How to Make Weathered Antique Wood

Rub the surface of the new wood with a clay or concrete brick to loosen the wood fibers and create a worn, antique look. Gently tap the edges of the wood with the brick to manufacture wood damage. The dings and scraps will give the illusion of years if damage that has been repainted.

Apply water to the wood with a sponge or brush. Place the wood in direct sunlight and cover it with plastic to prevent rapid drying. The water will raise the wood grain, creating cracks in the surface. Repeat the process to gain thicker raised grain.

Paint over the entire wood with your choice of antique paint. This paint can be found at most hardware or paint supply stores. If matching your new paint with old paint, take a sample to the paint store for a infrared analysis.

Wipe the paint away with a damp cotton rag. Leave only a light film on the raised wood. The paint will fill the cracks in the wood, creating an antique look. Reapply the paint, wiping it away each time. The raised wood will begin to darken, but the wood grain will continue to show through as long as you keep the paint wiped off.

Place the painted wood in direct sunlight. Allow the sun to dry the antique paint. Apply glaze over the painted wood and allow it to dry out of the sunlight. The glaze will thicken and crack, creating a cracked antique look.

Allow the paint to dry and apply satin clear coat. Spray on the clear coat with an electric sprayer or spray can to eliminate brush marks. Apply three coats, allowing 30 minutes drying time between coats.