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.   

This is my cute little 16 year old kitty, Sammy, he wanted everyone to see how cute he was, so he posed for this picture.

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.