French Furniture Antiquing Techniques

Whitewashing

• Many French antiques were finished with white or cream colored paint, with a darker tone underneath. As the white paint wore off, the deeper underlying colors began to show. To achieve this look, paint furniture with a coat of olive green, burgundy or blue-grey paint and let it dry. Next, apply a thin coat of light paint. While the paint is still wet, wipe corners, edges and other areas that would naturally wear down over time with a damp cloth. This will reveal small areas of the darker paint.

False Patina

• French furniture often had details embossed with gold leaf to give the impression of wealth. Over time, these metallic areas wore down to reveal rust red underneath, and developed a sage green and cream colored patina. To achieve this look, apply a light coat of rust red paint to metallic areas on the furniture and allow it to dry for one hour. Next, apply a light coat of sage green and allow it to dry for one hour. Use cream for a final coat, and wipe down edges and projecting areas with a wet cloth just after the cream paint is dry to the touch. This will reveal a natural-looking layered false patina.

Distressing

• All antique furniture shows a bit of wear and tear as it ages, and French antique furniture is no exception. For a worn look, scrape corners, edges, areas around handles and other heavily-touched areas with steel wool or sandpaper to wear them down. For a more heavily used look, bang the furniture in strategic areas with chain or a hammer to create dents, and apply small flecks of India ink to create flyspecks.

Polishing

• Paste wax and padding lacquers are old-fashioned finishes commonly used on antique furniture to protect the wood and give off a soft glow. Padding lacquer will add a glossy shine to the furniture, while paste wax will give a subtler, duller finish. After painting and distressing your furniture, clean the wood and apply wax or lacquer with a soft cloth. Rub the cloth on the wood surface for at least 15 minutes, using gentle pressure.