Saltwash Is The Key To Adding A Vintage Look In Your Next Home Decor DIY
The adage, "one person's junk is another person's treasure," is never truer than in home decor. The call for vintage furniture finds has grown in demand over recent years. From thrift stores to antique shows and even estate sales, trend-savvy designers are constantly on the lookout for timeless pieces with personality. If you aren't up to date on all the best places to shop for vintage furniture, you can still bring an antique feel to pieces throughout your home with a product called Saltwash.
As the name suggests, this additive uses a natural sea salt ingredient to create texture where there isn't any. The powder is mixed with paint to produce an ocean-worn effect on furnishings. We know from TikTok's coastal grandmother fad of 2022 to HGTV's tropical chic trend of 2024 that there's something to be said for the beachy vibe. With Saltwash, you get the comforting aesthetic of a seaside retreat combined with the retro look of high-end antique finds. Check out how to get this look yourself with your next DIY project.
Start antiquing with Saltwash
If you're looking for DIY paint hacks worth trying in your home, this is a great place to start. Whether you want to recreate a salvaged wood or even a sea glass look, all you need is your choice of paint color and some of this magic powder. Use the "find a Saltwash retailer" tool to locate a supplier in your area. In New York, for example, you can pick up a can for $36.00 from The Purple Painted Lady. If you're lucky, you may be able to score some from Amazon as well. Once you've got your supplies and a project in mind, start transforming it into a rustic-chic dream.
To begin, add 20 to 25 ounces of powder for each quart of paint in your undercoat and mix well. Next, apply with a brush or sponge by scrunching it against the surface you're coating. It should look rough and textured as you go, leaving peaks of product poking up. As it dries, go back over it with the brush to smooth the lumps down. Once fully dry, add your topcoat of paint without the powder mix. Finally, sand the finished product lightly so the textured undercoat shows through. TikToker, birdonthehill, tried this method out on a Dollar Tree serving tray. The process completely transformed a cheap plywood box into an elegant, age-worn platter. Now you can stop relying on locating a vintage find that will bring instant rustic charm to your home, and create it for yourself with a little DIY elbow grease and some Saltwash.