible with any wood type. |
| White mineral paint | Non-toxic, zero VOC formula made from minerals, clay and lime. Adheres well to difficult surfaces like metal, tile and laminate. |
These white paint substitutes add an artisanal, decorative touch with natural, chalky finishes. Lime wash and mineral paints work particularly well for refurbishing worn vintage surfaces.
Use White Paint Alternatives
Don’t let a lack of white paint deter you from starting your painting project. With so many off-white paint colors, tints, homemade mixes and whitewash techniques, you can fake the bright white look when needed. Test different options on samples first to ensure you achieve the light airy look you want before painting entire rooms.
If you’re not satisfied with any stand-in colors, pick up a can of basic white paint for your project. Often you only need a sample size or small quantity like a quart. For large jobs, opt for less expensive white paint grades rather than premium to save money. Keep in mind bright white has a cool undertone that can read as sterile in some spaces, so go with your preferred shade of white.
With a little creativity and experimentation, you can work around not having an actual can of white paint handy. Touch up paint samples at hardware stores are another great option for small jobs. Just utilize what you have on hand or mix your own custom white tones until you can purchase more.
Conclusion
Don’t let the lack of white paint prevent you from finishing your paint project. With some creative mixing and experimenting, you can whip up an off-white paint color as a quick substitute. Test out a few blended paint colors, whitewash techniques or white paint alternatives to match the brightening effect of white until you can get the real deal. The possibilities are nearly endless for falsifying white paint in a pinch when you need it.
