Antiquing a Wood Lamp

Antiquing is a process by which a furniture object that may not be old is painted in such a way as to appear old. Wooden lamps are favorites of craftsmen when it comes to antiquing, which also means that there are ample supplies and methods available to the do-it-yourselfer for antiquing most any wooden lamp base. You can antique a wooden lamp, with little or no experience, in four to six hours, depending on the size of the project.

Milk paint (base color and top coat)
Brush
60-, 80- and 120-grit sanding disks
Orbital sander
Cotton rag
Satin clear coat

Instructions

- 1
  Attach the sandpaper to an orbital sander and sand the lamp in steps, beginning with 60-grit sandpaper and finishing with 120-grit sandpaper. If you must hand sand, sand with the grain rather than against.
- 2
  Apply oil-based primer to the lamp using a fine-bristled brush. Paint on three coats, allowing 30 minutes drying time between coats. Lightly sand between coats to smooth out brush marks.
- 3
  Apply three coats of base coat milk paint. Mix the milk paint in a small container, following mixing instructions on the bag. Allow the milk paint to set for 30 minutes between coats and sand lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to remove brush marks.
- 4
  Apply the top coat of milk paint in one coat. Allow the top coat to set for 30 minutes and gently wipe away in spots with a damp cotton rag to simulate paint wear. For example, wipe away a small amount of paint near the corners and at the top of the base where a hand might touch when turning the power on and off.
- 5
  Allow the top coat to set for one hour. Apply three coats of satin clear coat. Gently brush the coats on with a fine-bristled brush, allowing 15 minutes drying time between coats.

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