Why wax a piece of furniture?

By accentuating the natural grain of the wood, whitewash provides a bleached and patinated effect that instantly transforms the appearance of a piece of furniture, whether it is a chair, a sideboard or a bed.

What is a whitewashed piece of furniture?

A whitewashed piece of furniture is a solid wood piece of furniture to which a whitewash has been applied. This ancient decorative technique, which appeared in Europe in the 16th century, highlights the grain of the wood by whitening it and giving it an aged and patinated appearance. Traditionally made with lead white, also called “Saturn white” or “silver white”, whitewash used toxic pigments that gave the wood insecticidal and fungicidal properties. Today, safer alternatives, such as titanium or zinc white, are used.

The technique involves digging into the veins of the softwood, then applying a whitewash paste or a special white or colored wax, which fills these veins and creates a contrast with the rest of the wood. This finish, which works by contrast, particularly highlights wood species such as oak, ash, chestnut or walnut. If the wood is light, a darker shade can be applied before the whitewash to accentuate the contrast effects. Dyes can also be added to the whitewash for an original and personalized finish.

The whitewashing process can be used on a variety of wood surfaces, such as furniture, paneling, flooring, and doors and windows. Although whitewashing is traditionally applied to solid wood, it is also possible to imitate this effect on painted surfaces by using products such as specialty paints to recreate the bleached, weathered look of wood.

What are the benefits of whitewash paint?

Whitewashing has many advantages for the renovation and decoration of wooden surfaces. This technique:

• Highlights the grain of the wood by lightening or darkening it, creating a contrasting effect that enhances the natural details of the material.
• Creates a personalized decorative effect: unlike classic white paint, whitewash offers a bleached and patinated finish, without opaque uniformity, bringing a unique and elegant touch to your interior. It also comes in several colors, allowing you to customize your furniture according to your tastes.
• Helps renovate aging furniture and breathe new life into old or dull furniture. It modernizes rustic wooden furniture, giving it a new lease of life while retaining its character.
• Create a trendy decor style: the whitewashed effect is particularly popular in country chic or vintage decorations. It gives a worn whitewashed appearance, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere.
• Gives a beautiful luminous effect to wooden surfaces, brightening the whole while giving it character.

In summary, whitewash renovates and beautifies wood, but also gives it an inimitable style.

How to maintain a waxed piece of furniture?

Although the whitewashed wood is protected by a varnish which makes it resistant to humidity, the maintenance of whitewashed furniture requires some precautions to preserve its shine and patina.

For daily maintenancea simple wipe with a microfibre cloth is enough to remove the dust. This method allows you to keep your furniture shiny without risking damaging the whitewash.

For a more thorough cleaninguse a mixture of warm water and liquid soap. Soak a sponge or microfibre cloth in this mixture, wring it out well, then gently wipe it over the waxed wood. Then let the furniture air dry. Absolutely avoid conventional detergents, as they can alter the patina of the wood.

If your furniture has been waxedone-time maintenance may include applying a new coat of wax. Before doing so, clean it with ammonia or turpentine to remove any layers of wax that have built up. Then apply the wax in the direction of the wood grain for best results.

Once a yearto maintain the protection of the wood, apply a coat of polish. This will refresh the varnish and extend the life of your waxed furniture.

This way, your furniture will retain all its charm and shine over the years.

How to remove white lead?

Removing whitewash from furniture may become necessary over time, especially if the whitewash fades or discolors. There are several methods to restore the original color of the wood.

1. Use steel wool and sand: If the furniture has been varnished, rub it with fine steel wool, then sand the surface to remove the whitewash embedded in the pores of the wood. Dust the furniture with a cloth or soft brush to remove residue.

2. Clean with white vinegar and baking soda : mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of warm water. Apply this mixture to the furniture using a cloth or sponge and leave it to act for about 10 minutes to strip. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Then, apply a mixture of white vinegar and warm water in equal parts to the surface, let it air dry.

3. Sand with fine grit sandpaper to avoid damaging the wood. Sand gently using circular motions, then wipe off the sanding dust with a damp cloth. Repeat until all the whitewash is removed.

4. Use a stripper suitable for the wood and the original finish : apply it with a brush and leave to act according to the instructions. Then, scrape off the softened whitewash with a plastic spatula, then rinse and scrub the surface with steel wool.

5. Mix hydrogen peroxide and water in equal parts: apply to the furniture and let sit for a few hours. Use a soft brush to remove the whitewash and rinse the furniture with water. This gentle method is suitable for more delicate furniture.

White lead can therefore transform a simple piece of wooden furniture into a unique piece, full of character. While embellishing the furniture, it provides it with lasting protection. Although its maintenance requires some precautions, it is relatively simple and allows the beauty of the furniture to be preserved over time.