How to Make Furniture Look Weathered

Antiqued and weathered is a popular look for furniture, and it's possible to create the effect yourself. Instead of buying a new dresser or table, why not give your own furniture a makeover?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Low-grit sandpaper
• Two shades of latex paint
• Paint roller and brushes
• White primer
• Paint trays
• Rags
• Water

How to Make Furniture Look Weathered

1. Sand your furniture using a low-grit, or coarse, sandpaper. The surface should remain slightly rough.

2. Paint one coat of primer on the furniture. If, after the first coat dries, you can still see the furniture's bare surface, add another coat.

3. Once the primer is dry, apply your base layer of paint. This will be the lighter shade.

4. Allow to dry and add another coat if needed.

5. Pour the darker shade of paint into a paint tray and add water until it is slightly diluted. The paint should be runny but maintain its color.

6. Choose a side to work on. Place the furniture so the side you are working on is horizontal. Working on a vertical surface will cause the paint to drip.

7. Apply a small amount of paint to the furniture and immediately wipe with a rag. The dark shade of paint will cling to the rough spots, creating the weathered look.

8. Do not move the furniture until the side you are working on is completely dry. Then rotate the furniture again so you are working on a flat surface.

9. Continue Step 7 until you achieve the overall desired effect.

10. Touch up blotchy areas with a paintbrush using the diluted paint.

Tips & Warnings

• The two shades of paint should be the same hue.
• Consider wearing a mask while sanding to prevent breathing in dust particles.

[debstips]

on 10/5/2009 Thank you!I have been wanting to do a few pieces over,but really was not sure how to start.Now I can!5* and recommendation.

[debstips]

on 10/5/2009 Thank you!I have been wanting to do a few pieces over,but really was not sure how to start.Now I can!5* and recommendation.

[acopro13]

on 1/7/2008 Very cool!

[acopro13]

on 1/7/2008 Very cool!

[grouch]

on 12/10/2007 Wow I have so many things I want to sand down now. Maybe I can trick Santa into an electric sander huh? This is a great idea and I close my eyes and can see it all over an older room to get rid of some hideous paneling. The limits are endless.