How to Antique Plaster

Apply primer to the surface with a 9-inch roller brush, making sure to coat the wall evenly. If covering a sconce or decorative plate with the faux finish, dab a generous layer onto its surface with a paint brush, working the primer into all of the crevices. Allow the primer to completely dry, which should take about two hours.

Slather a layer of plaster on to the wall using a metal trowel, which is a flat rectangular plate that has a top handle. Use a semicircular motion to apply the plaster to the surface. Afterward, clean the trowel, by scraping it with a spatula, and drag it over the surface of the plaster in a wavy diagonal pattern. This will help add texture to the wall. Allow the plaster to dry for at least 12 hours. This step can be disregarded for smaller decorative pieces, as they are already made from plaster.

Lay on one coat of the base color using a roller brush. Base colors for antiquing are often off-white or cream colored, with a semigloss finish. For smaller pieces, use a brush to apply the paint and work the color across the piece. Allow the paint to dry for approximately two to four hours.

Apply the colored glaze to the wall or decorative piece using the 3-inch paintbrush. Paint individual V-shaped strokes on to the walls, spacing them about 6 inches apart. When covering a smaller piece, lightly dab the glaze onto the sconce or trim using a brush, spacing them about 3 inches apart.

Distribute the color across the wall or decorative piece using a sponge. Rubbing the wall will slightly dilute the color, while helping it cling only to the surface’s crevices and texture. Allow the glaze to dry for two to four hours, completing the antique finish.