@repurposedpalm: This is how I do a paint wash on my furniture flips. Start with bare wood. Make sure to use a soft bristle paint brush like these @ROLLINGDOG Tools that are good quality so the brush hairs don’t shed. Pour equal parts water based paint to equal parts filtered water to a container. Stir till combined. Brush on and wipe off with a lint free cloth or shop towel. The longer you let the paint wash sit on the piece the more concentrated the color will be.