How to Achieve a Faux Antique Finish

Antiquing is a special finishing technique. It can enhance the look of a surface by artificially aging. It will make a piece appear as if it is a genuine antique.

Things You'll Need

• glazing medium or clear varnish
• paint
• mineral spirits (for oil-base paint) or water (for water-base paint).
• Brushes
• Paint Bucket
• cheesecloth

Instructions

1. mix 1 part glazing medium or clear varnish, 1 part paint, and 1 to 2 parts mineral spirits (for oil-base paint) or water (for water-base paint)in a bucket. Stir Thoroughly. This will be the Glaze used to apply over the base coat. Make sure glaze is darker than base paint if you use the same color paint.

2. Carefully sand and seal new wood before painting. Clean surface thoroughly and make sure surface is dry.

3. Brush on base coat with grain, allow paint to dry for 24 hours

4. After base coat is dry, apply the glaze to the item, use the bristle tips to force the paint into cracks or crevices.

5. Use a cheesecloth to dab off some of the glaze on high spots and leave glaze in low spots. Use a stiff, dry brush to remove glaze in more detailed areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you work one portion at a time

• If old finish is in good condition, paint over it

• Test the color and perfect your technique on scrap wood

• Make sure products are compatible, consult packaging.

• Watch out for drips