Applying Whitewash To Paneling
Whitewash is a low cost way to paint many surfaces, and though it works the same way as paint, it actually is not paint. This is what the early Native Americans used to color stone walls and clay houses. Whitewash can be made at home for very little money and is applied in the same manner as normal paint is applied (with some minor differences). Whitewash is a sanitary solution that can last for years without needing to be touched up. With this in mind, whitewash is incredibly economic to use and easy to maintain over time.
Here's What is Needed:
- Medium sized brush
- 12 lb. of salt
- 6 oz. common potash aluminum
- 1 qt. molasses
- 45 lb. lime
- 5 gallons of hot water
- 1 1/2 gallons of hot water
- 5 lb. Portland Cement
- 2 Large Buckets
Step 1 - Mixing Part A
First, combine the salt with the aluminum in one of the two buckets. Next, add in the molasses followed by 1 1/2 gallons of hot water and stir until all of the ingredients have been dissolved.
Step 2 - Mixing Part B
The second bucket will be used when creating the second part of the whitewash recipe. First, empty all of the lime in to the bucket along with the cement. Next, pour 5 gallons of hot water over the lime and concrete then mix until they both dissolve to create a paste consistency. The mixture will need to cure for at least 12 hours before you can use it on your paneling.
Step 3 - Creating the Whitewash
After Part B has cured for at least 12 hours, you can now create the whitewash by combining both Part A with Part B. You now simply combine the two, and stir them until it becomes a brushable consistency.
Step 4 - Preparing the Paneling
Whitewash is the purest white coating known, and it is important for a proper whitewash job to begin with a properly prepped surface. First, clean the paneling very well with water and soap, and allow it to dry completely. If there are any stains, remove them if you can, and if there is old whitewash, remove it first. Next, before actually applying whitewash to your paneling, you should protect your other surfaces as the mixture is difficult to remove. Prep your area by laying down a tarp or canvas.
Step 5 - Applying the Whitewash
Besides applying whitewash to paneling, you can use it on basement walls, brick and stone surfaces. First, prior to applying the whitewash, you should wet down the paneling then allow it to partially dry. Feel free to help it along by dabbing the paneling with a cloth. Next, dip only the bristles of your brush in to the whitewash solution, and you kind of just slap it on to the surface without using any pressure. The bristles of your brush should barely bend back when you apply the whitewash.
The whitewash may appear blotchy, but allowing it to set for one day will bring out a bright white surface
