How to Antique Cupboards

If your cupboards need an update, perhaps you should think old rather than new. Antiquing your cupboards is a great way to update your furniture or kitchen cabinets without breaking the bank. In addition, if you long for a country feel, antiquing your cupboards is the way to go. Following a few simple steps will take you from blah to beautiful.

Things You'll Need

• Latex paint
• Paint brush
• Smoky glaze
• 100 grit sandpaper
• Wood wax
• Black acrylic paint
• Water
• Painter's paintbrush

Instructions

1. Before you antique your cupboards, remove all hardware from the doors or drawers. Once the hardware is removed, it's time to paint. Apply a good base coat of latex paint. Choose a light and bright color. Don't hesitate to pick a brighter color than normal. The paint will tone down as you age the cupboard.

2. Apply a thin coat of smoky glaze, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Use a bristle brush for added effect, and let the glaze pool in the corners. This will enhance the aged look of the piece.

3. Let the glaze dry completely. Once it has dried, sand the cupboard with 100-grit sandpaper. Work in the same direction as your brushstrokes. Sanding the edges more will make the cupboard look more worn. After sanding, be sure to wipe down the cupboard to remove any dust.

4. Add wood wax to the painted surfaces of the cabinet. Once you have done this, and the wax is dry, buff the cabinet. Applying the wax will decrease the appearance of lines, and make your cupboard shine.

5. Add one last appearance of aging by creating black flecks on your piece. Add a small amount of water to black acrylic paint. Coat the end of your paintbrush with paint, and then blot with a paper towel to remove most of the paint. Use a small painter's paintbrush to flick the bristles of the larger paintbrush, creating small flecks of black on your piece. Let dry and reaffix hardware to your cupboard.

References

• Do It Yourself
• Remodeling My Space