How to Antique by Sanding

Create the simplest antique effect by knocking down the shiny finish on any piece of real wood furniture. Use 220 fine grit sandpaper and sand lightly all over the piece.

Age your real wood piece by using several pieces of sandpaper with different grits. Use 100 grit coarse sandpaper to round edges and corners so the piece looks as though it has gotten lots of use over a long period of time. If the piece has hardware such as door knobs or pulls, sand around them to create a look of wear.

Crease coarse paper and use the folded edge to make slight scratches in the finish. This will make the piece look well used. Finish the look by using fine grit sandpaper over the entire piece.

Create depth and interest on real wood or laminate with the addition of paint. Acrylic craft paint works well because it is available in such a variety of colors. Choose two colors that will work well together, one as the main color and one as an accent (base) color.

Paint the piece entirely with the base color. To save time and money---if you're finishing a large piece---just do some areas on the large flat surfaces and on the edges where you'd normally find wear. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

Use the wax candle and rub over the painted accent color. If you've painted the whole piece, just apply it in areas on the large flat surfaces and on the edges. This will prevent paint from sticking when you apply a coat of the main color over the accent color.

Paint the entire piece with the main color and allow it to dry. When the paint is dry, use fine grit sandpaper and lightly sand the surface to remove the wax. The accent color will be revealed. Your piece will look as though it was repainted after years of use.