DIY Shabby Shutters Using Layered Milk Paints

September 23 2020, by Gene Howard, 2 min reading time

Picked up some shutters from a rummage sale? AHAH Contributor, REVIVE by Heidi, is here to show you how to transform them! She calls these shutters, Ava and Ella.

Step 1 - Clean

Step 2 - Base Color

Paint a base layer of Credenza One Step Paint. After drying, I added one more coat. Be sure to lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper between coats for an extra smooth finish.

Step 3 - Add Texture

Apply two coats of Cracked Gesso with a natural bristle chip brush. Be sure to allow each coat to dry before applying the next.

Step 4 – Layer Milk Paint

I applied one coat of each color of milk paint in the following order – Marche Grey, Custom color (10 part Calais Green Pigment Powder + 1 part Essex Pigment Powder by A Makers' Studio), Custom color (10 part Riviera Blue Milk Paint + 1 part Capri Sand Milk Paint or other grey).

Step 5 – Antique

Remove some layers of milk paint by using a sea wool sponge and Antiquing Solution. Dab and pull the sponge to get a varied look. I also use a metal straight edge like a flat head drive or scraper to scrap off random parts of the paint and gesso where its think to achieve a chippy look. Lightly sand with 400 grit sandpaper to make the entire piece smooth to the touch.

Step 6 -Wax

I use Dark Antiquing Wax on the corners and edges to give it a little age. Let dry 30 minutes. Apply either Light Antiquing Wax and or Cerusing Wax. I did both but let dry 30 minutes between coats. It gave it great dimension and picked up in the texture nicely.