How To Layer And Distress Paint With Vaseline | Video Tutorial

Do you guys want to learn how to layer and distress paint with Vaseline today? That’s the technique I used on the Shabby Chic Pink and White Table from the themed furniture tour last week. There are several steps to the process but the technique is really simple.

The tutorial contains a lot of photos and details plus I have a video of the process. The video is just over a minute long and you get to see me in action.

How To Layer And Distress Paint With Vaseline

Step 1. Prep Furniture

The furniture I chose for this project has a lot of missing and bubbled veneer. It’s the perfect piece for layering paint. The detailed wood applique and the rough finish will be beautiful distressed.

I peeled off the loose veneer, sanded the rough edges with 100 grit sandpaper, and cleaned the table inside and out with Simple Green.

Step 2. Gather Supplies & Tools

Project Supplies:
Paint- 2 colors of choice
Vaseline
3M Flexible Sandpaper
Paint Brush
Soft Lint Free Rag ( I use old sheets)

Step 3. Apply The First Layer Of Paint

The pretty pinkish coral paint is a sample jar of Behr. It was on the oops paint shelf for 50 cents. You can’t beat that. I only brushed on one coat of paint. It covered really well.

Step 4. Apply Vaseline To The Paint

Wait for the paint layer to dry then apply Vaseline in areas where furniture would normally wear. Use a clean lint free rag to apply the Vaseline. I tear up an old sheet. They make great project rags.

A thin layer of Vaseline is all that’s needed. Don’t apply the Vaseline too thick or the brush will drag when applying the second layer of paint and also it will get very messy. Trust me. The voice of experience here.

Step 5. Apply The Second Layer of Paint

Now it’s time to apply the top layer of paint. I used Reclaim paint in off-white.

There should be a definite contrast between the two paint colors you choose for the project. You wouldn’t want to use two similar colors of pink for example.

Step 6. Distress The Paint Layers

Once the top paint layer is dry it’s time to distress. I used 100 grit 3M flexible sandpaper but any kind of sandpaper will do. I recommend using 100-120 grit. Sand the areas of paint where you applied the Vaseline. You can also distress other areas of the paint.

Where the Vaseline was applied the top layer of paint will sand off and you will be able to see the bottom layer of paint. In most instances sanding the paint without the layer of Vaseline would cause both layers of paint to come off

That’s it! You can see the video here….

Video Tutorial

Layer And Distress Paint With Vaseline

Have you tried this technique? For a really bold look try cherry red paint layered over turquoise, like this one…

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial and the video. Have a great day and I’ll see you tomorrow.