Love upcycling furniture and making things look better than new with cool paint finishing techniques? There are so many awesome ways to create paint textures and colors on old furniture. I had seen many of these and always wondered how to do them at home. Whether you are looking to age and distress wood, get a crackle or chippy finish or learn how to make your own milk and chalk paint, we have the best step by step tutorials for you. Complete with instructions that show you exactly how to get these amazing DIY finishes for your home decor, these do it yourself ideas are super creative and impressive. Check out these cool ideas and start making some creative projects this weekend!

DIY Paint Techniques and Finishes

1. Weathered Boat Paint Finish

debisdesigndiary

Paint technique creating a weathered boat finish for a coastal accent piece that anyone can try at home

Do you love diy paint techniques? This weathered boat paint finish recipe is exactly the kind of thing I go looking for. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the boat paint finish. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Debisdesigndiary has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

2. Chalky Paint Ironed Vinegar

countrydesignstyle

Chalky paint distressed with an iron and vinegar for a worn furniture look that anyone can try at home

I am a big fan of an easy tutorial, and this chalky paint ironed vinegar recipe is one of my favorites. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. You can grab the whole recipe from Countrydesignstyle at the link.

4. Dry Brushing Paint Technique

lovegrowswild

Dry brush technique layered lightly over furniture for a soft aged look with supplies most crafters own

Why not try a copycat recipe the easy way? This dry brushing paint technique recipe makes it simple. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Head over to Lovegrowswild for the complete recipe.

5. Weathered Look Using Latex Paint

unexpectedelegance

Paint technique layering latex paint for a weathered, worn wood finish you can finish in one sitting

Weathered Look Using Latex Paint – yes please. This one delivers on step by step instructions without any fuss. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Check out Unexpectedelegance’s full tutorial for all the details.

7. Create a Chipped Paint Finish

thecountrychiccottage

Chipped paint finish created with wax resist for an authentic worn edge you can finish in one sitting

This is an easy recipe, and I never get tired of it. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the chipped paint finish. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Thecountrychiccottage has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

11. Mica Paint On Cold Process Soap

soapqueen

Mica paint swirled onto cold process soap for a shimmering finished bar you can finish in one sitting

My family always asks for seasonal recipe ideas like this, and this mica paint on cold process soap recipe is one we keep making. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Check out Soapqueen’s full tutorial for all the details.

13. Washable Homemade Fabric Paint

craftinvaders

Paint technique mixing washable homemade fabric paint for kids crafts that beginners can still pull off

I have always loved a clear how-to, and this washable homemade fabric paint recipe is a great example why. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. You can grab the whole recipe from Craftinvaders at the link.

14. Distressed Furniture

diyjoy

Furniture distressed with sanding and layered paint for a worn farmhouse look that beginners can still pull off

This distressed furniture recipe is quick, easy, and a real win for an easy tutorial. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Get our full step by step tutorial to try it yourself.

15. Liquid Watercolor Paint

emmaowl

Liquid watercolor paint mixed at home for a bright, budget friendly art supply for anyone who loves this hobby

Why make it complicated? This liquid watercolor paint recipe keeps homemade treats simple. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the liquid watercolor paint. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Head over to Emmaowl for the complete recipe.

16. Distress Paint With Vaseline

lovegrowswild

Paint technique using vaseline as a resist for an easy distressed finish with real skill behind the finish

Distress Paint With Vaseline? Sign me up. This is a copycat recipe done right. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Check out Lovegrowswild’s full tutorial for all the details.

17. Create An Oxidized Patina Look

refunkmyjunk

Oxidized patina finish created with paint for an aged metal look that makes a genuinely thoughtful handmade gift idea

Here is step by step instructions, and I keep coming back to it year after year. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Refunkmyjunk has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

20. DIY Faux Rust With Chalk Paint

thechelseaprojectblog

Faux rust finish created with chalk paint for an industrial style accent for a budget friendly upgrade

Thechelseaprojectblog really knows recipe ideas, and this diy faux rust with chalk paint recipe shows it. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Head over to Thechelseaprojectblog for the complete recipe.

