How to Put an Antique Buttermilk Finish on Cabinets

Antiquing cabinets is a technique that makes new cabinets look worn and gives them character. Cabinets that have an antique buttermilk finish add an elegant feeling to the kitchen or bathroom.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint remover (if needed)
• Tack cloth
• Oil-based primer
• Buttermilk paint
• Fine sandpaper
• Stain
• Paintbrushes

1. Remove the cabinet doors and their hardware.

2. Apply paint remover in effort to remove the existing paint or stain.

3. Clean the wood surface with a tack cloth to remove all dust.

4. Apply a coat of oil-based primer. Allow it to dry completely.

5. Dry-brush a coat of buttermilk colored paint. Dry-brushing is a technique in which you lightly dampen the brush with the paint, then wipe it off. The bristles will leave faint but distinct marks on the wood.

6. Use fine sandpaper to expose the grain of the wood.

7. Accent the corners and edges of the cabinet frame and doors by touching the areas with wood stain.

8. Apply two coats of polyurethane to the antiqued wood. Allow the polyurethane to dry completely between each coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Never apply paint remover, paint or stain in a confined area without proper air circulation.

References

• Cabinet Finishes