What Are Antiqued Painted Cabinets?

The Antiquing Process

• The process of antiquing is simple and can be done by the average homeowner. If the cabinets are light colored, brush on dark stain then wipe some of it off with a sponge or paper towels. Dark cabinets can be made to look antiqued by sanding the edges and corners to simulate wear. Some home owners add slight damage by hitting the cabinet with chains or hammers or adding a coating of beeswax to the wood before sanding.

Professional Touches

• You may want to take the cabinet to a professional for two other kinds of antiquing. Crackle antiquing simulates the tiny cracks paint acquires as it ages. The professional brushes on a new coat of paint then puts a special paint called a crackle medium over the first coat. As they dry, the bottom coat develops tiny cracks. You can also hire someone to paint a picture on the cabinet that might have appeared on an antique cabinet. This is called faux painting and adds depth and interest to a cabinet.