Have you ever tried salt paint? It’s a super easy way to get that thick, crackled look of things aged by the wear of salt water and time to look like they came straight out of an old beach cottage. Besides being absolutely gorgeous, it’s easy to do with any type of paint by adding just a couple of things you might already have (or can pick up at the craft store for super cheap!) Since I love a good, unique paint finish (like my Shabby Farmhouse Style), I thought I’d share this easy technique you can do, too!
How to Make Your Own Salt Paint Recipe
I’ve been surprisingly into creating videos lately, and this one is no exception – so there’s a complete video to show you how I did it step by step. But I did want to give you a few quick tips.
- Mix your salt paint in a non-reactive dish (I use old glass bowls)
- Don’t mix more than you need. While you can put it in an air-tight container to keep for a few days, it won’t be as good as freshly mixed paint.
- Use cheap chip brushes to apply the salt paint. All those brush strokes along with the rough texture it creates only enhances the overall finish. You WANT to be messy – gloopy – and very thick. As it dries, this is what makes the texture amazing after sanding.
Salt Paint Recipe
*this post contains affiliate links to my Amazon shop – which means if you make a purchase then I may earn a commission*
- 3 tablespoons plaster of Paris
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons paint (I used acrylic)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt (you need kosher for the texture – plain table salt will not give you the same result.)
Now that I’ve told you how to make it – here’s a step by step video to show you exactly how I made it, paint it and also finish it.
Want to see more of that yummy beach cottage paint finish?!?
Soon I’ll share how to make this sign – but that’s for another day 🙂
This turned out BEAUTIFUL!!! Thank you so much! I’m not sure if you answered this already, but how long should I let it dry before I use it?
Thanks so much Michelle! Just let it dry until it is completely dry…just give it a touch and you’ll know 🙂
Hi can I use this on my wooden floor? Will it be non slip and do I have to finish with a wax too make it water tight? X
I am not sure that would work Shona, I have only used this technique for DIY projects and don’t know how well…if at all it would hold up to foot traffic.
I have mixed SAND with acrylic paint and painted a front porch and steps–it held up very well to weather and foot traffic!
Wow, thanks so much for sharing Gigi, I bet it’s beautiful!!
I’ve also used sand mixed with paint.
We painted this mix on Pool steps to prevent anyone from slipping on the painted steps.
The sand made a huge difference!
That was in 2008, and it’s still working!
That is a great idea Nancy, thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Did you mix just paint and sand or all the other ingredients as well?
I thought of that but since I WANTED it for a beach on souvenir paintings, and needed it to be a little more durable, I mixed my sand with plain old Elmer’s glue, then put paint in to get the right color. Let me tell you, that stuff will NEVER come off!
Wow, thanks for sharing Melanie!
Did you really mean: 2 tablespoons of paint, in you list of ingredients?
Yes I did 🙂 Give it a try, I bet you’ll love it!
I’M SO EXCITED TO TRY THIS! I love Aqua too! So does my sister. I’ve shared this with her & saved you to my board. Reading 3 to see where I can sign up with my email to your blog here hopefully I’ll find it I’m not very goid at blogging! but that’s okay I’m learning and it’s fun and I absolutely love this idea thank you so very very much look forward to reading all of your ideas.
Thank you, Cynthia.
Thanks so much Cynthia! Good luck 🙂
two tablespoons of paint won’t go very far. Can you mix larger quantities?
Sure Claudia, I just didn’t need much for this project 🙂
Is there another ingredient you can use other than Plaster of Paris, or can you make it with products you may have at home?
I don’t know Kelly, this is the only way I’ve tried it. Let me know if you find another way!!
This is genius! And I love this color 🙂 Gotta question though. Does it have to be acrylic paint or would work with the chalk paint(or any other paint) as well? Thanks for sharing Gina!
Hey Kasia,
Thanks!! Any paint works – but you may have to tweak the amount of paint to get the right consistency 🙂 Have fun!
Thanks for the tip Gina!
