How to Antique a Door With Faux Paint Techniques

Crackle Paint Finish

• 1

  Sand the door using an electric palm sander and coarse-grit sandpaper. Follow with fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. Remove all dust and debris with warm soapy water. Allow the door to air dry.

• 2

  Base coat the door with latex paint in the color of your choice. Use a dark base color, since this will be the color you will see through the lighter top in the form of cracks in the paint. Apply two coats and allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

• 3

  Apply some crackle medium using a wide paintbrush. Crackle medium is a thick, clear substance that you can fine at craft stores and hobby shops. Poor the crackle medium into a tray and apply a generous amount to the paintbrush. Start painting the crackle medium on the door from the top left and work your way down. It is important to apply the crackle medium with only one sweep of the paintbrush. If you go over the same spot twice, it will affect the look of the crackle. The size of the cracks will depend on how much crackle medium you apply. A thin layer of crackle will produce small cracks, while a thick layer will produce large cracks. Allow the crackle to dry thoroughly, according to manufacturer's specifications.

• 4

  Apply the top coat of latex paint in a lighter color than the shade you chose for the base color. Use a wide paintbrush in the same way you applied the crackle medium, being sure not to paint over the same spot twice. The paint will start to crack almost immediately. This will create a weathered, cracked appearance to the door. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

Paint Dragging Technique

• 5

  Prepare the door in the same way you would for the crackle technique. Sand and then base coat it in the color of your choice.

• 6

  Mix equal parts latex paint in the color of your choice, with equal parts glazing medium. Select a color that is a different shade than your base coat. If you want a more dramatic look, pick a contrasting color; if you want a more subtle effect, pick a color close to your base coat.

• 7

  Use a wide paintbrush to apply the glaze mixture all over the door in the same direction you intend to drag your brush through later.

• 8

  Use a large dragging or flogging brush to drag your design through the paint. Start at the top left and pull the dragging brush all the way down the door, being careful not to break your stroke until you reach the bottom of the door. Repeat this until the entire door has been dragged. This gives the door a natural, worn look. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.