How to Antique a Masonite Door

Preparation

• 1

  Prepare the Masonite door for painting by cleaning with mineral spirits. Apply mineral spirits with a clean rag and rub in a circular motion. Allow to dry until no smell from the mineral spirits is apparent.

• 2

  Wash the door with a mild detergent. Mix a few drops of dish washing detergent in 2 cups of water and clean the entire door. Rinse well with clear running water.

• 3

  Let the door stand to dry for at least 2 hours. Do not towel dry.

Crackle Finish

• 4

  Paint the door with an oil-based paint. Begin with a darker shade. Completely coat the door and allow it to dry for 24 hours.

• 5

  Apply a crackle glaze. Use a natural bristle brush and go only in one direction with the brush. Coat the entire door with the glaze and allow to dry for several hours. Apply a second coat and allow to dry.

• 6

  Use a latex top coat over the crackle glaze in a lighter color than the base. The top layer will begin to crack, giving the door an antique or old appearance.

Distressing

• 7

  Apply a base coat to the door. Use an oil-based paint in the desired color. Select a darker color than the intended top coat. Allow to dry. Add a second coat and allow to dry.

• 8

  Apply the top coat. Use a lighter color oil-based paint. It may not cover the base color. This is normal and part of the process. Allow the top coat to dry.

• 9

  Rub the door with steel wool. Once the top coat is dry, distress the layer by rubbing steel wool back and forth across the area to form a grain look. The bottom layer will begin to show through and the door will appear antique or old.