How to Transform Thrifted Finds with Fusion Milk Paint: A DIY Ceramic Vintage Swan Project

You all know I have a soft spot for unique thrifted finds—but when I spotted a swan filled with potpourri at an estate sale, I couldn’t resist! There was just something about it that screamed “DIY potential”… and it did not disappoint. In this blog, I’m going to show you how to transform thrifted treasures with Fusion Milk Paint—turning something that could be forgotten into a standout piece.

I gave this little swan a fresh coat of Fusion Milk Paint, one of my favorite techniques for achieving that perfect chippy, vintage look. It’s ideal for creating pieces that blend seamlessly into a vintage farmhouse style—taking old, overlooked items and turning them into something fresh, beautiful, and completely one-of-a-kind.

Items Needed: 

• Thrifted Ceramic Swan (you can use any thrifted item)
• Fusion Milk Paint – Gustavian White*
• Plastic Cup
• Water
• STAALMEESTER Pointed Sash Brush*
• Heat Gun

*Product can be purchased directly through my website [www.juliesdesignsandsigns.com]

The first thing I did was give my swan a good cleaning—this little potpourri holder had definitely seen better days! I wiped off all the dust and grime so the paint would stick nicely.

Next, I chose to use Fusion Milk Paint in the color Gustavian White. This is one of my all time favorite milk paint colors!

I chose Fusion Milk Paint for this project because it’s one of my favorite techniques for achieving that perfect chippy, vintage look. It’s ideal for creating pieces that blend seamlessly into a vintage farmhouse style—taking old, overlooked items and turning them into something fresh, beautiful, and completely one-of-a-kind.

Fusion Milk Paint is so easy to work with! If you haven’t used milk paint before, it comes in a powder form that you mix half powder, half water. I’ll be honest—I never measure! Yes, you’re supposed to, but I like to eyeball it depending on the project. Sometimes I want the paint a little thicker, other times a bit more watery. If you’re a rule follower, you can totally follow the instructions on the bag.

Then I grabbed my STAALMEESTER Pointed Sash brush—hands down my favorite brush—and started painting! I wasn’t worried about it being perfect because one of the things I love most about milk paint is how it naturally gives that beautiful, chippy, vintage look.

After I applied the first coat, I knew it wasn’t going to be full coverage with the white—but that was totally fine! I was going for more of a washed, layered look.

I didn’t necessarily mind all the colors showing through, but I wanted this piece to feel a little more toned down with a beautiful white. If you’ve been around for a while you already know I always end up using white paint on items we are styling in our home!

Once the first coat was dry, I went in for the second coat and immediately hit it with my heat gun! The heat gun dries the paint in place, adds texture, and sometimes even makes it crackle—giving it that perfect chippy look.

Just look at that chippy paint! The texture gives it such a beautiful, vintage vibe—it’s exactly the look I was going for.

I love using milk paint as a paint wash because it has the most amazing flat finish. If I had added one more coat, I would’ve gotten full coverage, but I actually liked seeing a bit of the pink peeking through on the roses—it added character and depth to the piece.

The best thing about DIY is that you can get as creative as you want! If you’d like, you can add a top coat when you’re finished—or you can leave it as is and let the natural, chippy look shine.

Are you ready to create your own?? Swing by your local thrift store today and order a pack of Fusion Milk Paint from the JDS store today!

Have you ever used Fusion Milk paint to DIY? What is your favorite paint color? Comment below!

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This blog is all about How to Transform Thrifted Finds with Fusion Milk Paint

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