How to Remove Whitewash Finish

Fences are often painted with whitewash.

Made from slaked lime and chalk, whitewash appears brighter than regular flat, white paint. Its uses include painting over brick, trees, walls and kitchen cabinets. With a tendency to flake under paint, remove whitewash instead of painting over it. Similar to paint, whitewash can be removed using the same techniques as paint. In situations where several layers of whitewash appear to have been applied, removal may require repeating the steps a second time.

Things You'll Need

• Coarse sandpaper
• Paint brush
• Paint remover
• Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
• Putty knife
• Steel wool

Instructions

1. Put on heavy gloves. The gloves should be solvent resistant because the chemicals used to remove paint are quite caustic.

2. Scratch the surface of the area with the whitewash with coarse sandpaper. Scratch the surface lightly so you do not scratch the surface under the paint. This helps the paint remover to get under the paint.

3. Apply a thick coat of paint remover with a paintbrush. The cream paint remover is a thick consistency, so it will stay on a vertical surface without running, and penetrate several layers of paint. Place either plastic wrap or aluminum foil over the paint remover to keep it moist.

4. Scrape the remover off with a putty knife, after waiting the amount of time that is specified on the paint remover can. Remove the remnants with steel wool.

Tips & Warnings

• After removing the paint remover, you may have to put the paint remover on a second time if there is still too much whitewash left to use steel wool to remove it.

• Use caution when using paint remover because it is a caustic cream.

References

• Ace: Removing Paint and Varnish
• Flooring and Carpets: How to Remove Paint