How to Antique-paint Furniture

Faux furniture antiquing

Antique furniture adds instant class to any room. Unfortunately the cost of such beautiful pieces can add an instant crunch to the wallet, and waiting for the pieces to age themselves can take years. These issues no longer need to be an obstacle. Faux painting techniques are easy to use and the supplies are available at most hardware stores. Furniture antiquing is simple. This step-by-step guide will show you how to use faux paint to create beautiful looking antique furniture.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic drop cloth
• Painter's tape
• Gloves
• Acrylic-base craft paint (color of choice)
• Clear acrylic aerosol sealer
• Antiquing glaze (color of choice)
• Smooth cloth rag
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Lay the drop cloth over your work area. Secure the drop cloth with painter's tape. Cover any other items near the work area.

2. Clean the furniture. Be sure that it is completely free of any dust or dirt. Allow to dry before you begin.

3. Put on protective gloves. Apply a good amount of acrylic craft paint. Make sure that every surface is covered. Allow to dry.

4. Spray on an even coat of acrylic sealer. Stay approximately six inches from the surface. Allow the sealer to dry completely.

5. Apply the antique color with the cloth. Cover small sections at a time. Immediately use the paper towels to wipe off the extra. You should see the furniture details through the color. Continue this process until the entire piece has been covered. Allow to dry and spray on a second coat of sealer. Allow this coat to dry before touching the furniture.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a light color for the base. Choose an earthy darker tone for the glaze.

• Use paints in a well-ventilated area.

Resources

• Antiquing Supplies
• Faux Painting Tips