Antiquing a Wood Lamp

Antiquing is a process by which a furniture object that may not be old is painted in such a way as to appear old. Wooden lamps are favorites of craftsmen when it comes to antiquing, which also means that there are ample supplies and methods available to the do-it-yourselfer for antiquing most any wooden lamp base. You can antique a wooden lamp, with little or no experience, in four to six hours, depending on the size of the project.

Things You'll Need

• Milk paint (base color and top coat)
• Brush
• 60-, 80- and 120-grit sanding disks
• Orbital sander
• Cotton rag
• Satin clear coat

Instructions

1. Attach the sandpaper to an orbital sander and sand the lamp in steps, beginning with 60-grit sandpaper and finishing with 120-grit sandpaper. If you must hand sand, sand with the grain rather than against.

2. Apply oil-based primer to the lamp using a fine-bristled brush. Paint on three coats, allowing 30 minutes drying time between coats. Lightly sand between coats to smooth out brush marks.

3. Apply three coats of base coat milk paint. Mix the milk paint in a small container, following mixing instructions on the bag. Allow the milk paint to set for 30 minutes between coats and sand lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to remove brush marks.

4. Apply the top coat of milk paint in one coat. Allow the top coat to set for 30 minutes and gently wipe away in spots with a damp cotton rag to simulate paint wear. For example, wipe away a small amount of paint near the corners and at the top of the base where a hand might touch when turning the power on and off.

5. Allow the top coat to set for one hour. Apply three coats of satin clear coat. Gently brush the coats on with a fine-bristled brush, allowing 15 minutes drying time between coats.

Tips & Warnings

• When purchasing the milk paint, consider antique paint colors rather than modern.

• Choose a lighter color for the base coat and a darker coat for the top coat.

• Purchase the satin clear coat from the same milk paint supplier since these coats are made from organic materials.

References

• "Wood Finishing and Refinishing"; Creative Homeowner Press; 1992
• "Paint Magic"; Jocasta Innes; 2003
• "Finishes and Finishing Techniques"; Fine Woodworking;1991
• "Creative Paint Finishes for the Home"; Phillip C. Myer; 1996