making whitewash

[Ziptie]

I really liked her idea about whitewashing the coop http://www.5acresandadream.com/. She talks about maybe mixing glue so the white wash sticks better.

Anyone know what type of glue you would use to do this?

[Otter]

I think plain white glue like Elmer's is the type recommended. But I never add any to my whitewash and it sticks just fine.

I get a gallon of hot water (stuff dissolves a bit better, but it doesn't really matter if you use cold) a cup of salt and just start stirring in lime until it really, really wants to settle at the bottom. It ends up thinner than paint, but not by too much. I just got done whitewashing part of the shop building. I whitewash everything. I'm about to do the inside back of the kitchen cabinets. I really love whitewash.

[Ziptie]

So it not going to wash off on an outside of the building if it gets wet?

How often do you have to apply it?

[secuono]

I just mixed lime with water, more water equals easier to brush on, but thinner coat.
What's the salt for?


Whitewashing is redone yearly. At least in cattle buildings.

[FarmboyBill]

Ask any Polititian how to do it. There experts LOL.

[watcher]

Strange question. . .could you add a dye and make colored white wash? I have some plywood shipping crates I picked up from work I was planning on getting some paint from habitat or goodwill to use to protect them. I don't think the wife would go for big plain white boxes but maybe a pack of orange kool-aid mixed into a gallon. . . .

[Otter]

Originally Posted by Ziptie

So it not going to wash off on an outside of the building if it gets wet?

How often do you have to apply it?

Well, yes, it will. It's water soluble, I use it on the insides of buildings, or outside under an overhang. Inside, traditionally it's redone once a year - it will still be white, but will have caught some dirt and not be as bug-resistant as it was.

I understand that if you're going to use it on an outside wall, you want some linseed oil added to the mix, but I don't know the proportions

Originally Posted by watcher

Strange question. . .could you add a dye and make colored white wash? I have some plywood shipping crates I picked up from work I was planning on getting some paint from habitat or goodwill to use to protect them. I don't think the wife would go for big plain white boxes but maybe a pack of orange kool-aid mixed into a gallon. . . .

Strangely enough, I was just looking into that, because as much as I love whitewash, I really, REALLY love color. I found this; http://restoringmayberry.blogspot.co...q=whitewashing
and I've got some copper sulfate crystals. I think next time I need to whitewash something, I'll give that a go. Come to think of it, it's about time to re-do the bathroom out in the shop building.

Come to think of it, I don't see why any water-soluble dye might not work - you could try a packet of RIT for some serious color.

[Harry Chickpea]

I've heard that blood used to be used as a colorant. Also, IIRC a little milk was sometimes added to help it adhere.

[Tabitha]

Originally Posted by watcher

Strange question. . .could you add a dye and make colored white wash? I have some plywood shipping crates I picked up from work I was planning on getting some paint from habitat or goodwill to use to protect them. I don't think the wife would go for big plain white boxes but maybe a pack of orange kool-aid mixed into a gallon. . . .

I made white wash/paint using milk, water, hydrated lime and a shot of linseed oil. I tested first with the water milk ratio, painted a squarefoot, let dry, rub my hand over. No white powder, it was fine and so far has held up for 15 years. Have to paint the house again though because of dirty dog prints and stuff.
You can color it, using earth dyes. But where to get them. When I was a kid folks used ocre a lot, which gives a sort of golden color.