Old paint finish technique
I wanted to show you how to achieve a layered old paint effect using an ordinary chip brush that you can purchase at any craft or hardware store.

My turquoise chair in my kitchen started off as a $1.00 garage sale find. The seat had split, so we just glued and clamped it, now it's as good as new.
Now onto the paint job.
I generally don't sand before I paint, I just make sure it's clean using glass cleaner and rag. Most of you know that I paint my furniture using regular acrylic craft paint. Try mixing up your own colors for that special custom color and believe it or not those little 2oz bottles go along way.
Chip Brush
Now forget all those rules about regular painting, it's ok, if you have a drip, it's ok if you have missed spots, it's even ok to brush over it before it's dry, this will give texture and make it look like something that's old and been around for years.
For this chair I only used one color, but layered the coats, 3 coats total. The first coat, you can see how it has a dry brush effect and there are many missed areas.
Because the chip brush has uneven bristles, it's easy to give that uneven appearance.

The second coast was done just like the first but you can see how the blue is looking a little more uniform, but still patchy.
The third coat or even more coats if you want, will finish off the weathered old look. I'm usually so impatient that I get out my hair dryer and dry the paint as I go, remember you can't mess this kind of paint job up, any mess up only add texture and depth.
Sometimes I will sand or scrape to distress further, but this chair had enough character that I didn't think it was needed.
To protect the finish I always apply a wax finish, like minwax furniture wax, you will need to apply at least 2 coats, but I think 3 give the best finish. Just follow the directions on the can.
So give it a try, you'll be amazed how easy it is.
Wow ~ thanks for that tutorial. I am definintely going to try that ~ wonderful ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow ~ thanks for that tutorial. I am definintely going to try that ~ wonderful ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial. You have a beautiful house. Love your punches of turquoise! BTW, I'm your newest follower. I don't know how I have missed your blog in the past.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that could be accomplished with 3 of the same coats. How do you like the wax? I've tried it, but I felt like I wasn't putting any on. Do you take a glob out and rub it on or just use a rag?
ReplyDeleteThanks, I am going to try this!
ReplyDeleteI have a chair I want to redo, and now I'm more motivated than ever to do it!!! Thanks so much for the inspiration...you make it look so easy!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the terrific tutorial. It looks so easy. Your chair is charming!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking old chair. I have often used acrylic paints too...love all the different colors you can get out of those little bottles. Nice tutorial too. I wonder why they call them chip brushes- Any idea? xxoo Diana
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pictorial tutorial and the wax info too.
ReplyDelete- Joy
thanks for the tips! I'm horrible at "aging" techniques, I think this will help a lot!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you use a chip brush!! I am going to get one asap for several things I have to paint....
ReplyDeleteI love this...it looks great!
ReplyDeleteAH Trixie, Sammy was me old cats name that past away two years ago, anyway great job on the paint. thanks for the tutorial.
ReplyDeletePattie
So pretty, and what a great color. I have a thing for chairs; love them! :)
ReplyDeleteJodi
Cute kitty and I love the chair. One question...I painted my dining table with an oil based satin, can the minwax be used over the oil based paint?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the "how to" tips. I need all the help I can get!
ReplyDeleteGreat how to! Love the color. Did you have to wait to wax? I use Briwax and it takes off the paint if I don't wait for it to cure. Just wonder if the minwax is that way.
ReplyDeleteI love an EASY paint tutorial that looks like it took longer! So many people have so many steps that I don't even want to bother reading the tutorial because I know there must be a shorter method. I go for simple and then the furniture looks aged and old like I want it anyway. Thanks for sharing something we can all accomplish. Can't believe that chair was only $1! Now that's truly a find!! Also, I love those little bottles of paint. Aren't they fun? If you don't like that color, it's only a couple of dollars wasted instead of $20 - $40!
ReplyDeleteOh how I love swooning over your beautiful home. Thanks for sharing. I've bookmarked this post in my "things to try" folder, this one will be top of the list, for sure!
ReplyDeleteThe tutorial was great...what color paint did u use? Was smiling when I saw picture of Sammy as he looks like my 18yr old cat Sammi ! Luv "tuxedo cats"!
ReplyDeleteThe tutorial was great. What is that color? Smiled when I saw your cat Sammy as he looks like the twin of my 18 yr old Sammi ! Soo cute..
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh...beautiful. Going to have to give that a try, maybe for my new room!
ReplyDeleteWhat a super cute chair!! I think with your clear instructions that I can even accomplish this with great results. Hope you're having a fabulous week!!:O)
ReplyDeleteLove your chair and how cute Sammy is! Your tutorial is very easy to follow. I am going to give this technique a try.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your tutorial. I have some pieces I want to paint, but not sure I can afford the chalk paint that I've read about on other blogs. I CAN afford acrylic craft paint! Love how your chair turned out, it's lovely!
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous...thanks for the step by step, you've made it look so easy!
ReplyDeleteCute model too!
Great transformation. Thanks for the tutorial.
ReplyDelete~Heidi
I use that same brush for putting on wax, and I didn't know it had a name! I called it "cheap brush". LOL. Nice job on the chair, it looks great.
ReplyDeleteWOW! I cant wait to try that! I wonder if spray paint could do the same thing? hmmmmmm.....
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tutorial. Good stuff. I like how it turned out.
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative way to apply the paint! The finish turned out so beautiful and authentic. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteAmanda
I wanted to stop in and let you and your readers know about my slipcover giveaway...well, actually, my GIVEAWAY SERIES...
ReplyDeleteXo, Meme
I love using chip brushes, great finished chair!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! The color is just perfect! What do you scrape with to distress?
ReplyDeleteJust signed up...once I saw your little tuxedo cat, he is adorable! My little guy, Steve, is a bundle of fun energy. Then, I read your tutorial and I was hooked. Love the result and the suggestion to use the little bottles of paint. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI just posted, reread your post and saw cute Sammy's tail in the last picture. Aren't cats the best helpers?
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired! I have just the chair to try this on and can't wait. What color paint did you use?
ReplyDeleteHi Trixie
ReplyDeleteYour blog is gorgeous and the tutorial is wonderful!
I'm a new follower of your blog. I hope you'll join me over at Create With Joy.
Ramona
http://create-with-joy.com
P.S. I discovered AFTER the fact that the giveaway I entered closed last year, lol - but the good news is, that is how I found your blog! :-)
Very Nice :-)
ReplyDeleteI love redesign - Remade :-)
Great colour, and great tips. Thanks so much. Your home is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love it, Trixie! I have some old(ish) chairs that are children's size. The original color is red. Any suggestion about what color I should paint over them for maximum impact? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNew follower, great site! Beautiful Home! Sammy is so cute, just like my kitty always getting in the pictures and projects! Your tip is good on Miniwax paste, I have been using it also, great results. Hope to have you visit my blog.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a new technique to give a try. It looks like it would save some time from the one I usually do. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteSo, if you were to paint a fancy, shiny, wood kitchen table, would you sand it first? I'd so LOVE to skip this step...
ReplyDeleteI love this finish! (I featured it in today's post). I'm curious to know if you've tried chalk paint. The finish you've done looks very similar - but at a fraction of the cost!
ReplyDeleteGotta love that!
Great technique! I love chip brushes and use them all the time for all sorts of things.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the chairs I actually have two that are the same style. I just may try your technique
ReplyDelete