Is This Too Chippy for Chip Gaines? Using the Vaseline Resist Technique with Milk Paint

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Let me start off by saying I didn’t discover this process . . . other bloggers out there have shared how this works before.  But I love using this technique on pieces and wanted to share with you how it has turned out for me.

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Most of you probably already know that milk paint can create some amazing texture on furniture as it chips away from the surface sometimes.  You can also use another simple home product though to add more texture and interest to your painting–Vaseline! The Vaseline will provide a barrier to the paint sticking and can be used to create layers of paint on a piece.

Let me walk you through my process on this maple drop-leaf table I bought recently from another dealer who was going out of business.

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It was sturdy, clean, in overall good shape, just needed some pizazz.

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It’s original finish is pretty glossy, so I was thinking the milk paint would chip a good bit.  But in case it didn’t, I decided to layer the paint using Vaseline to make sure it would have that rustic look.

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The Vaseline Resist Technique

I mixed up some MMS Luckett’s Green and painted on a messy coat on the table base only.  I didn’t sand or prep the wood at all before painting, hoping for some chipping.

Once the Luckett’s Green dried, using my finger I wiped on a thin coat of Vaseline on the edges and trim areas (where paint would naturally be rubbed off over time).  Then on went a coat of MMS Ironstone–look what happened when it dried.

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See those bubbly places? That’s where the Vaseline is.  All I had to do was rub with some fine grit sandpaper or a wet cloth and that layer of white came right off to reveal the green beneath.

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Surprisingly, the paint ended up not chipping at all! So I’m glad I used the Vaseline because it made sure I had that weathered, rustic look I was going for.

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I have used this technique before on another piece that did have a lot of chipping . . . so you get even more texture when that happens.

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In some places, both layers of paint chip off, exposing the bare wood.  Then in others, just the undercoat of paint shows through.

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I know this look isn’t for everybody, and it doesn’t fit every piece.  But it is a neat technique and a good one to have in your furniture painting tool belt.

Give it a try sometime if you haven’t already!

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Terry Cannon

Thursday 7th of August 2014

What is the difference between chalk paint and plaster paint. I love the look and the Vaseline look is great.

Melanie

Sunday 10th of August 2014

Honestly Terry I don't know much about Plaster Paint, having only used it once. I found it very similar to chalk paint though.

Robin

Thursday 17th of July 2014

Thank you for sharing this. I've wanted to try using Vaseline on a project, and your great photos and explanation help provide wonderful visuals for the technique!

Melanie

Friday 18th of July 2014

Thank you Robin. It's a fun technique, you definitely should give it a try.

Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

Monday 7th of July 2014

Wow, Melanie, what a vast improvement on an originally plain table! I haven't tried the Vaseline method yet but hope to at some point. Thank you for sharing this at the History & Home link party. Take care, Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

Soiledrotten

Sunday 6th of July 2014

Great post! Thank you for sharing. Hope to exchange some creativity between our blogs. Happy Day, Alison

michelle

Friday 4th of July 2014

Table looks great Melanie. Thanks for sharing!

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