Salt Paint Your Way to Summery Bliss

Harness all of those summery beach cottage vibes with this simple salt wash paint tutorial.

Show: HGTV Happy

If you’re in love with crackly, worn-by-the-sun vibes, this DIY is for you. Never has it been so easy to give your furniture the quintessential coastal charm it has been lacking. Just pick your paint, add a few simple ingredients, and get to work.

Materials Needed

  • flat paint in desired color
  • flat paint in complementary color
  • flat white latex paint
  • plaster of Paris
  • kosher salt
  • water
  • stir stick
  • paint bucket
  • paint brushes
  • drop cloth
  • palm sander
  • mask
  • safety goggles

Mix Your Paint

Begin by mixing eight ounces of flat paint in your desired base color, one tablespoon kosher salt and three tablespoons plaster of Paris. The end result should be a thick but workable consistency. Once mixed, use water to thin as needed.

Paint Furniture

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Use a paint brush to work the salt paint onto the furniture piece. Use a dabbing technique to add texture to the surface. Though you do want to cover the entirety of the surface, the goal here is an imperfect, textured finish.

Second Coat

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Once the first coat has dried, repeat the salt paint mixing process with your desired complementary color. Repeat the dabbing process until the first color has been fully covered up.

Dry Brush, Sand and Complete

Once the second coat has dried, dry-brush a light coating of plain white latex paint on the entire surface and allow to dry. Once dry, sand all surfaces with 120-grit paper. Be sure to wear a mask to protect you from breathing in the dust. Use a small sanding block to get in the hard-to-reach areas. Wipe the surface clean with a wet rag. Voila! Just like that you have a stunning coastal-inspired piece ready to show off!

Side Table Painted With a Salt Paint Technique

A Plant Sits Atop a Small Blue Table

This small, outdoor side table was painted using a salt paint technique. With this technique, the side table takes on an antiqued look, lending itself to an overall coastal vibe.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

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