The Simple Yet Genius Hack That Makes Any Decor Look Rustic

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When you want to make a house feel more like a home, rustic decor can create that warm, nostalgic vibe. Some of the key elements of this style are wood, metal, and stone. You can certainly buy unique rustic home decor that captures the timeless charm of the design, but there's another way to get that cozy, inviting atmosphere without the hefty price tag. Dry brushing with a chip brush is a super simple way to transform any piece of furniture or decor into a masterpiece, and handmade items can add intrigue to a rustic-inspired home.

A chip brush is an inexpensive, coarse-bristled paint brush that's typically used for cleaning machinery or applying adhesives and harsh paint solvents that would typically ruin more expensive brushes. The bristles' rough texture is perfect for creating that distressed, weathered look that defines rustic decor.

The best part about using the chip brush technique for rustic DIYs is that it's nearly impossible to mess up. Imperfections that mimic natural aging only add interest to the project. When combined with the right paints, your chip brush can give you the antique, reclaimed finish you're looking to achieve.

For rustic tables or wood decor, you'll need a quality latex or chalk paint in the colors of your choice, chip brushes, and a clear finish. Chalk paint is a good option for a matte look. You can apply a base paint color if you'd like; just wait until it dries before starting the chip brush technique. A dark base coat is optimal — it's a good idea to work with contrasting colors for an aged appearance. For instance, on a black wood table, white chalk paint would be good for dry brushing. 

To start, dip the tip of your chip brush into the paint. Wipe your bristles against the side of the paint can, and dab the bristles across an old cloth or paper. The key is to have just enough paint on the bristles to give your furniture a streaked appearance. Your brush should be wet but without paint dripping from the bristles. Apply the paint in even strokes. There's no right or wrong number of brush strokes. Just ensure the entire surface has been covered at least once. Repeat the process as many times as necessary to get the desired look. For more dimension, you can add a second paint color using the same dry brushing technique. Once your paint dries, apply a clear polyurethane finish that won't yellow over time.

For an extra weathered look, you can create a "cracked" paint texture with hairspray. Wait until your paint dries. Then, spray about three layers of hairspray on the surface; let it dry before following up with an even layer of acrylic paint — white works best. Let the paint dry, and use a chip brush to brush away cracked paint. Skip the wax or polyurethane finish with the hairspray hack.

For metal decor, you can follow a similar process to get that rustic look. The chip brush method works well for metal picture frames, candlesticks, and wall decor. If you're using antique items that have rusted, you need to remove any rust with a wire brush before painting. Apply a clear primer, and let it dry before adding your chalk paint. Alternatively, you can use a budget-friendly paint like Annie Sloan chalk paint that doesn't require priming. 

Follow the same painting method as you did for distressed wood decor using chalk paint — apply just a little paint on the brush and use even strokes. If you apply too much paint, you can use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away excess paint. The good thing is that it typically takes a while for the paint to dry, so it's relatively easy to wipe away and start over if you mess up. Once the paint dries, you can add a clear finish to seal the paint. You can also use this method for outdoor decor and planters to add rustic charm to your porch on a budget.