How to Paint Something to Make it Look Antique

You can make just about any object look like an antique. Freshen up old furniture from around your house, liven up a thrift store find or create a custom gift for someone special. You can even buy unfinished wood objects and make them look like antiques. Try seeking out objects that feature ornate details like molding or carvings for added appeal. You may want to try stenciling on a design if you feel like your piece looks bland.

Paintbrush
Sandpaper
Paint
Stencil (optional)
Glaze
Measuring cup
Bowl
Rag

Instructions

- 1
  
  Choose your paint colors.
  
  Choose one or two paint colors. One color will serve as the base coat and peek through patches you create in a second top coat. If choosing two colors, make sure to pick ones that complement each other, such as pale green and cream. To keep the process simple, stick to one color.
- 2
  
  Paint the piece with a base coat.
  
  Paint the piece with a base coat. If using two colors, apply the color you want to see less of first. Home and Garden Television recommends using paint with a satin finish.
- 3
  
  Apply the second color.
  
  Apply the second color once the first has dried.
- 4
  
  Use a stencil to add a design to your piece.
  
  Place a stencil on your piece and dab a thin coat of your base coat color on it, if desired.
- 5
  
  Lightly sand the areas you want to look distressed.
  
  Lightly sand the areas you want to look distressed once the second coat has dried. By removing patches of the top color, the bottom color will show through. Try to pick areas that would naturally distress over time, such as the back of a chair or corners of a table.
- 6
  
  Use a moistened towel to clean off dust particles.
  
  Moisten a towel and wipe the entire object down once the second coat of paint dries. Clean off any dust particles and allow the object to dry.
- 7
  Mix a glaze by combining three parts clear glaze to one part brown paint. For example, mix one cup of clear glaze with three cups of brown paint. This will dilute the paint to create a dark stain.
- 8
  
  Wipe the glaze off right away with a rag.
  
  Paint a section of the piece with the glaze and wipe the glaze off right away with a rag so that the glaze stains the wood but doesn't completely cover the other paint. Allow glaze to dry.
- 9
  Protect the piece with a final coat of clear glaze, if desired.

How to Hang Glaze for Wood

How to Paint Cabinets to Look Weathered

Faux Finishing