How to Antique a Wood Project

Antique a wood project for instant charm.

Antiquing can provide an elegant, sun-bleached or shabby chic finish to a wood project. Learn how to antique a wood project and expand your finishing options.

Things You'll Need

• Unfinished wood project
• Primer
• Paint in desired color
• Paintbrush
• Antiquing glaze
• Rag
• Polyurethane varnish

Instructions

Antiquing with Paint

1. Paint wood project with primer. Allow to dry.

2. Paint base coat in the color of your choosing. Allow to dry.

3. Apply antiquing glaze according to directions on product. Experiment with wiping glaze on and off wood project until you achieve your desired look. Allow to dry.

4. Following directions on product, use rag to apply polyurethane glaze. Allow to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more rustic look, experiment with two colors of paint. Apply a layer of contrasting paint over the base layer, allow to dry, then use sandpaper to expose base layer, concentrating on areas that get regular wear and tear, such as corners and edges. Proceed as instructed with antiquing glaze and polyurethane finish.

• To prevent injury and inhalation of paint and varnish fumes, choose a well-lit and well-ventilated room in which to work.

References

• HGTV: Antiquing Techniques
• Antiquing Furniture: Images of Antique Paint Techniques
• Valspar: Antiquing Glaze