How to Create a Sea Swept Finish with Salt Impasto

Artisan Salt Impasto is a powder that can be mixed with any water based paint to form a paste. When applied to furniture or other decor surfaces, it creates a textured finish similar to the sea sprayed salt washed up items that you might find along the shoreline of a beach.

Supplies used for this project:

  • Artisan Salt Impasto (if in USA, find similar product HERE)
  • Artisan Natural Chalk Finish – Creme Brulee
  • Tin decor jug/vase
  • Paint brush (not your “best” brush)
  • Charcoal Black Glaze (optional)
  • Mocha wash (optional)
Salt Impasto mixed with Chalk Paint

As I mentioned, Salt Impasto can be mixed with any water-based paint for this effect, but in this example, I used Artisan’s Natural Chalk Finish in the colour Creme Brulee.

I mixed according to the Salt Impasto instructions on the container, adding 1 part Impasto to 2 parts paint. Mix to a cottage cheese consistency. I found that my mixture was way too thick and so I added more paint (you’ll see in the video).

I then spread and stippled the mixture over the surface, creating lots of texture. 

Once dry, I decided to add some Charcoal Black Glaze to get into the valleys and crevices. Apply the glaze, then wipe back off the high points. 

Lastly, I added a wash of Mocha (Artisan Chalk finish) but you could use full strength, I just had the wash on hand. (50/50 paint/water ratio)

Salt impasto on a tin decor vase
Watch the Video Tutorial

Here is a video tutorial of the process I used to create this salty, textured finish. You’ll see what this decor jug looked like before I painted it in the first few seconds.

After watching the tutorial, let me know if you have any questions by leaving a comment below.

I hope you enjoy using this texture medium as much as I did. If you’re in Australia, you can find Salt Impasto right here on my website.

Salt impasto on metal jug
Salt Impasto on metal jug with wooden house sample board
Artisan Salt Impasto
Pinterest pin for this post on Salt impasto