Anyone know what I should mix to make white wood stain?

Question

I want to use it on an untreated wood dresser. Something to make it look, old, distressed, shabby chic.

Answer 1

First of all take Adams initial advice and TEST on anything else.

I've seen the bleach answer before; possibly from the same person?

Beyond what else I do; I've also been involved in theater for more than 40 years, refinished furniture; created and sold my art, and have a thought so simple you'll get it.

White latext paint...dilluted with water...used as a WASH.

Obviously start THIN and add paint...BUT again; as Adam said, TEST,TEST,TEST, on another piece of wood.

Forget Crackle paint; it's trash. Distressed/ Old are easy with a hammer/rasp etc. Shabby Chic is an interprative trend, and a personal choice/opinion attained through perception.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

I don't know which other answer said it, but go with the white wood stain. Just go down to your local paint store Ben Moore or Sherwin Williams and ask for a white stain that would fit your needs.

Answer 3

Use Bleach. There is not white wood stain that I know of. If bleach isn't an option for you try an off white Acrylic paint diluted to a watery consistency. A very low viscosity.

Answer 4

This called "pickling" or whitewash..they sell a pre packaged white stain that you can buy..but being a 37 year experienced paint contractor..we made our own alot chweaper..Simply take white latex flat paint and mix 50/50 with water..brush it on..let it satnd only about one minute..wipe it down..and done...Let it dry overnight and get a water based polyurethane of your choice...matte,satin,semi gloss,gloss etc...coat it one time..let it dry overnight..not just to the touch..sand it all with 180 grit sandpaper..dust it off..then take tack cloth available at home depot or paint stores...recoat it after that..and one more coat after that..I been painting since 13 years old..having 9 uncles all painters..we mixed our own stains, our own colored puttys' etc...This link below tells you about this..they suggest 25% water to it..but this really depends on the paint you buy..I use thick high quality for i am a professional painter..start at 25% depending on ur paint..apply to a scrap piece of oak...if you like it stay with that..if too dark add more water..here is a paragraph copied from the link below

The Materials

You can use either a specially formulated stain labeled and sold as pickling stain or you can make your own by taking either oil based paint or latex (water based) paint and reducing it about 25 percent, this will vary depending on how much of the original wood you want to show. It is best to use primers when making your own as they dry flat and accept top coats much easier than a reduced semi-gloss or gloss enamel. Always reduce your paint with the appropiate thinner. If you use an oil based paint, reduce it with either a paint thinner or gum turpentine. If use a latex paint, use water. Oil based does not raise the grain and dries slower so you have more time to apply it and remove just as much as you want. If you are sensitive to chemicals or fumes use latex paint. The disadvantage to using latex paint is it raises the grain of the wood and it dries much quicker, therefore you do not have much control over how much you can wipe off once it sets up.

Use a white or off-white paint, depending on what color you prefer. You can also tint the paint or stain to make various shades of pastels using Universal tinting colors which are commonly sold in paint stores or you can have your local paint store tint the paint for you.

Answer 5

First of all, whatever you try...try it on another piece of wood or on the back of your dresser first so you can be sure it looks the way you want. I'm not sure what I would try, but as an experiment I might try painting on a light stain, then lightly paper toweling on some bleach (not uniformly) and then putting a clear varnish over it.

Answer 6

They actually make a white wood stain.. Are you sure you wouldnt rather paint it, it looks so much nicer and you can give it the "antiqued" look that you are looking for.

If you have anyquestions contact me..

Answer 7

if it has nothing on it right now,i would use a dark walnut stain & wipe it til desired shade,remember it looks darker when its wet

Answer 8

water