Painting Techniques on Wood That Make It Look Antique

Color Wash

• 1

  Mix your chosen paint with one part paint, two parts glaze and enough water to give a cream consistency,

• 2

  Brush or sponge the mixture onto the wood quickly and lightly. Allow it to dry completely.

• 3

  Mix a second paint color using the same recipe as before. Stipple the paint on with the end of a brush or a sponge quickly and lightly, in random patterns.

• 4

  Use a dry sponge or rag to blend blotchy, very heavy areas. Let the finish dry.

Crackle Technique

• 5

  Apply a base and topcoat of special crackle paint. Let dry. The paint crackles on its own.

• 6

  Rub an antique glaze onto the dried crackle finish to highlight the cracks.

• 7

  Rub off the excess antique glaze with a clean, dry cloth.

• 8

  Apply an oil-based varnish to seal the paint job.

Sanding and Distressing

• 9

  Sand the corners, feet, around hardware and on raised carving on the furniture after painting your topcoat.

• 10

  Hit the sanded areas or areas near them with a small bag of nails, chains or other improvised objects that can slightly dent or nick the wood.

• 11

  Dust the piece off with a dry brush or rag.

• 12

  Apply a clear sealant to protect the finish.