Host Renai Ellison demonstrates how to add a vinegar-painted finish to a flea-market find or new piece of unfinished furniture.
Materials:
piece of furniture with simple lines
oil or enamel-based paint
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. liquid soap
1 Tbs. powdered tempera paint
paintbrushes
various items to create finishes with (Examples are comb, dried corn cobs, sponges, putty or modeling clay and crumpled paper.)
spray clear acrylic sealer
* Note: Wear protective gloves.
Steps:
- Paint the piece of furniture completely with the oil or enamel-based paint. Let dry completely. This serves as the base coat.
- Mix together vinegar, sugar and liquid soap.
- In another container, measure out the powdered tempera paint.
- Add enough of the vinegar mixture to the paint powder to create a paint wash. Let the paint settle for about 15 minutes. Check the consistency to make sure it is thicker than heavy cream but not as thick as cake icing. Adjust with tempera paint or liquid as needed.
- Using a paintbrush, apply this paint to the surface of the furniture. Work in small areas at a time (figure A).
- While the paint is wet, use various items, such as a posterboard comb (figure B) or corncob (figure C) to create designs in the paint. You can even use your fingers (figure D).
- Roll modeling clay or putty into cigar-like shapes and "fan" them at the corner of the furniture.
- Roll a dried corn cob across the surface, picking up paint and creating a design as you go. Experiment on a painted piece of scrap wood.
- When furniture is completely dry, finish with sealer to protect the surface.
Tips
- If you don't like the design you create, simply wipe off the paint with a vinegar-soaked cloth. Remove damp vinegar with a sponge.
- Occasionally wipe items such as a corncob or putty off on a cloth during use to prevent paint buildup.
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