How to Faux Antique a Wall

Prepare the wall or walls that you will be painting. Fill in any holes with plaster and allow time to dry. Since an antiqued look typically involves a blend of uneven textures, it is not necessary to have a completely smooth wall. Bumpy or rough spots will only add to the effect. Make sure that they are thoroughly clean. If needed, wash the walls with warm water and a mild soap. Dry, or allow to air dry, thoroughly before painting. Mask off any areas not to be painted or borders with the painter's tape. This may include door and window trim or the joint where the ceiling and walls meet.

Move any furniture out of the room. Cover any remaining fixtures and the floor with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting.

Choose base and top coat paint colors. These should be contrasting colors such as lights and darks. For example, you may choose a cream base coat with a deep green top coat color. Pour the base coat paint into the tray. Use a nylon brush to cut in around corners, wall joints and trim work. Paint the remaining wall spaces with the roller. Allow the paint to dry to the manufacturer's instructions. Recoat as needed.

Pour the antique, sometimes called crackle, glaze into a clean tray. A crackle glaze is meant to cause a distressed, or cracked, look to the paint. Use a thick bristled brush or roller to paint the glaze on. Using more of the crackle product will cause wider cracking than a thin coat will. As there are many different faux finish brands, refer to the specific manufacturer's instructions for allowable dry times in between glazing and top coat application.

Add a top coat of paint to the antique or crackle glaze to complete the look. This is where the actual crackling will show through. To achieve a truly antiqued effect, use a flat sheen of paint. This variety will crack better than a gloss. Dip a roller into the paint and apply over top of the glaze for a patterned, zig-zagging, spider-webbed look, or create long, straight cracks by using a brush.

Apply a clear sealant on top of the dried, cracked flat paint. This will help to seal the faux paint wall and add a bit of shine to the flat surface.