White washed wood at one time was the option selected by those people who couldn’t afford paint, but in recent years that has all changed. The white washed look on wood has been a popular look for at least a couple of decades, mainly because it gives a look of heritage, a look of age and adds a real charm to even the simplest of wooden items.
White washed wood flooring was traditionally made by applying a calcium hydroxide and chalk mixture to wood to make it look as if it has been distressed by the test of time. A highly popular option in the latter part of the last century, white washed wood flooring still lends itself today to light and airy interiors, particularly those of the New England look and style. Typically twinned with creams, off-whites and an occasional splash of stars and stripes or union jacks, the New England style is synonymous with understated elegance and calm, relaxed interiors.
In its natural state, whitewash cures to a hard paint over a number of days and in order not to lift off the surface of wood flooring will normally be finished with an oil or varnish topping. One of the main attractions of white washed wood flooring is that the treatment really enhances the grain of the wood, making it stand out and look particularly textured. Again, this look really enhances the overall appeal of any relaxed, yet stylish interior. While you can treat wood to look white washed yourself, this is quite a task if you’re tackling a full room.
That said, if you have a small room and fancy giving white washing a go, it isn’t all that difficult. All you need to do is sand the wood back to its original state and then clean away any dust or dirt that is remaining. To achieve the white washed look, you should use a watered down paint, which, for a well-weathered look, you should apply with a rag across the floor, following the grain of the wood as you go. When you do this, work in long strokes and look out for knots in the wood as you go, taking the time to work the paint into the knots to really bring out their beauty. You’ll probably find that you need to apply several coats depending on the look you hope to achieve, but either way, it’s important to make sure you let each coat dry thoroughly before moving on to the next. If you find you’ve over-done the paint effect you can always sand some of it away to add to the distressed look. Once you’ve finished, you should seal the floor, either using a polyurethane sealer or a finishing oil.
All of that said, if you’re looking a new flooring project in the eye and you’re able to select white washed wood floor from the range available from your flooring supplier, you should be pretty much spoilt for choice. With solid and engineered wood options available, you’ll be able to achieve a white washed look, irrespective of whether you prefer an oak or a walnut base.
—
FAQ
What is the appeal of white washed wood?
White washed wood has gained popularity due to its heritage look that adds charm to wooden items. It gives the impression of age and distress, enhancing the grain of the wood, which contributes to a stylish yet relaxed interior.
How is the traditional white washed wood effect achieved?
The traditional white washed effect on wood is achieved by applying a mixture of calcium hydroxide and chalk. This gives the wood a distressed appearance as if it has withstood the test of time. The whitewash cures to a hard paint over several days and is typically finished with an oil or varnish topping to prevent it from lifting off the surface.
Can I create a white washed look myself?
Yes, you can create a white washed look yourself, although it can be quite a task for a full room. The process involves sanding the wood back to its original state, applying watered down paint with a rag following the grain of the wood, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly, and sealing the floor with a polyurethane sealer or a finishing oil.
What styles does white washed wood complement?
White washed wood flooring is particularly suited to light and airy interiors, such as the New England style. This style is known for its understated elegance and calm, relaxed interiors, often paired with creams, off-whites, and occasional splashes of bold colours.
What options are available if I want to install white washed wood flooring?
When looking at a new flooring project, you should find a range of options for white washed wood floor from your flooring supplier. With both solid and engineered wood options available, you can achieve a white washed look regardless of whether you prefer an oak or a walnut base.