DIY Projects & Crafts DIY Home Projects How to Make Your Own Colored Paint Washes for Wooden Surfaces A wash will add color without sacrificing the visual interest of the wood's texture; all you need to do is dilute paint with water. Start by adding one part water to two parts paint, and test the wash on a wooden swatch before working directly on your surface. If you want to see more wood grain, continue to add water. You'll notice that as the wash gets lighter, the tone of the wood's original color comes through. We took Martha Stewart Vintage Décor paints through three dilution stages to illustrate the differences. By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Published on February 25, 2015 Photo: Yuki Sugiura LEFT COLUMN: OPAQUE WASH This finish, which is two parts paint to one part water, reveals only a few subtle hints of the grain. MIDDLE COLUMN: MEDIUM WASH Combining equal parts paint and water makes brushstrokes less apparent. The underlying pattern will come into view. RIGHT COLUMN: LIGHT WASH Mix two parts water with one part paint for a soft tint that showcases the wood's texture. Improve your painting skills. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit