Achieving an Antique Look on Brick Surfaces With Whitewash
If plain brickwork clashes with the vintage atmosphere you want, a diluted whitewash coating can give it an aged, weathered appearance. The process involves thinning latex whitewash, cleaning the brick, brushing on an uneven coat, and sealing the result.
By Rowan Scott4 steps
Make bricks look older by applying basic hardware supplies.
While brick walls offer durability and practicality, their standard appearance might not complement a vintage decorative scheme. A whitewash finish is one way to give brick a more aged character. This traditional painting method lets you control the thickness of the coat, whether light or heavy, so the brick surface can blend with the rest of your decor. You can complete the whitewashing yourself with a small set of affordable hardware items.
Step 1
Measure 1 gallon of latex whitewash into a 5 gallon bucket. Pour in 2 gallons of water to thin the whitewash, then mix thoroughly with a paint stick until the water and whitewash are fully blended.
Step 2
Use a scrub brush along with grease-fighting soap and water to wash the bricks, removing dirt, debris, and stains. Let the bricks dry in the air for 8 hours.
Step 3
With a 4-inch flat paintbrush, apply the whitewash across the brick wall in a variegated layer. As you work, the whitewash takes on an irregular, mottled look on its own. This uneven quality is what gives the finished wall its vintage, antiqued appearance. Let the whitewash air dry for 8 to 10 hours.
Step 4
Using a paint roller, spread a coat of masonry sealant over the whitewashed bricks, then leave the sealant to dry for 8 to 10 hours. The sealant forms a waterproof barrier that shields the whitewash from harm and weather exposure.