21. Dry Brush A Furniture

refunkmyjunk

Paint technique dry brushing furniture for a soft, textured highlight that makes a genuinely thoughtful handmade gift idea

Around here, this dry brush a furniture recipe disappears fast whenever I make seasonal recipe ideas. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Check out Refunkmyjunk’s full tutorial for all the details.

22. Get A Layered Paint Finish

lovelycraftyhome

Layered paint finish built up in coats for depth and dimension on wood for a budget friendly upgrade

Looking for fall recipe ideas that actually works? This get a layered paint finish recipe is it. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. We’ve got the complete tutorial for you right at the link.

24. Paint Oak Cabinets

newtoncustominteriors

Oak cabinets painted and prepped for a bright, updated kitchen look that makes a genuinely thoughtful handmade gift idea

This paint oak cabinets recipe is fuss free and delivers on an easy tutorial. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Get the full recipe from Newtoncustominteriors to see every step.

25. Paint Veneers Tutorial

artzyfartzycreations

Paint technique prepping and painting veneer furniture without peeling that makes a genuinely thoughtful handmade gift idea

No need to overthink homemade treats – this paint veneers tutorial recipe is refreshingly simple. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Head over to Artzyfartzycreations for the complete recipe.

26. Mixing Milk Paint Technique

refunkmyjunk

Milk paint mixed from powder for an authentic vintage furniture finish that makes a genuinely thoughtful handmade gift idea

Mixing Milk Paint Technique, and it is a good one. Just a copycat recipe, no fuss. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the milk paint technique. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Check out Refunkmyjunk’s full tutorial for all the details.

27. Paint And Distress A Wood Hutch

sobremesastories

Wood hutch painted and distressed for a farmhouse style furniture update for a fun afternoon project

I do not think I will ever get tired of step by step instructions like this. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Sobremesastories has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

28. Paint A Brick Fireplace

southernhospitalityblog

Paint technique brightening a brick fireplace for an updated living room for a fun afternoon project

Weeknight, weekend, or a crowd – this paint a brick fireplace recipe covers a clear how-to either way. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. You can grab the whole recipe from Southernhospitalityblog at the link.

29. Homemade Puffy Paint

happydealhappyday

Puffy paint mixed at home from simple pantry ingredients for kids crafts for a fun afternoon project

Put this homemade puffy paint recipe on your list next time you want an easy tutorial. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Get the full recipe from Happydealhappyday to see every step.

32. Bath Paints Using 2 Ingredients

laughingkidslearn

Bath paint mixed from two ingredients for a simple tub time activity that makes a genuinely thoughtful handmade gift idea

Craving an easy tutorial without much effort? This bath paints using 2 ingredients recipe has you covered. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Laughingkidslearn has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

33. Rainbow Flour Paint Recipe

learnplayimagine

Paint technique mixing rainbow flour paint for a colorful sensory activity that looks far more expensive than it is

Count me as a fan of homemade treats – this rainbow flour paint recipe recipe is proof. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. You can grab the whole recipe from Learnplayimagine at the link.

34. Paint Graphics On A Furniture Like A Pro

canarystreetcrafts

Graphic pattern painted onto furniture with a stencil for a pro finish that looks far more expensive than it is

This paint graphics on a furniture like a pro recipe is about as easy as a copycat recipe gets. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the furniture like pro. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Get the full recipe from Canarystreetcrafts to see every step.

 

Stephanie Hicks | DIY JOY

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Stephanie

Since I lover experiments, I’ve alwaysnloved to create, paint, as well as cook and style food. I feel in love with DIY as soon as I discovered it and could not have been more excited when I learned I could share projects with people around the world. Taking photos is a passion of mine, as is design and painting with oils. I love holidays and celebrations, crafting cute little gifts and serving up at least one new recipe I am excited about.

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