How to Glaze White Shabby Chic Furniture

Shabby chic furniture looks like well-worn heirloom pieces that have been given a new life in today's modern homes. Tables, chairs, headboards, dressers and cabinets can all receive a faux painting process to make newer pieces look older. Shabby chic furniture is generally white with paint layers showing through. Choose a darker base color to contrast with the white glaze when you paint your furniture piece, turning it from plain looking to a shabby chic treasure.

Wood furniture, such as a chair or end table
Newspaper or drop cloth
Flat paint, your choice of color
Paintbrush, 2 inches
White wood glaze
Wax paste
Sandpaper
Old cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Set up your work station in a well-ventilated area. Wipe down the piece of furniture to eliminate any dust and grime.
- 2
  Apply two coats of paint to the piece. Use the base coat with the color you selected and apply it to the wood in the direction of the grain. Allow it to dry for about 24 hours.
- 3
  Rub wax paste onto the furniture with an old cloth. Apply the paste in a thin coat all over the table. Allow the wax paste to dry for one to two hours.
- 4
  Paint a single coat of the wood glaze over the wax paste. Apply the glaze with brush strokes that go in the same direction as the wood grain. Allow the wood glaze to dry for 24 hours.
- 5
  Sand down areas of the furniture to show natural wear and tear. Use gentle pressure to sand through the glaze and wax paste to reveal the base coat underneath. For a time-worn look, sand many areas; for a gently used look, sand only a few areas. Wipe away any dust from sanding with an old cloth.

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