Using Salt Wash to Create a Chippy Look

Anyone who has been following my blog for a little while knows how much I love to paint things.  I’ve experimented with chalk paint, milk paint, and most recently, salt wash.  You probably also know by now that I’m obsessed with everything chippy white. I showed you how to create a chippy white with milk paint and a resisting agent, but I wanted to show you how you can create a chippy white with salt also. Using a salt wash gives the most authentic time-worn look compared to any other methods that I have tried.  Nothing beats true authentic chippy white pieces, but sometimes they are difficult to find; and when you do find them, they are usually pretty pricey.

For this project, you can purchase Saltwash powder or you can create your own salt wash.  I’ve done both and the results have been about the same.  Also, if you’d like to know how to make that cute little burlap pumpkin, click here.

Supplies Needed for Salt Wash:

2 cups of paint (any kind – I used Benjamin Moore in Simply White)

1/4 cup of salt or Saltwash powder

Paintbrush

Paint stir stick

Paint mixing cup or old container

Measuring cup

Paint scraper

Electric sander (or sanding block with lots of elbow grease)

How to Mix & Apply Salt Wash:

I prepared my furniture before starting by wiping it down with a wet rag and making sure it was completely dry.  Have all of your supplies ready because the paint dries out quickly when you add the salt.

To make your own salt wash, pour 2 cups of paint into a container and add about 1/4 cup of salt.  It’s best to gradually add your salt until you get pancake batter consistency.  If you add too much, your paint will become a big blob and you will have to throw it out and start over.  If you are using Saltwash powder, follow the directions on the can.  Stir until well mixed.  It dries out pretty quickly so be prepared to move fast.  If it gets too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out.

Dip the paintbrush in the salt paint and just kind of dab it on the furniture with a glob-like method.  You want lots of lumps and texture.  Don’t worry about covering every surface area of your piece with the paint because you are going to come back and distress anyway.  You sort of haphazardly get your paint on the piece (warning: this project is not suited for a perfectionist).  Haha.  Anyway, you really can’t mess this up so have fun with it.

After the paint dries, you have 2 options, depending on the look you want.

1. If you are wanting a chippy look with only one paint color, take a paint scraper and knock off some of the large clumps of the salt wash, exposing the wood underneath.  Then lightly sand with an electric sander to smooth it out a little (you want to keep that textured look, so don’t over sand).
2. If you would like a layered-paint chippy look, add a top layer of paint in a different color WITHOUT salt wash.  Once the second layer is completely dry, use an electric sander to reveal the layered paint, sanding enough to expose some of the wood.

If you are wondering how the layered paint looks, you can see my first attempt at salt wash below.  With this project, I added the Saltwash powder to Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint in Lucketts Green, then put a coat of Farmhouse White on top. I love the way the salt wash came out, but this was my first attempt with an orbital sander and it kinda got away from me. It takes a little practice to get used to.  My advice would be to practice on something other than your furniture for the first time.  Lesson learned from my mistake.  You’re welcome. 😉

That’s it!  Wasn’t that easy!!!  I’m sure a lot of you already have everything you need to make your own salt wash, so go find yourself something to paint and get busy!  I’d love to hear your thoughts below.  What do you plan to paint?

Have a wonderful day friends and be blessed! xoxo