How to Paint Something White Shabby Chic

To get that old, white antique look on just about anything doesn't require years of storage in your garage or even heavy distress to your precious objects. With just a few simple tips and some very affordable supplies, you can transform anything overnight into a white shabby chic treasure.

Things You'll Need

• Object to paint
• Sandpaper
• Soft clean cloths (at least 3)
• Petroleum jelly
• Brushes
• Cotton swabs
• Off-white paint
• Dish soap
• Matte sealant or satin varnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Clean and sand your chosen object, making sure that you remove any debris, old paint and dirt before beginning. After sanding, use a damp cloth to remove any sawdust and allow the surfaces to dry completely.

2. Apply petroleum jelly to any features on the object that you would like to have that distressed, shabby chic look. Petroleum jelly can be applied with brushes, cotton swabs or fingertips to the edges, raised detail or any other desired area. Use the petroleum jelly sparingly, as it only takes a dab to keep paint off of the surface; however, too much will cause your paint to smear.

3. Paint your object with several coats of eggshell white, antique white or other semi-off white, creamy paint. Once the paint has thoroughly cured, use a soft cloth to gently peel away the layers of paint over your petroleum jelly application. Once removed, use a rag soaked in warm water and dish soap to clean the surfaces and remove the petroleum layer.

4. Allow the cleaned surfaces to dry completely and then add any finishing touches to your shabby chic look using a piece of sandpaper to distress any surfaces you like. You can either leave the object as is to promote further peeling and distress, or protect your work with a coat or two of matte sealant or satin varnish.