Wow that turned out really beautiful…love the look of it! thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much Sherry 🙂
I’m going to give this a try! I’ve bought the salt wash brand mix and got absolutely no result
Go for it Leah, I hope you like it and have fun!!
Thanks for sharing! Does it only need one coat? How long does it take to dry?
My pleasure Vanessa 🙂 Usually only one coat, you’ll know if you are happy with the results or if you prefer more. It takes about the same amount of time to dry as regular paint.
It matches your hair
LOL, yes it does Deb….imagine that 🙂
Nice, as like you……………
Thanks so much 🙂
I know you said to use kosher salt but can i use sea salt or Himalayan salt?
You will get a different effect Tanya, Kosher salt has larger crystals than sea salt or Himalayan salt. I would test it in a small batch first to see if it gives you the effect you like 🙂
I’m so interested in this salt paint. Is it going to use on cement and wood? And how about a larger area like a bathroom wall? Thank you. Loren
Hmmm, I am not sure, I’ve never used it on anything other than signs but I guess you could give it a try, if you do please let me know how it looks!!
Will this be Ok for an outside application or will it need to have a topcoat of varathane?
How do you get the lettering on the piece?
You can use a sealant for outside use and the lettering is one of my Chalk Couture transfers, you can see all of the amazing options like this one 🙂 Here is a link, https://www.chalkcouture.com/theshabbycreekcottage/
Absolutely GORGEOUS! I think I have my first Christmas present idea (YAY!!!!)
You may have answered this already, what is the paint color name? It’s so beachy.
Thanks so much! I am so happy to have inspired your Christmas present idea 🙂 I just used Aqua craft paint from the craft store, sorry don’t have an exact name. Good luck!!
Thanks so much! I am so happy to have inspired your Christmas present idea 🙂 I just used Aqua craft paint from the craft store, sorry don’t have an exact name. Good luck!!
Did u use vinyl for the letters on the board or something else….if not what did u use? Thx love it.
Hi Carla, I used one of my Chalk Couture transfers, here is a link to my store, https://www.chalkcouture.com/theshabbycreekcottage/
Please let me know if you have any questions 🙂
Nice! New job for me
Thanks so much, I hope you enjoy it!! Good luck 🙂
So if I want to make a bigger amount of paint I would just double the amount? Thanx for sharing the video….
Thanks Karloz, yes you can, good luck if you give it a try 🙂
Can I use sand
Hmmmm, I’ve never tried it, but I bet it would have the same effect. Please let me know if you try it and how it turned out 🙂
I was thinking the same thing….using course sand. Reason being, is that salt, over time is very corrosive and will deteriorate. Thanks for the info and video. I’ve never heard of salt paint before,lol!
Thanks Sherri, give it a try, it is beautiful!
I liked this ink too much. I did not know, the result was very good.
Thanks so much Regina!
Gina, this is really a cool idea and so authentic looking. I just read through all the comments and don’t see my question. I want to paint a canvas painting of the ocean and sand beach. If I replace the salt with sand so the salt doesn’t break down the canvas over time, could I use this concoction?
Hi Susan, first, that sounds like such a beautiful project! I can’t say for sure as I haven’t tried it but can’t see why not. I would give it a try on a practice canvas first to see if you like the effect before using it on your actual project. I sure would love to see it when it’s done! Good luck 🙂
Hi! Can you use this mixture on top of wood painted with a glossy finish? Thanks!
I’m thinking you could Timothy, I haven’t tried it so can’t say for sure. If you give it a go, please let me know 🙂
awsome) may i konow the uses of this paint. Can u suggest me for exterioir walls of house ,less cost but strong for summer temp 45c.thanks
Thats just amazing. Thank you for the great DIY idea. I’m going to try this with something small first.
Thanks Lulu, good luck!
How do you do lettering on such a rough texture and get it crisp? Love the texture.
It is definitely harder on a rough texture so you won’t get perfect clean lines, but I like it like that it looks more rustic and homey 🙂
Love that turquoise color – really beachy ! Looking forward to seeing the sign.
Thanks Daisy, it is my signature color 🙂