How to Antique White Furniture With Metallic Paint

Antiquing softens the appearance of furniture to create the illusion that the furniture is older than it really is. To achieve this look you need to use a few simple techniques to fill in the natural features of the furniture with a second or third color and then blend these colors to look like an accumulation of patina. This sounds harder than it is when you actually try the process. The results are often better than you expect and you may find yourself using your new skills to revive lots of old furniture that looks tired and worn out.

Stiff brush
Red artist paint
Metallic paint
Fine-tip markers
Rags

Instructions

- 1
  Place your freshly painted white furniture in a well-ventilated space over plastic sheeting.
- 2
  Pick up a small amount of red paint on a stiff brush and paint around spindle creases, carvings, corners and joints. Use a rag to wipe off most of the paint. It's desirable for a trace of red to come through behind your metallic paint. The red should be heaviest in the corners and creases and just a faint trace on the larger flat surfaces of the furniture. Paint the entire piece and rub off the right amount to achieve the look you want.
- 3
  Repeat the process with a metallic paint. Metallic is often a looser paint that will tend to stick and shine more easily than conventional paints. Work your rag to get exactly the amount of metallic you want. Paint the entire piece and rub off the areas you want to remain the most white.
- 4
  Go over the furniture with a fine-tip marker. Make small dots to look like aging and patina. Less is more. A brown marker often works well.

How to Antique & Stain Furniture

Buffing Wood Furniture

Other Furniture