How to Create Paint-Spattered Furniture

Let the Flecks Fly

Spattering really is something your kid could do, but that shouldn’t trivialize its impact. “Spattering is an easy way to revive a blah piece of furniture and give it a custom touch,” says decorative painter Ingrid Leess.

This child’s desk set started out as plain plywood, so Leess first primed and painted with latex in a satin finish. If you’re working with a painted piece, you can go directly to spatter.

Just mix equal parts satin latex—choose a color that contrasts with the base coat—and clear acrylic glaze, which gives the specks shine and dimension. Then lightly load a spatter brush, and tap it against a stick about 6 inches above the surface to create a hail of paint flecks. Do one surface at a time, letting it dry before turning the piece and spattering again.

In just a few hours, watch that ho-hum piece take on a whimsical and original new look.

Paint: Behr’s Red Hot (base coat) and Snow Fall (glaze coat)

Step 1

Paint the Base Coat

When the primed surfaces are dry, brush on the base coat, working along the length of the piece of furniture. Let dry.

Apply a second coat if needed.

Use plastic drop cloths and tape to cover any surfaces that won’t be spattered, such as the base and sides of our chair.

Tip: Use spent sanding sponges to prop up and steady any furniture you paint so that it won’t stick to your work surface.

Step 2

Mix the Paint and Glaze

In a wide-mouth mixing container, combine equal parts clear acrylic glaze and top-coat color. Stir the mixture, which should be creamy and luminous.

Step 3

Dip the Brush

Load the spatter brush by dipping just the bristle tips in the mixture.

Step 4

Start Spattering

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.