How to Paint a Chest With Antiqued Black Finish

Worn

• 1

  Remove any hardware from the chest with a screwdriver and set them aside.

• 2

  Put on chemical-resistant gloves and use a paintbrush to apply paint stripper to the chest, if the chest has been previously painted or stained. Let the stripper sit according to manufacturer directions and remove the stripper with a putty knife.

• 3

  Sand the entire chest smooth with an orbital sander. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.

• 4

  Pour black paint into a tray. Apply a coat of black paint with a roller. Let the first coat dry and apply a second coat if desired. Let the second coat of paint dry.

• 5

  Rub sandpaper over the edges, any raised details and strategic areas of the chest to simulate wear. Sand down to the wood grain in some areas and lightly in other areas to just dull the paint.

• 6

  Wipe away any paint dust with a tack cloth.

• 7

  Apply a coat of polyurethane sealer to the chest to protect the finish.

• 8

  Reattach any hardware removed.

Crackle

• 9

  Remove any hardware from the chest with a screwdriver and set them aside.

• 10

  Put on chemical-resistant gloves and use a paintbrush to apply paint stripper to the chest, if the chest has been previously painted or stained. Let the stripper sit according to manufacturer directions and remove the stripper with a putty knife.

• 11

  Sand the entire chest smooth with an orbital sander. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.

• 12

  Pour crackle medium into a paint tray. Apply a coat of the crackle medium to the entire chest. Apply a thick coat for large cracks and a thinner coat for small cracks. Let the crackle medium dry according to manufacturer directions.

• 13

  Pour black paint into a paint tray and apply the paint to the chest with a roller. Use even strokes and avoid going over the same area twice to achieve an even crackle. Let the paint dry completely.

• 14

  Apply a coat of polyurethane sealer to the chest to protect the finish.

• 15

  Reattach any hardware removed.