How to Make a Whitewash for Art

Artists whitewash walls before creating an image on the surface.

Whitewash is a type of paint coating for exterior surfaces. It is often used to create a clean surface for developing outdoor art pieces such as murals. This substance, which is a combination of salt and lime, will withstand the elements of weather and act as a base for the application of colored paint. Whitewash can be used on brick, stone, wood, and stucco. In addition to creating a blank art canvas on these surfaces, it can also protect the surfaces from rain, snow, sun, and harsh temperatures.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Goggles
• Dust mask
• Lime (12 cups)
• Salt (4 cups)
• Water (2 gallons)
• Bucket
• Wooden paint stirrer
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Put on your protective goggles, gloves and dust mask. Lime and salt can irritate eyes, lungs, and skin.

2. Stir together 1 cup of salt and 3 cups of lime in the bucket with the paint stirrer.

3. Add 1 cup of water to the salt and lime mix in the bucket. Stir the water into the salt and lime with the wooden paint stirrer until they all combine to create a paste.

4. Repeat the process of adding and mixing the salt, lime and water to the bucket that you just completed in steps 1 and 2 until all of the substances have been incorporated in the mix. Use more or less of each substance depending on how much whitewash you would like to make. However, keep the ratios between each substance the same. You may need more or less depending on the size and absorbency of the surface you wish to coat in whitewash. For example, wood will absorb more than stone.

5. Let the whitewash mix sit overnight so that the salt, lime, and water can soak together and create the correct consistency for application to a surface.

6. Stir the whitewash after it has sat overnight. The consistency should be a thick paste.

7. Apply the whitewash to your desired surface with a paintbrush.

References

• Fias Co Farm: White Wash
• Ask the Builder: White Wash Tips