Antiquing With Plaster Techniques on Furniture

Prime the furniture surface with an oil or acrylic-based primer sealer using a smooth paint roller for large surfaces and a smaller brush for more intricate areas. Allow the primer to dry completely.

Apply a base coat of paint. The base coat is the color visible between the cracks. Use a satin finish latex paint or an acrylic paint for ideal effects.

Tint your base paste using latex paint. Use 1-part paint to 4-parts base paste. For example, add 1-quart latex paint to 1-gallon of base paint. Mix well and set aside.

Apply 2 coats of a crackle medium using a smooth paint roller or paint brush. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat. Allow second coat to dry completely.

Apply topcoat paste using 2 plaster spatulas. Use one spatula to scoop out a portion of the paste and the other spatula to peel some paste from the first spatula and spread it onto your piece of furniture. If working with rounded or curved edges, it may be necessary to distribute the topcoat paste with a cloth. Do not worry if it is not smooth. This paste is what will crack as it dries. Ensure the paste is applied in uniform thickness of no more than 1/8 inch.

Apply glazing medium with a medium roller. If you choose to tint your glaze, use a universal colorant or a sheen latex colorant. Apply glaze evenly over the cracked surface. Ensure excess glaze is wiped clean using a clean cloth.