Create Custom Textured Art with Gettin' Salty

Custom Art Starts with Texture — Let’s Get Salty

Project by Lori Parham of Sassy Southern In the Creek in Kernersville, NC

Ready to turn an old salvaged window into something elegant, textured, and totally YOU? Our Gettin' Salty Paint Texture Additive makes it easy to create custom artwork that looks like it came straight out of a fancy boutique gallery — but is budget friendly & created by you!

It's so simple! Here's a step-by-step tutorial to upcycle an old window into custom art...

Step 1 - The "Canvas"
For this project, you'll need a discarded window to repurpose. You can find these at thrift stores, yard sales and online marketplaces! In fact, sometimes you can even get them for FREE! PRO TIP: Snag a stack of them because you'll want to make more of these fun pieces to sell or gift!!!
Step 2 - Paint Supplies
This project will require a few supplies besides your "canvas." First, select 2 complimentary paint colors that match your room decor- we used Birch & Sea Spray for that soft beachy background. Our Gettin' Salty Paint Texture Additive will create the magic on this piece!

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Step 3 - Selecting a Rub-On Transfer

As an accent on the front of your painted window, you'll be applying a decorative rub-on transfer. There are several companies making this type of product including IOD and Redesign With Prima. Many of our retailers carry furniture transfers, so go find one you love - just make sure it coordinates with the colors you've selected for your project. Our featured project used IOD's Elysium transfer.

Step 4 - The Gettin' Salty Pounce
Mix one small batch of Gettin' Salty + Birch and a second small batch of Gettin' Salty + Sea Spray. Turn the window over to apply the product to the BACK of the window. Using a chip brush, pounce the two mixtures to cover the back - alternating between colors to create a blended look. Allow to dry fully - approximately 45 minutes to an hour. When this step is complete, you can flip it over and the front should look like the photo - with light showing through various areas.
Step 5 - The Marbled Effect
Apply one coat of the lighter color paint - in this case, Birch - to thoroughly cover the back of the piece. This final coat will fill in tiny holes and transparent areas, creating a more opaque finish on the front. Allow to dry completely - 30-45 minutes, then flip over to check for any missed areas. This final paint step creates the marbled effect on the front of the window piece - giving you a soft, beachy background for your custom art piece.

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Step 6 - Finishing the Frame
Depending on the current finish on your piece's frame and the style you're going for, you may or may not need to paint or refinish the frame. In this case, we were going for a cottage, beachy feel so the frame was perfect without being painted. But if your frame needs to be painted, simply clean first with The Prep, then paint with whatever color accents your art & room the best!
Step 7 - Rub-On Furniture Transfer
Now that your upcycled "canvas" is ready, it's time to apply your selected transfer to the FRONT of the glass window. There are endless options of fabulous rub-on transfers from great brands like IOD and Redesign with Prima. Many of our retailers carry these brands too so check with your favorite retailer to find one you love. This project features the transfer Elysium by IOD.

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What now? Enjoy your beautiful, custom art!

With Gettin' Salty & your favorite Rethunk Junk by Laura paint colors - you can create a custom vibe in any room.

👩‍🎨 No art degree required.
💥 All the texture, none of the pressure.
✨ Make it messy. Make it meaningful. Make it uniquely yours.

About the Creator

Lori, owner of Sassy Southern In The Creek in Kernersville, KY, is a passionate creative with a love for all things DIY who has always enjoyed painting, crafting, and repurposing. She pours that passion into her business, creating one-of-a-kind handmade and reimagined pieces like this gorgeous guitar that bring charm and character to any space. Be sure to go follow Lori for project inspiration!

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