How to Antique a Canvas Painting

Antiquing a canvas painting can be a fun, rewarding way to add character to a painting you have created or purchased. By using a few different tools and techniques, you will have a beautiful creation in a few hours' time.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas
• Primer
• Textured media (e.g., black lava)
• Pigments or stains
• Varnish or workable fixative
• Flat brush
• Fan brush
• X-Acto knife

Instructions

Antiquing as You Paint

1. Prime your blank canvas, using gesso if you are working with acrylic paints and primer if you are working with oil or tempera paints. Priming is simply preparing the canvas for paint with one or more coats of one of these substances. This helps seal the canvas and prevent paint from seeping through.

2. Paint with darker colors. You can mix ink or dry pigments (usually made from stones) into your paints to give them a naturally dark, aged look.

3. 

   Palette knife

   Apply texture to your painting with gesso or another textured medium, such as black lava. There are several textured media available to create bumpy or cracked looks.

   There are several ways textured media can be applied: two of the most effective ways are using a flat brush that will spread evenly, and using a palette knife (usually used to add paint to your palette or a canvas). Using a palette knife allows a thicker, splotchier application.

4. Apply a workable fixative spray (Krylon manufactures an excellent one) in order to prevent the pigment from rubbing off, if you used a dry pigment to add discoloration.

Antiquing an Already Completed Painting

1. Finish the painting. If your painting is oil or tempera paint, use a varnish; for acrylic, gesso is sufficient. If the painting uses multiple media (such as paint and ink) or you are not sure, apply a spray fixative.

   Apply either varnish or gesso using a thin, flat brush to ensure a light, even coating. Remember when purchasing to pay attention to finishes (matte and glossy). Varnishes tend to be glossy but are available in matte formulas, as are gessos.

2. Mix a light stain and apply with a dry flat brush. You can create more depth or darkness in some areas by applying more stain, such as in the corners where an old painting would have been handled.

3. Scratch or cut the canvas with an X-Acto knife. If you want to create a large cut with fraying, turn the blade facedown at a 45-degree angle and carefully shave the edge where the canvas was cut.

4. 

   Flat brushes

   Apply textured media or dry pigments as desired with either a flat or fan brush and a palette knife. A fan brush can create a unique curved form that other brushes cannot.

   Remember to use a fixative to prevent smudging when applying dry pigments. Use a matte, workable fixative, as this will allow you to further distress your painting.

5. Frame your painting using an antique or antique-look frame. Make sure any mats are acid-free and the glass is glare-resistant to help protect the painting from fading and deterioration.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure of the right products to use, visit your local art store and ask for expert advice to help achieve your desired look.

• Remember that different types of paint require different supplies; the easiest to work with is acrylic.

• Several of these tools require use in a well-ventilated area. Make sure you are in an open space and, when in doubt, wear a mask to prevent inhalation, especially with any fixative.

References

• Albany Institute of History and Art: Glossary