How to Get a Vintage Paint Finish With Leftover Paint & a Rag

Easy & Inexpensive way to get a Vintage Paint Finish ~ use left over flat paint & a rag. Let me show you HOW!
I had a stool with great "bones" and a scary dragon on it - a slated that dragon with my paint rag in less than an hour!
Supplies:
- left over flat paint
- a small rag
- water & a stirrer
Steps:
- mix water with paint in 1 to 2 ratio
- stir well
- dip rag in paint
- apply a thin coat of paint as you would stain
- after paint dries a bit rub with the wet paint rag to remove some paint
- rub with a dry rag & the paint rag until you get the desired finish
You probably have all you need to transform a piece on hand right now.
Get to it and have fun!
The easy HOW TO on creating a vintage paint finish without spending a dime on speciality paints or supplies.
Isn't that the time worn look we vintage lovers adore?
Well this is what was there before …. !
Rub more or rub less to achieve the look you want. If you rubbed off too much paint dip your rag & apply another thin coat. Watch for drips & work them in.
I used .5 cups water to 1 cup of flat paint & it was PLENTY to cover the stool.
Rub rub then a light touch with the rag
Nice 'bones' don't you think?
All done & dry in less than an hour!
Next step is to find something else to wash with a vintage vibe! Comment if you have any questions…


Good luck!
Kelly@mysoulfulhome
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Fkr22258830 Fkr22258830 on Apr 10, 2017

    will a satin finish paint work?

  • Yolanda Yolanda on Sep 01, 2017

    Can I use this technique on a mahogany Victorian sideboard? Is there something I should do to it before starting to paint?

  • Sabina Sabina on Sep 08, 2017

    Can I do this with an eggshell finish paint?

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 36 comments
  • Glenda Glenda on Apr 11, 2017

    I used a similar technique to cover (whitewash) an exposed brick chimney. I think I used a ratio of 1:1 And rubbed it on with a rag.

  • Angela Lozito Rogers Angela Lozito Rogers on Feb 07, 2022

    I love the table. Such beautiful bones. I really like your technique. I have so many part cans of paint.. this is a great way to use them up. Thanks

Next