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 🙂
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!
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 🙂