Step 4: Start Spattering

Splatter paint on furniture using a wood stick
Photo: Wendell T. Webber
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Test your technique on cardboard before moving on to your furniture pieces. Tap the brush lightly against a firmly held stick. Try to maintain the same pressure and cadence as you spatter one entire surface. Find a rhythm, and stick to it.

If you don't like the emerging pattern, simply wipe off the glaze with a wet rag and try again when the surface dries.

Once you spatter one side to your satisfaction, let it dry before turning the piece and spattering another surface.

Tip: Move closer to the surface for bigger spatters and farther away for smaller ones.
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    More in Painting & Finishes

    Tools List

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    • 3-inch wide paint brush
      3-inch nylon-polyester paintbrush for putting on the base coat
    • bucket with liner
      Cut bucket and liners
    • eye goggles
      Eye protection
    • latex gloves
      Gloves
    • Painter's Tape
      Painter's tape

    Shopping List

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    1. Two disposable cups and wide-mouth container for measuring and mixing paint and glaze

    2. Stick to tap the brush against

    3. Scrap cardboard for practicing your technique

    4. latex paint in two colors. We used a satin formula for the base and for the paint to tint the glaze.
    5. Clear acrylic glaze to create semitranslucent, luminous spatters and extend the working time

    6. A smock to keep paint spray out of your eyes and off your skin

    7. Spatter brush with long, separated bristles

    8. Plastic drop cloths to mask off surfaces you don’t want to spatter