How To Make Decorative Terrazzo Chips Using Only Paint
Well, this changes things! I've always loved terrazzo and its ability to transform any space with colour and texture in seconds. The most traditional method of making terrazzo chips for objects such as side tables, coasters and trays is mixing jesmonite with eco resin and coloured pigments, waiting for it to dry, then breaking it up into chips then adding it to your mixture, such as concrete or plaster of paris. However, jesmonite is tricky to source at the moment and delivery times are often weeks or months because it's been trending on Instagram and TikTok. There are some kits on Etsy and eBay but they are expensive.
As amazing as this technique is, it's not suitable for applying onto furniture. While I was researching terrazzo chips, I've been painting a few DIY furniture projects around home lately and the concept of peeling paint struck me. What if I used peeled dried paint to make terrazzo chips? Well, I decided to put my crazy idea to the test. And I was so surprised when it actually worked! Honestly, this is a game changer. It means you can use any water based paint, in any colour to match your decor and you can control the size of your terrazzo chips. Read on to see how you can make decorative terrazzo chips yourself using only paint!
Materials
Plastic sheets (no wrinkles or crinkles) or baking paper
3 to 5 water based paint colours of your choice
Spatula
How To
Depending on how many colours of paint you want to use for your terrazzo chips, prepare the same amount of plastic sheets or pieces of baking paper.
Pour each paint colour onto one plastic sheet or piece of baking paper. Spread it around with the spatula to create an even, thin layer of paint. Set aside to dry for 24 to 48 hours.
When the paint is dry, peel it off the plastic sheet or baking paper and organically tear it up using your fingers into small, medium or large pieces, or a mix of all three sizes. Place each colour into a seperate bowl or mix them together prior to application.
And that's it!
Your terrazzo chips are now ready to apply onto any piece of furniture you can think of - a coffee table, a bedside table, a larger table, a side table, a bed head, even chairs! To find out how to do this, jump over to my DIY Terrazzo Table project and the application is the same no matter what piece of furniture you are using.
What I love most about this technique is that you can use any colour water based paint, and you can choose the size of the terrazzo chips and by tearing the dried paint with your fingers you're creating really beautiful organic terrazzo shapes. For my DIY Terrazzo Table, I chose paint I already had at home (and that suited our interior style) - Leather by Resin (brown), Finch by Resin (green), Sour Dough by Resin (beige) and black.
One more tip! When tearing up the dried paint, place them in a bowl if you plan to use them right away. If you leave them in a bowl for a few days, some will most likely stick together. If you don't intend on using them for a few days, place them on a piece of fabric so the aren't touching each other. I hope that makes sense!
A little note from me
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this guide to making your own terrazzo chips using only paint. I hope you enjoyed it and feel inspired to make your own piece of DIY Terrazzo furniture, like this DIY Terrazzo Table. I know a lot of you are doing it tough in lockdown, so I hope this project brings you a little comfort and joy to your day. Also, if you love terrazzo make sure you check out my DIY Terrazzo Coasters! I made these ages ago and they are one of my most popular projects to date.
If you loved this DIY, I'd love you to stay in touch with me over on Instagram and Pinterest where I share lots of DIY projects every week. If you have any questions about this project, or if you just want to say hello, I'd love to hear from you. Write to me at jaharn@smorkitchen.com or send me a DM over on Instagram. Happy DIY'ing!
