How to Get the Chippy Paint Technique in a Unique Way

5 Materials
$40
3 Hours
Easy
What is the number one tool needed to paint besides the paint?

If you said a paintbrush, in most cases you would be right. But if you’re wanting a chippy paint look, this technique doesn’t require a paint brush.
I was inspired by an old chest in one of my grandparent's outbuildings. The chest was long forgotten, except by me. The chipped finish showed layers of paint. I wanted THAT look.
I found a cabinet door at a thrift store. I plan to use the door in a wall of cabinets for craft storage. I used a mix of chalk-based paints and latex.
I needed the paint to be thick. So I added a sprinkle of calcium carbonate to thicken. Even added it to the chalk-based paints. There are more ideas on the website to thicken paint.
Instead of a paintbrush, I used a piece of wood to "paint." Why? because I wanted uneven paint. When using a brush we tend to smooth the paint. Painting with a piece of wood isn't as hard as you would think. Also as you paint, lay the wood on the paint and lift up in areas- like if you were making a meringue pie and using a knife to make peaks in the meringue. Then smooth the peaks a bit. This step adds to the chippiness.
Let the paint dry to touch!!! It is important that you don't let the paint dry completely.
Paint another color the same way. Let dry to touch only.
Paint another color. Notice this area has "meringue" peaks.
Here I smoothed the peaks a bit. Again let dry to touch only. Note: Thick layers of paint dry from the top down. Sometimes, as the bottom layers dry and shrink it causes the top layer to crack. This happened to my door and I like the look. This may or may not happen next time.
When the last layer is dry to touch, use a paint scraper to chip away at the layers of paint. Since the bottom layers didn't dry completely the paint chips easier.
Finished chippy door
The chippy door is ready to add to the wall of craft storage...when I get them painted. You may notice my door got the crackle finish. icon
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Country Design Style-Jeanette
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 7 questions
  • Vicki Coggins Vicki Coggins on May 25, 2018

    What are some crafts to work with copper tube straps

  • Jackie Jackie on Jun 08, 2018

    What is a good cleaners for my kitchen cabinets, that will get down to the nitty-gritty?

  • SueBee SueBee on Jun 12, 2019

    I love the result! Did you do this in a full day or over a few hours?? Just wondering roughly how long it takes each layer to dry to the touch. I'm guessing the thicker layers take longer??

    Thanks!!!

Comments
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3 of 27 comments
  • Bek Bek on Jun 12, 2020

    What a perfect treatment for a farmhouse kitchen! And I may be in the market for an old farmhouse in the foreseeable 9if not near) future! SAVED!

  • Lora Taylor Hyatt Lora Taylor Hyatt on Jun 13, 2020

    Was there an additional layer under the aqua? 4 layers? I see a royal blue, aqua, yellow and beige

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