We all know that a new coat of paint can completely transform a good second hand find into a GREAT find! and paint is so easy too!!!
To get that old or aged look in a "newer" item, I wanted to share a little technique I learned.
If you give this technique a try share your project in the Brassy Apple Projects Flickr Group
Materials:
Object to be painted
Paint
Brush
Bar of Soap - needs to be a pure soap like Dove or Ivory
Sandpaper
Let's start!
The soap creates a "waxy" layer that helps the paint to be sanded off easier to reveal the color or material underneath of it. Normally the edges are sanded to give some contrast to an object but this technique allows you to create more interest and age in your projects.
Determine how many layers (colors) you will have and if there are certain places that you will want the paint to be sanded off.
I chose to work with 3 colors for my project. I applied a base coat (brown color) to this large wooden letter. Once it was dry I applied a thick layer of the soap in certain areas and then applied a second layer of paint (mustard color) on top of the that.
If you don't sand that layers as you go, then be sure to apply the soap in the same area on top of the new coat of paint that you did with the first layer. I wasn't sure the look I wanted and how much of each color I would use, so I sanded to my first layer (brown) through the second layer (mustard). 
Then I applied the last color (blue) leaving the areas I had already sanded exposed. 
I furthered the aged and weathered look of my wooden letter by applying a thin layer of brown paint with a rag onto the top coat of paint. Rubbing the paint into the cracks of the peeled paint and applying more in the corners, etc. Just apply and wipe, dab - repeat to achieve the depth of colors that you like. 
And that's it! A beautifully aged piece that is new but has all the character and style of a one of a kind treasure!
Linked up with DIY day on A Soft Place to Land and Get your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog
Your Letter looks Perfect - fantastic photos too :)
ReplyDeleteMegan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this fabulous technique! I had no idea how to do this!
I'll be featuring!
Wow - that is awesome. I love how you applied the soap to it. I am looking around trying to find something to try that out on. So cool!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jen
Great tutorial! I love learning new techniques. Thanks so much for this. Great project here and I can't wait to try it myself!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful tutorial...I am always looking for tips to distress better and more realistically-thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE IT! I am going to have to find something to paint today! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tip-Thanks!
ReplyDelete-Jill
that looks so beautifully aged
ReplyDeleteyou put the "P" in perfect! ha ha-i crack my self up! that is awesome-thans for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love it. I have also used rubber cement to achieve a chippy paint. I've never done soap I think I'll try it soon.
ReplyDeleteclever! I would have never thought of using soap! Great tutorial! thanks!
ReplyDeleteI just found you and had to stay awhile. I love all your tutorials!! you can be I'm going to be a follower.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly the tutorial I needed for a project I've been working on. Thanks so much! Soap. Go figure!
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial! I love this chippy look, and will try my hand at it.
ReplyDeleteI also heard you can use tealight wax?
-Amy
LOVE this look! thanks for sharing... soap can do wonders! Great for filling in holes in your wall too! Just get the right color soap, never know there was a hole there. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I have a little old bench that I am totally going to try this out on! Thanks for the tutorial! :)
ReplyDeleteL-O-V-E it!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing;}
A whole-lotta-awesomeness going on right here! Who knew soap was so versatile...hahaha!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I will be using this!
ReplyDeleterachael
itssimplelove.blogspot.com
Thanks for this great idea! I've been wanting to recreate an old door, and I think this technique will work great!
ReplyDeleteYou've got a great blog...and I'll be adding you to my list!
Thanks! I never would have thought of the soap! Now you don't have to be the lucky recipient of barnwood. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteOoo! I love this! You make it look so easy. I recently bought a big and badly painted letter from the thrift store with intentions to give it to my parents. Maybe this is the technique that I need to get it spiffy!
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought of using soap, but it really seems to work! Thanks for the great idea!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great tutorial. I ve done this a few times on furniture, and it works wonderfully!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love the colors. Thanks for sharing this technique.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
-Sarah
I love aged, peeling, crackling paint! Thanks for the tutorial. It looks terrific!!
ReplyDeleteYanet
Thanks, exactly was looking for. I need some aged wood *fast*, haha...
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your time and generosity!
Love this!! Thank you for sharing!! :)
ReplyDeleteWay cute! I have a letter "K" I have been wanting to repaint for a while, I think I will try it out today! Do you know if this technique would work on metal??
ReplyDeleteThanks!
So cool! I love how that turned out!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this with all of us. One of the best ideas & you never know how things are going to turn out, so it helped so much to see it and have it explained. Great job.
ReplyDeleteBetty Whatley
Down Memory Lane
What sort of paint works best for this technique?
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent technique. I'm pinning this right now!
ReplyDeleteAnna
http://lassothemoon.typepad.com
Thanks for your info. I have now used it to make so many craft signs in my own home. I just started a blog and will post credit to you for your techniques. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThis may seem like a stupid question...but I don't do a lot of arts and craft projects...where did you get your huge letter?
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful Holly! send me the link when you do! I'd love to see what you've created! :)
ReplyDeleteagentjodi - not at all! :) You can get them like a Michael's craft store or even Joann's fabric. I know JoAnns has large letters and they have 40% off coupons too you could use on them. Try hobby lobby. And they have a weekly coupon too! :) good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteEvery time I see this on my pinterest board, I'm inspired all over again. Just thought I'd come by and let you know. Really great work.
ReplyDeleteAnna
http://lassothemoon.typepad.com
I love this! Does it matter what type of paint you use? I wanted to do this with a door and wasn't sure if I should use normal wall paint or what would be best.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Boucher - I am not sure if it matters or not. I have only used craft paint. Good luck! ;)
ReplyDeleteP for Perfection, ill be trying this for sure
ReplyDeleteI used your tutorial and did a link back on my blog. Thanks so much for sharing!! http://fussymonkeybiz.blogspot.com/2012/10/patina-monogram-tutorial-sisterbug.html
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I also use candle wax instead of soap, works the same.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to try this technique to make a rustic looking welcome sign for a wreath I am making! Gonna try spray paint and craft paint on old pallet scrap wood. I will be sure to share a pic with you!
ReplyDeleteMany, many thanks for the technique! We decorated some tables using this technique (though we used Vaseline instead of soap) ... thanks for posting!
ReplyDeletehttp://creationsbyash.blogspot.com/2013/04/display-tables.html