Labur is a type of surface covering that is used as a paint replacement coating and is commonly used on farms or in barns and chicken coops. Traditional labur is usually made by mixing powdered lime with water to make a paint or coating that is non-toxic and safe for animals. Many people like the veneer look because the layers are thinner so the natural wood grain is more visible. Whitewashing is also a trend to get a white look on household furniture. While traditional paint isn't a good choice because it rubs off easily, you can get a white look for your furniture by diluting latex paint with water.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making Traditional Pumpkins
Step 1. Gather the materials
To make traditional pumpkin, you'll need a few ingredients that you can buy at your local grocery store.
- Limestone, which is also known as building chalk or wall chalk. Make sure you don't use agricultural lime as it contains different substances.
- Fine quality salt
- Water
- Big bucket
- Dust mask, protective goggles and gloves
Step 2. Stir in the pumpkin ingredients
Combine all ingredients in a large bucket to make pumpkin. Wear protective equipment to minimize the risk of injury from powdered chalk. Just wear a dust mask, protective goggles and gloves.
- Mix 2 cups of salt with 4 liters of warm water and stir to dissolve the salt.
- Add 6-8 cups of lime to the brine.
- Stir thoroughly until the lime dissolves.
- The result should be more runny than ordinary paint.
Step 3. Float
Use a brush, roller, or spray to apply the chalk where you want it.
Step 4. Let the pumpkin dry
Give it time until the pumpkin is completely dry. The pumpkin will turn white as it dries.
Method 2 of 2: Dame Furniture with Chalk
Step 1. Collect the required items
You can easily get the materials needed to create a white look on furniture from your local material store.
- White latex paint
- Sandpaper, sanding block, or orbital sander
- Water
- Water-based polyurethane, if you wish to add a sealant.
- Cloth
- Bucket or container
- Paintbrush
Step 2. Sand the furniture
Labur is best brushed on raw wood. So you will need sandpaper, a sanding block, or an orbital sander to sand the furniture. Sanding will remove any existing finish on the furniture so that the coating can achieve the look you want.
Step 3. Wipe the furniture with a dry chamois
Clean all the dust from sanding before whitewashing the furniture so that the results are smooth. Use a dry chamois to wipe down the furniture and remove any dust.
Step 4. Mix pumpkin
Add one part paint to one part water in a bucket or container, stirring until smooth. This mixture will thin the latex paint and make it look like a regular pumpkin when applied to furniture as the natural wood fibers will be visible.
Step 5. Laminate the furniture
Use a brush to paint the furniture in long strokes in the direction of the wood grain. Apply a thin layer for best results.
- Work a little at a time as the chalk dries quickly.
- Allow the pumpkin to dry completely, then add another layer until you get the look you want.
Step 6. Apply a cover layer, if desired
Once the coating is dry, you can apply water-based polyurethane to the furniture to give it a seal and finish. This is optional, but will make the pumpkin look more durable.
Choose a matte (opaque) or satin finish
Tips
- The chalk will be whiter as it dries. So, wait a few hours for the pumpkin to dry completely to determine if you need a second coat.
- When painting furniture, always brush in the direction of the wood grain.
- Traditional pumpkin is soluble in water. So, if you are painting something where it will be exposed to water, it should be whitewashed periodically.
- If you feel that the coating is too opaque or thick after drying, sand it lightly with fine-grained sandpaper. Do this slowly and carefully so as not to scrape off too much chalk. Start in an inconspicuous area first to determine if the results are to your liking.
Warning
- If the furniture being whitewashed is not sealed, the coating will be more prone to wear.
- Lime is very dangerous. So you have to be careful while handling it. Wear a face mask while scooping out the chalk so you don't inhale the dust. It is also recommended that you wear protective eyewear and gloves.
- Labur is only recommended for use on objects that will be placed indoors, unless you add a sealing layer on top.
