Asked by Dirk Fishback from Garber, Iowa

I have a bunch of oak 2×10’s from an old barn. They have been white washed. Was wondering if there is a cleaner that will help remove the white wash? I have a pressure washer I have been using but goes very slowly. Thought there might be a solvent or something I could use to help remove it more easily without damaging the wood. Any advice would be great.

Thanks
Dirk

3 Comments

The Barn Geek on March 2, 2021 at 9:36 pm

Glass bead them NEW
by: Anonymous (162.158.74.234)

I had a log house with the entire interior white washed. Had a glass bead blaster guy come in and the logs turned out perfect. Plus they were all hand hewn and none of the axe marks were damaged by the glass bead. Do not use walnut shell blasting. It gets in the wood and it attracts insects.

The Barn Geek on March 2, 2021 at 9:36 pm

Thanks NEW
by: Anonymous

Thanks Aaron

The Barn Geek on March 2, 2021 at 9:36 pm

Hi Dirk,

Thanks for your question. The only technique I have used to remove white wash is the very same technique you are using already.

The only alternative I can think of is that possibly media blasting would work, using walnut shells perhaps.

Maybe someone in the community will have a better idea and be able to answer you in the comments below.

Thanks
Aaron Esch
-BarnGeek