Saltwash “Coastal Inspirations”
Summer is here! And there’s nothing better than creating a little DIY project with a coastal touch! Let me introduce you to Saltwash! If you haven’t heard of this fantastic product let me fill you in! It’s a powder additive that you can add to any kind of paint and it gives your furniture an incredible, weathered, chippy, saltwashed, time worn textured look!
This month the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest had Saltwash sponsor their June contest and I was thrilled! The theme was “Coastal Inspirations”. I had seen the amazing effect Saltwash gives to furniture and accessories and I couldn’t wait to try this stuff out!
This info is directly from the Saltwash website:
“Saltwash™ is a product, invented to create a unique weather worn, layered sun and salt air soaked look in just two quick steps. Saltwash™ is made with real sea salt, so you will notice it dries quicker and adheres to almost any surface that takes paint. It was designed to be mixed into any brand or type of paint and used as the base coat. When mixed to the desired consistency, it can be applied to almost any surface that takes paint. Originally intended for furniture, Saltwash™ also has found to give a unique look to walls, flooring, metal and even plastic.”
“Saltwash™ is a low voc product and all of the ingredients in it are considered safe in a working environment. We at Saltwash™ LLC., are very concerned with safety, so we recommend to always take precautions, and because Saltwash™ is a powder, we suggest wearing proper respiratory and eye protection when mixing and sanding.”
This was the table I decided to work on. It was a freebie from a friend of mine and I thought Saltwash would work perfectly on here! I had just given it a coat of white chalk paint.
I had some leftover paint that my dad and stepmom had given me from a project they had done at their house. I can’t remember the name of the color, but it was a very bright green, almost a jadeite green color. It was an eggshell finish. This was the first color I layered on .
This is the paint mixed with the Saltwash. You want to add enough of the product so that it becomes VERY thick like cake icing. When in doubt, add more.
I just used my Wooster brush to apply the paint and Saltwash mixture. Instead of painting, you want to use a pouncing or dabbing motion when applying.
Here you can see the texture starting to come alive. It adheres wonderfully and it dries very quickly.
Here is the first layer of the green applied. Notice the chunky texture! This is exactly what you want to achieve. I was thinking about just going over the green with my white topcoat but I wanted more dimension and layering appeal so I decided to add another color over the green.
Here is the second layer of paint and Saltwash. This was a bright tropical blue, also a leftover paint from a project! Also an eggshell finish. However, it doesn’t matter what finish you have on hand, Saltwash will mix with any kind of paint! I just glopped this on!
Love this texture!! I let each layer dry thoroughly before adding the next. It didn’t take long, maybe a half hour or so before applying the next layer.
So here is now a picture of the top coat applied over the 2 layers of color. This was just a white that I had on hand. I believe it was Snow White by Benjamin Moore. I didn’t add the Saltwash to the white. You use only the paint for the final top coat.
I let this dry overnight. Look at all the crevices and divots! I am in love!!
Another close up of the white over the green and blue.
This picture is after I sanded with my palm sander! Look how the blue and green layers of Saltwash come through! It looks just like its been sitting in a coastal cottage for decades!! I sanded a lot on the edges because I wanted to bring out some of the wood tones as well.
This is right after I applied my Johnson’s Paste Wax mixed with some dark Provincial Minwax stain. I just used an old sock and rubbed it in. I wanted an aged, distressed, stained feeling. I left the excess in the grooves and the corners.
And here it is inside!!
Doesn’t this look amazing? Beachy, weathered and worn and perfect!
I was so addicted to this stuff I couldn’t help but create a “Beach House” sign as well with all the same colors I used on the table. I can’t wait to experiment on other pieces with other colors. You must try this Saltwash product!! Try it out. You won’t be disappointed!
The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest is open only to the entrants who have signed up through the group Facebook page. If you are an active, furniture flippin’ blogger, and you’d like to participate in future contests, we’d love to have you! Please contact us at info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com to find out how!
I am linking up to these wonderful blogs!
wild sparrow designs 
What a beautiful transformation. I love the colors you chose. Using salt wash was so much fun. I can’t wait to use it again! Love your piece. It’s stunning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Carolann!
Thanks so much!! I am so in love with this Saltwash! I keep looking around my house to see where I can use it!
LikeLike
LOL me too. I have a few pieces in mind already! I can’t wait to see more of your creations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!
LikeLike
This turned out so beautifully! I love all the different colors. Isn’t Saltwash so addicting? Love the beach sign so much! I am making one for my sister!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Michelle! Totally addicting!
LikeLike
I love how you added 3 colors and exposed the wood. Very cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Holly! This is one of my favorites for sure!
LikeLike
Thank you Holly!! I love it too!
LikeLike
I just love this effect! It’s so unique and the beach sign really topped it off! I can’t wait to try this myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Peggie!! Try it you’ll love it!
LikeLike
The table and sign look fabulous. Isn’t it the greatest stuff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I am obsessed with it!!
LikeLike
Gah!! The rope trim work on the table is perfect for the theme! Gorgeous. Pinned it on two boards to share. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Robin!! Lol! Yes! you’re the best! Thanks so much! Can’t wait to see yours!!
LikeLike
Thank you Robin!! Yes, that rope trim was definitely a happy accident!!
LikeLike
the colors you choose are FAB and they looks great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Darrielle! Yours is amazing as well! Isn’t this Saltwash fun?
LikeLike
I absolutely love what the green did for this. Just perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Karen,
Thanks so very much!
LikeLike
What a wonderful transformation!! Love how you add green and blue and then both colors show together when distressed. The sign is so cool, I can’t wait to try Saltwash for a sign too!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
for those of you who do not have the pleasure of knowing this amazing talented women she i golden. I had the pleasure of seeing this piece up close and personal…………………BEAUTIFUL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Roseann!! That means so much to me! I really appreciate it! xoxo
LikeLike
Simply beautiful with that stunning green and the white accents! Very luch!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mean LUSH!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, was so much fun to paint this table!
LikeLike
Wow! You’re amazing ! Love the table and the transformation!! Great product!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!! I love working with Saltwash, its amazing.
LikeLike
Beautiful Job, our pieces are almost a matching pair, great minds think alike! Love the green. sweet piece!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Brenda! Lol!! Yes they are!! Absolutely!
LikeLike
Thank you for the step by step tutorial. I tried layering 3 colors, but did not put the Saltwash in the 2nd layer. I will try that next time!!! I love the look of your layers! What grit sandpaper did you use?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Robin! You’re welcome! I used my Ryobi corner cat sander with coarse grit sandpaper.
LikeLike
This whole thread sounds so bogus. Gotta be a commercial for Saltwhatever. Nobody uses that many exclamation marks!!!!!
LikeLike
Lol! Oh Get Real, don’t be so negative!!!! I love my exclamation marks!!!!!!!!
LikeLike
Your table turned out so pretty, great job. I was wondering can this saltwater be made at home from scratch? I look forward to hearing from you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Shelly, I’m not sure… I know that Saltwash uses real sea salt in their formulation, but I’m not sure how you can replicate it at home. I know you can add texture in other way, including using sawdust. That looks amazing as well!
LikeLike
Where can you buy Saltwash?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Charlotte!
Go to their website! http://www.saltwash.com
LikeLike
Thanks for the speedy reply. Looking forward to trying this product.
LikeLike