Picket fences look great with a white painted wash.
Whitewashing is a common method of coloring wood from days gone by. Usually made of lime, whitewash had one major drawback---the color was unstable and would fade away over time, and the wood would have to be re-washed periodically. You can get a similar but more permanent effect using paint mixed with water. This type of wash won't fade, allowing you to enjoy your colored fence or door for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose a flat-sheen latex paint. If you're going for a traditional whitewash look, take a slightly off-white paint, but if you want a color wash, any shade will do.
2. Mix the paint with water until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency. For a paler wash, add more water; for thicker color, use less. Apply the paint with a brush or sponge, varying your strokes depending on whether you want a consistent shade or a more mottled coloring.
3. Wait for the wash to dry, and then apply a couple coats of water-based varnish. This will protect the wash from the elements and won't yellow with age, as oil-based varnishes tend to do.
Tags: paint with, with water