Turn Outdated Furniture Into Stunning Modern Pieces With A DIY Paint Recipe

Don't get rid of your outdated, orange-toned wood furniture. Although it might be an eyesore at the moment, it's surprisingly easy to adjust the hue. Rather than covering the natural wood or replacing the piece altogether, there are several simple solutions to modernize the finish. Consider creating a paint wash with two simple ingredients: paint and water! Simply combine a 50/50 mixture of paint and water for a whitewash effect that still allows some wooden texture to show through.

Before applying your mixture, make sure to sand down your furniture to create an even surface that is easy for the paint to stick to. When it comes to selecting your paint, don't forget the knowledge learned from decorating using the color wheel. A cooler shade of white with a hint of blue will cancel out undesirable orange tones. A water-based house paint is ideal. For example, try the Rust-Oleum latex paint in flat white ($16.46 for 32 oz on Amazon). Whitewashing is a great way to lighten up your interior, but if you prefer a more natural look, you also have the option of staining the surface in a natural wood tone after the whitewash has dried. Misting the wood with water, or "water popping," is good practice for a more even stain.

This clever hack isn't without its limitations. If you don't spread the mixture quickly across the surface, you may find yourself with an uneven wash. It's imperative not to let any paint dry as you apply your wash or the finished result will have streaks. You should also promptly wipe away any excess liquid in the direction of the wood grain. However, if any areas dry too quickly, you're not completely out of luck! You can gently sand the area down to create a more even appearance.

Overall, when determining what you need when refurbishing your wood furniture, it all depends on your unique goals and level of experience. If you prefer the look of a sheer finish that allows more texture to peek through, try a 1:2 paint-to-water ratio. Some DIY aficionados report that a balance of less paint to water can actually result in a more even finish. If this is your first time completing a color wash, you can work in a series of thin layers rather than trying to achieve your final result after a single coat. To finish your piece of furniture, always seal the wood with a water-based polyurethane sealant. For a clear option, consider the Seal-Once penetrating matte wood sealer ($63.98 for 1 can on Amazon).