How to Whitewash Walls

Co-authored by Raymond Chiu

Last Updated: December 9, 2024 References

Whitewashing is the process of covering a wall with a very thin coat of thin plaster made with water, lime and other ingredients. Whitewashing is used to color fences, wood, and most commonly, walls. It's is a fairly easy project that can be completed in less than a day.

Steps

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Mix the 2 ingredients together until the paste is creamy. Let the mixture sit overnight.^{[1]
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Stir the mixture again until it becomes a thick paste-like consistency.
Stir well until the mixture is completely blended and has a similar consistency to cake or brownie batter. Continue stirring the mixture, adding extra water if you feel it is too thick. It's easier to fix a solution that is too thick than too thin, so only add small amounts of water at a time.
Watch it dry, if it dries looking coarse and bumpy, the solution is too thick and more water needs to be added.
Add pigments, purchased from a local hardware store, that can be safely added to any paint or plaster mixture.^{[2]
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These stains can show through after whitewashing.^{[3]
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This will help the whitewash spread once you apply the whitewash.
It is easiest to apply the whitewash to the tips of the brush and lightly apply it to the wall. You should be aware that whitewash is thicker than paint and doesn't go on as smoothly as interior paint does.^{[4]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I prepare and clean my walls?

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry.

Raymond Chiu

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Start by giving your walls a quick dusting with a dry cloth or a broom—this gets rid of cobwebs and loose dirt. Next, mix some warm water with a little dish soap. Dip a sponge in the soapy water, squeeze it so it’s not dripping, and gently wipe down the walls. If you see a tough spot, like a crayon mark or smudge, scrub it gently. When you’re done, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any leftover soap. Finally, let the walls air dry or use a dry towel to finish up.

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Can a salt wash be used on walls while whitewashing?

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Yes. It doesn't damage the paint and looks very nice once you are finished.

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I had my walls whitewashed both with and without color, but now it's powdering and flaking. What can I do?

Community Answer

You may want to contact a professional.

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Tips

Brushing whitewash should be a more fluid motion than brushing paint as the whitewash is so thick, it can easily clump on the wall, and is not spread around as thick areas of paint are.

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Whitewash solution will look blotchy after you first apply it, but once it dries it will look brighter and smoother.

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If your walls have already been whitewashed, you need to remove the old white wash before applying the new whitewash. This can be done with soap, water and a thick sponge.

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