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 use the plaster of Paris or just the sand and paint?
Just sand and paint Deb 🙂
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 🙂
What did you wipe the painting off with .
Just a wet paper towel…water 🙂
Loved your demo. Will have to try this❤
Thanks so much and good luck!
Wowwww!! I love it. And the color too. Can you tell me what is the name of the color you used in this video please? I want to give it a try ans this is the color I m looking for.
Thanks Christine! I used what I had left in an old bottle of acrylic paint I got at Hobby Lobby and no longer have it as I used it all. You can go to any craft store and find inexpensive acrylic paint and find one similar to this color, it was aqua. Good luck 🙂
That looks awesome !
Thanks Denise!!
Hi Gina,
I read everything and watched your video. I would love to use this on a child’s bathroom wall….three children, all under 6 years of age share the same bathroom. Do you think it will hold up? Or, would I need to put some sort of sealer to my finished wall. I love the exact way yours looks and I think it will look really well for my Sponge Bob loving kids.
Dennie
That sounds like a fun bathroom idea Dennie, I am not sure how it would hold up with all of the moisture in a bathroom but a sealer would probably help!
Can I use grout instead of the plaster of paris
I do not know Heather, I haven’t tried it so couldn’t say. Let us know if you give it a try 🙂
Is this mixture ok for decorating outdoor projects? Thank you
Yes it is Vernon, just spray with a sealant or clear spray paint to protect it 🙂
Gina – Fabulous! I came across this page when meandering through this rabbit hole I fell into while on a hunt for some kind of powder that becomes paint when I add water that is cheaper than regular paint… (any suggestions?) I just read every single comment on this page and thought I’d tell you I became an instant fan and about about to peruse the rest of your site. We share the same signature color, and these comments have me wondering if yours was also inspired by Valium? haha Keep up the great work, Wonderwoman! My MadHatter’s hats’ off to you! XO, Adam
LOL, thanks Adam 🙂
The mixture needs to be adjusted a little bit if you use regular wall paint. My mixture was much thinner than yours was with acrylic paint. I just did this today so I’ll update once it dries. I did this on 2 end tables.
Thanks for letting us know Emily, I bet it was beautiful!
Well, it came out super thick and not very uniform. I didn’t want to make the finish too thin but I ended up making it too thick. Too much to sand over and save it. The end tables are ruined 🙁 I would recommend anyone who is trying this to use a piece of test wood first. The part of the end tables I liked the most were the edges where I just brushed on the salt paint and the areas in the top that I didn’t put much on.
I am going to take the tops off of the end tables and try again with fresh wood (after I’m happy with the sample) and I’m going to use acrylic paint.
I love the way this looks when it’s finished. I can’t wait to try it out! What grit sandpaper do you recommend using to get the best results?
Thanks! I just use whatever I have on hans, it really doesn’t matter 🙂 Have fun!