How to Whitewash Wood Floors

Whitewashing is a technique used often on walls and paneling to give a refreshing light feeling to a room. Well you can also whitewash wood floors as well. The technique for whitewashing wood floors is very similar to whitewashing walls.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sanding Machine
• White Latex Paint
• Water
• Gloves
• Paint Roller
• Paint Roller Extension Pole
• Paint Tray
• Plenty of Rag

1. The first step is to prepare your floors. This means that if the floors currently have stain, paint, varnish or polyurethane on them, it must come off. You can do this by sanding, in the direction of the grain, or applying a stripping solution to remove it.

2. Allow floors to dry if you used a stripping solution. If you sanded the floors, thoroughly vacuum up all dust. You should run a damp mop across the entire floor to ensure all dust is removed.

3. Next, mix your whitewash solution by combining 1 part white paint to 1 part water. This is a basic whitewash, but try it on some scrap wood to see if it is the color you like. You may add more paint or less water to achieve your desired color.

4. Using the paint roller, begin applying the whitewash solution to the wood floor in even strokes.

5. Allow the whitewash to dry for one to two minutes and then using a rag, wipe the wood floor in the direction of the grain. This will remove some of the paint and leave a whitewash appearance. If you would like it darker, simply wait a few minutes more and then wipe.

6. Allow wood to completely dry.

7. Apply two coats of polyurethane to the wood. This is important to seal the floor from water and other stains.