Wood-Look Rustic Santa Thrift Store Makeover

A thrift store Santa gets a brand new look with a little bit of paint magic into a wood-look rustic Santa. Many times it’s easy to pass these by because the they are a little a little ugly or dated looking. Did you know you can paint right over glazed ceramics? This Santa I found actually looked a little scared in general! With a coat or two of craft paint he went from Oh No! to Ho Ho Ho. He had a great classic Christmas shape and just needed a new look to become a wood-look rustic Santa thrift store makeover.

Supplies to Create a Rustic Wood Look Santa

Brown craft paint in Chocolate Brown

White craft paint in Snowball

Brush

Matter Sealer

Paper towel

As long as the surface isn’t shiny, you can use regular craft paint. If you are unsure, use multi-surface craft paint instead. Use a soft brush to paint the entire surface of of the ceramic Santa figurine. Let dry. It may take up to 3 coats. Let dry between each layer of paint. This will give the Santa a good, brown base coat to help give it a rustic wood look. For different wood looks, try different brown base colors. Using a dark grey undercoat can make it look like stone.

Once the bottom layer of paint is completely dry, mix 1 part of white paint with 1 part of plain water and mix well.

Apply some white paint to a small section of the painted figurine working it into the nooks and crannies. Immediately use a paper towel to remove the paint from the surface. Complete the entire figurine and let dry. Make sure to dab any paint that runs to keep it streak free.

Once the ceramic Santa is painted, paint with a matte varnish to protect the paint and have fun decorating!

With the white paint over the top, it will give it a great rustic and weathered look. If you miss a spot, it’s easy yo go back and touch it up. I’ve styled this one next to brass reindeer and battery-operated candlesticks.

He fits in well on the mantel against the vintage street scene oil painting.