How to Give Wooden Furniture a White and Weathered Appearance

Remove the current finish on the piece of furniture, getting down to the bare wood. Prime the piece with a quality, oil-based primer and allow the primer to dry thoroughly.

Apply an off-white, oil-based paint to the surface of the piece. Choose a color such as alabaster, candlelight or pale beige. Allow the paint to dry for one to two hours. Apply a second coat and allow that coat to dry overnight.

Apply a crackle medium to the surface of the furniture. Crackle is an adhesive-based compound that causes the final coat of paint to contract, creating a cracked appearance. Use a small brush to apply the crackle in long, even strokes. Allow the crackle medium to dry (called curing for this medium) for no more than four hours.

Apply a coat of flat, white paint to the surface of the furniture. Select a white shade with a blue or yellow undertone, but brighter than the shade used in the paint color beneath the crackle medium.

Paint in the same direction as you applied the crackle finish. The effect should be evident within a few minutes of applying the paint. The underlying paint is exposed through the tiny cracks of the top coat of paint. The overall appearance is of blended shades of white on an old piece of furniture.

Allow the piece to sit overnight. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out various edges and areas to break up the finish and avoid a uniform look to the weathering. Sand small areas around corners and leg bottoms to create the appearance of worn-off paint.

Apply a protective clear coating to the piece if desired. Add hardware to the piece or, in the case of seating, upholstery.