Adding Sand to Paint for Texture
Looking for super easy step by step instructions for adding sand to paint for texture? I got you covered with a fun milk jug vase upgrade! When you’re done, check out this other painted vase makeover. This post contains affiliate links.
When searching for tutorials on adding sand to paint for texture, most tutorials were about wall paint. I had a hard time finding a simple, straightforward tutorial for doing this for outdated accents and decor.
I had a milk jug vase that was desperate for a refresh and update – it just looked so tired and old with the galvanized metal. I wanted it for my Shavuot flowers but wanted it pretty…
I decided to play around and try adding sand to paint for texture myself, and then share the results in my favorite space: this one.
The results really made me happy – the texture at least! The color, sadly, is yellower than I wanted it. But I still love it, just because it’s so much better than what it was. So I’m keeping it as is and sharing the process. Hopefully, you’ll do a better job than I did with choosing your paint color!
Which sand and paint I used to create textured paint
To make this, I added clean sand – that is vase filler/crafting sand to acrylic home decor paint.
This is important info, as other tutorials might cater to other materials.
One tip I saw was to add Mod Podge to the mix, but I wanted to try it without. I was wondering if it really needed it, that’s all! I have plenty of Mod Podge to use and could have gladly added it but I was looking to simplify the process.
The answer is simple: no, you don’t need to use Mod Podge. The reason some people will add it in is as an adhesive. The sand doesn’t necessarily absorb enough paint for it to hold, and paint isn’t an adhesive.
So yes, if you just paint, it won’t necessarily glide on.
But I used the brush to carefully choose how sandy I wanted different areas to be.
And applied it as I wished, simply mixed together with no adhesive.
And then I sealed it.
That makes the whole difference – and it’s something you should do anyway! I took the whole shebang outdoors, and sprayed it down with some acrylic sealer to make it last better.
If you’d like, you can definitely mix in some Mod Podge. It’ll likely dilute your paint a bit, so you may need to add another layer or two to get full coverage. Your later layers don’t need to be sandy if you’re already happy with the texture.
It’s also important to note that you should use clean sand – don’t just take sand from outdoors. Use purchased sand for this. It’ll give you that nice, grainy finish you’re looking for when adding sand to paint for texture.
And use a good quality home decor paint to get the right hold and finish.
How to apply sand-textured paint
One caveat of doing things this way when adding sand to paint for texture is that you don’t necessarily have the same smearable quality.
I used a large brush to dab things on in some spots, spread thing smoothly in others.
You’ll need to use your instinct when decorating your piece.
The reason I love this process so much is that it’s very easy to replicate. You’re not really mixing up new proportions – you’re playing things by ear, essentially painting the sand to go along with your project.
So you can easily replenish your sand paint if you run out.
Adding sand to paint for texture – step by step
Watch the video
What you’ll need
- Something to paint
- Clean sand (such as vase filler)
- Acrylic home decor paint (I used FolkArt Outdoor)
- Something to mix it in
- A flat rough bristled paint brush
- Acrylic spray sealer
How to do it
1. Protect anything you don’t want painted. I tucked wrapping paper around the eucalyptus that I left inside.
2. If your vase is dark, I recommend painting a base coat first
3. Pour some paint into a dish to mix it in. Add some sand and mix. Add as you’d like, as it looks right, testing it on your base for consistency.
4. Love that texture! Start applying your paint. Avoid overworking it. Just brush and dab on, scooping on more sandy-texture as needed.
5. Paint until your vase is complete. Allow it to dry completely.
I decided to darken the black accent handle and did it after painting the vase. I used regular black acrylic.
6. When you’re done, spray with acrylic sealer and enjoy!
DIY Textured Paint with Sand
Materials
- Something to paint
- Clean sand (such as vase filler)
- Acrylic home decor paint (I used FolkArt Outdoor)
- Something to mix it in
- A flat rough bristled paint brush
- Acrylic spray sealer
Instructions
1. Paint a base cote on your object.
2. Pour some paint into a dish to mix it in. Add some sand and mix. Add as you'd like, as it looks right, testing it on your base for consistency.
3. Start applying your paint. Avoid overworking it. Just brush and dab on, scooping on more sandy-texture as needed.
4. Paint until your object is complete. Allow it to dry completely.
5. Spray with acrylic sealer and enjoy!
