White paint that creates a pickled effect is used to treat surfaces and traditionally served as a sealant for the interior walls of poultry and barns. It is a non-toxic, animal-safe sealant made by mixing lime and water. Many people appreciate the aesthetic result, because the paint is more liquid and allows you to see the grain of the wood. Giving a whitened effect to home furniture has now become a fashion; Although the traditional mixture is not a good solution for home décor, as it peels off easily, you can achieve the same result by diluting some latex paint with water.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare Traditional Paint
Step 1. Gather the materials
To make traditional sealant, you need a few things that you can buy at a home improvement center.
- Calcium hydroxide, also known as slaked lime or hydrated lime. Check that it is not the one for agriculture, since it is a different substance;
- Salt;
- Waterfall;
- Large bucket;
- Protective mask, goggles and gloves.
Step 2. Mix the substances
Combine all the ingredients in the bucket to make the sealant. Be sure to wear protective gear to minimize potential lime damage. It should be sufficient to use a mask, gloves and goggles.
- Pour 400 g of salt into 4 liters of hot water and mix to dissolve it.
- Add 1.3-1.5 kg of hydrated lime to the salt water.
- Keep stirring until this second substance has also dissolved well.
- The compound should be more liquid than regular paint.
Step 3. Use the sealant
You can apply it with a brush, a roller or an airbrush to color the surface you want white.
Step 4. Let the paint dry
Wait until it becomes completely dry and white.
Method 2 of 2: Prepare a White Pickled Effect Paint for Furniture
Step 1. Gather the materials needed for the project
You can easily get them from a DIY store or paint shop.
- White latex paint;
- Sandpaper, emery block, or orbital sander;
- Waterfall;
- Water-based polyurethane, if you want to apply a sealant;
- Cloth;
- Bucket or similar container;
- Brush.
Step 2. Sand the cabinet
The pickled effect is best on raw wood, so you must use sandpaper, an emery block or the orbital sander to treat the surface of the cabinet. This way, you remove the existing finishing layer and allow the paint to create the effect you want.
Step 3. Rub the wood with a dry cloth
You must remove all the sawdust left by the sanding process before applying the paint; this way, you are sure to get a smooth surface. Use a dry cloth to dust and clean the cabinet.
Step 4. Mix the paint
Add one part of the white color and one part of water to the bucket or container, mixing well. By doing so, you dilute the latex paint making it more similar to the traditional sealant; once applied to the piece of furniture, its more fluid consistency allows you to glimpse the natural grain of the wood.
Step 5. Apply the paint to the cabinet
Use a brush to spread it with long strokes that respect the direction of the wood fibers.
- Work on small sections at a time, as this mixture dries quickly.
- Wait for the paint to dry completely and then add more coats of color until you get the desired result.
Step 6. Apply a finishing coat
If you wish, you can apply a coat of water-based polyurethane sealant once the color has dried; in this way, you treat and seal the surface. This is an optional step, but it allows the pickled effect to last longer.
You can opt for a matte or glossy finish
Advice
- This color is generally water-soluble; if the treated surface gets wet, you will need to repaint it periodically.
- The paint becomes whiter and whiter as it dries, then wait several hours or until the applied coat is completely dry before applying a second coat.
- When you paint the furniture, apply the color following the grain of the wood.
Warnings
- If you don't seal the color applied to the furniture, the paint tends to peel off more easily.
- Lime is a highly caustic substance, so you need to take some precautions when handling it. Wear a mask when you collect it from the container, to avoid inhaling the dust; it is also recommended to use safety goggles and protective gloves.
- You should only use this paint indoors, as it is not resistant to moisture.
