how to add texture to paint using caulk

During one of my recent thrift store trips, I spotted this cute framed sign featuring a pitcher of lemonade. I loved the size and “idea” of it, but it was in major need of a refresh! There were a few stains, and overall, it lacked dimension. Typically, I would pull out my heavy body acrylic paint to add some amazing texture, BUT I decided to tackle this from a different angle using CAULK! I think it turned out pretty good!

For this lemonade refresh, I used the following supplies:

• Thrifted lemonade print
• Lemon stems from Dollar Tree
• Caulk from Dollar Tree
• Apple Barrel paints in Sunny Day and Kings Gold
• Waverly chalk paint in Snow White and Ink
• Small paintbrush
• Small foam paintbrush
• Sanding block
• Hot glue gun

Before painting, I wiped down the print to see if any of the stains would lighten. Then, I started mixing my paint! Confession…I absolutely had never tried mixing caulk and paint before, so I was crossing my fingers and hoping for the best!!!

To start, I mixed Sunny Day and Kings Gold together to create a shade similar to the lemonade on the print. Then, I started mixing in the caulk just a little at a time. It definitely required a little more caulk than I originally thought. 

Once the consistency was thick enough, I started painting on the print. I basically just highlighted the shapes already there and then a little extra where stains were present.

Once I was finished with the yellow paint, I started touching up the white areas that were stained. I used light strokes of white chalk paint.

The original frame was a natural color, but I wanted it to really pop, so I decided to paint it black. I used black chalk paint on the frame, and I loved the contrast it created!

After the paint dried, I used my sanding block to distress the frame a bit.

Next, I popped off a lemon and leaf from my lemon stems from Dollar Tree. Using a plastic knife, I cut the lemon in half. I hot glued on the leaves and lemon halves to the bottom of the print.

I totally think the caulk worked as a substitute for heavy body acrylics! It’s definitely not a replacement, but in a pinch, it works great! It’s perfect if you just need a touch of a color and don’t want to purchase a full tube. 

Y’all know I LOVE to add dimension and texture, and I think the paint, along with the lemons, are just what this print needed to make it fabulous! What do you think? I am SUPER impressed with the results!

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Last Updated on June 24, 2023