How To Lighten Up Your Home With Interior Whitewashing
If you want to give your home a brand new look and brighten up your space, whitewashing might be the perfect solution for you. According to My Move, lighter hues are one of the best ways to make a room feel and look much bigger and brighter. They explain that when you paint a room with light colors, it gives the illusion of space. Walls that are light and vibrant reflect more light, which makes a room appear open and airy. This, in turn, drastically improves the impact that natural light has.
Shades that are dark, on the other hand, have a tendency to absorb light, which may make rooms seem smaller. However, your walls aren't the only thing that can be whitewashed. Other elements in your home, such as wood or furniture, can also be whitewashed to have the same effect. We've compiled a few ways you can easily use this technique for a brighter, better-looking home.
Whitewashing wood
According to Gold Pines, whitewashing wood with a mixture of lime (derived from limestone) and water is a creative way to give the wood in your home a rustic and vintage feel while adding a light element to your space. All you have to do is mix powdered lime, table salt, and water to a consistency of your liking — a thinner consistency will give you a lighter shade, whereas a thick consistency will give you more coverage.
Apply the prepared mixture over the wooden surface you wish to whitewash with a paintbrush. As it dries, the wood will begin to turn white right in front of your eyes! You can also choose furniture to match your whitewashed wood for a cohesive, bright space. Masterclass also notes that you can use pre-prepared whitewashing paint to achieve the same look, and recommend a water-based rather than an oil-based paint.
Whitewashing brick
The Farmhouse Life says whitewashing exposed brick is a great way to brighten up a space. If your home has a traditional brick fireplace, whitewashing it might be the perfect way to give your fireplace a modern touch. They recommend a few different ways to whitewash brick, including paint, lime wash, and mortar wash. In fact, whitewashing your brick is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also protects the brick against pests, moisture, and weathering. It also requires little maintenance and is long-lasting.
According to DIYs, to whitewash brick with paint, begin by using water pressure to clean the bricks of any dirt, moss, or unwanted particles that may have accumulated. Next, apply a primer if it's required and wait for it to thoroughly dry. You can apply the paint using an airless sprayer, so that it is distributed uniformly. Be cautious about working in small patches to avoid uneven or spotty results. It may take more than one coat to get a white finish on a brick wall, but the results can change the overall feeling of a room for the better, making it lighter, brighter, and more inviting.