LIME WASH

ARE YOU THINKING OF A LIGHT WASHED OUT LOOK - NOT AN OPAQUE WHITE - SOMETHING SOFTER AND AGED    'LIME WASH' TECHNIQUE IS THE ANSWER. 

Limed wood furniture is increasingly popular and is being seen in many recent publications. Also known as the whitewashed finish, it originated in Europe in the 1500s to protect the wood pieces from worm. Slaked lime was applied to the wood which, inadvertently, also gave it the decorative finish that became in vogue. 

Luckily for us, we have less caustic ways of whitewashing. It is best to begin with a wood that has a more open grain, such as oak or ash. Other woods may be used, but they will whitewash differently, with the liming material collecting in the moldings rather than the grain.

One method involves applying a good furniture wax mixed with pigment

Following is a basic method for creating a white washed (simulated Lime

wash) effect. There are 2 methods described, each providing similar results.

    Using diluted off white (LIKE OYSTER) paint - white paint is too stark - it needs to be a softer tone. 

    Using a ready made wood stain.

Starting your project


This effect works best over unfinished, unpainted furniture. The natural wood soaks up the paint or stain resulting in some of the underlying wood grain showing through. Depending on how thick your 'Lime Wash' simulated paint solution is will determine the final effect. A thick and rather opaque paint solution will appear more true to the Lime Wash appearance. A thinner, more fluid solution will result in a white washed or pickled appearance.

Applying diluted white paint.


Mix a solution of a slightly off white (like Benjamin Moore Antique White) latex paint, flat sheen with water. The flat paint will dry with a bit of a chalky look, simulating the true appearance of Lime wash. The consistence should be like thick cream. You may need to experiment to determine the level of opacity you want. More water will create a thinner, paler appearance, while less water will create a whiter, more opaque look. Once the white wash effect is completed you should apply 2 coats latex, water based varnish in a Satin sheen. Water based products are very durable and don't yellow. If you use an oil based varnish over a white base then expect it to yellow over time.


Tips and precautions


Things to note when working on wood surfaces; depending on the type of wood, i.e., oak, pine, etc., white paint sometimes pulls the resin up out of the
wood and stains the white slightly pink. Be aware of this. If this happens, you may need to first apply a water based sealer, then lightly sand the surface with 220 grit sand paper (in the direction of the wood grain), then apply your paint followed by 2 coats varnish.


Applying a wood stain.


You can also stain the wood white, instead of painting the surface. This gives a 'pickled' or 'bleached' effect and allows all the wood grain to show thru. You can get commercially available white stains (Minwax for example) that work well. Try and stay away from the 2 in 1 stain/sealer combos. Apply as above, finishing off with 2 - 3 coated water based varnish.


Always apply paint or stain in the direction of the grain, using a good brush, roller and/or rags.

As you can see - it lends itself nicely to the French antique style. 

FRENCH COUNTRY CAN BE ALIVE IN HONG KONG

The key hue in a shabby chic French country palette is antique white. Distressed, matte surfaces are appropriate in this style. Faded blues, purples, yellows and pinks work as wall colors, accent shades and furniture finishes. Patterns are key in the French country look. Be bold and combine an oriental rug with a flowered couch or, in the bedroom, French toile fabric cafe-style curtains with paisley throw pillows. Timeworn and vintage patterns on wallpaper, bedding, towels, tablecloths, throw rugs and painted on furniture add texture to a room.

The Classic look with linen fabrics accented with distressed white and gold leaf .......  add a mirror table like the one below. 

 A French Wardrobe made in 3 pieces and then placed into a bottom frame.........a crown molded topper to hold it all in place.  This will fit the elevator and get it into your flat this way. 

This is a dresser we've done

Strike a classic note with vintage furniture made in solid wood. Begin with a French country item such as a small end table, an upholstered chair, an engraved cabinet, an armoire, a hutch with open display areas, a wrought iron bed frame or a graceful nightstand and add a thin coat of whitewash or distress the surface by rubbing at the paint with fine grain sandpaper. Hutches, buffets, sideboards and desks and chairs with sculpted legs give your home rustic French flavor. Try customizing pieces by adding a hand-painted border of grapevines or cornflowers.

The last 4 photos are from the Shenzhen Home Goods Center.  There is a small corner shop on the first floor with beautiful French Pottery at a great price - but you have to carry back.  On the top floor is a FAB wholesaler for artificial flowers. They are pricey but the quality is gorgeous (and HK prices are huge for much lesser quality).   The embroidered bench is from  another shop that specializes in the French country estate look.......  I didn't want to leave empty handed.

The first carved headboard and frame is an item we've done for achieving this look.  Or you can add a painted headboard accented with birds and flowers....voila Country Style.   Add crisp white linen - layers and layers of it............ ruffles on pillows and a gathered bed-skirt. Another material is the Matlaise seen in the bedskirt above and of course you can't go wrong with BLUE AND WHITE!  A room with all white furniture and all Blue and White is very calming. 

Louis Chairs will always identify the French Country.  Here are a few we've done..... with the large checked pattern..........and again then with turquoise linen & faux leather seats for easy cleaning. 

Shabby white slipcovers are the Rachael Ashwell's trademark for Shabby Chic. 

Checks and stripes are very French.  (This is the solid fabric we used on the chairs.) 

The top bureau is something I just saw in the Zhuhai Factory.  Don't be afraid to paint an antique. 

This unique French sideboard was too dark for a small room and it's a reproduction.... the finish not so pretty.  It could have been re-stained a darker richer color but still too dark for a small room. So we added cream paint and sanded it to look old. Now it looks like it has been around for a 100 years. 

This is not the typical French..... But it's a Farm table with French Pottery ...........the addition of Ghost chairs leaves it uncluttered, if you have a small space.  The color of gray and white are also clean like fresh laundry. 

Beautiful Hand painted l Porcelain - with updated barrel shades.  Now showing and selling on our website. 

This is not a French design .... it's what we call Lime wash - giving a piece a light white glaze.  Add this to a piece with some curves and oo-la-la !

I could go on and on about this TOPIC .... it's one of my favorite looks.  What I like is the now updated look ..... narrowing down the clutter instead of last decades over clutter and pattern.