How to Paint Furniture Using Glaze

Choose the right glaze. If the piece has been finished with an oil-based paint or alkyd finish, use an oil-based furniture glaze. If it was painted with a latex paint, use a water-based glaze.

Add a small amount of colored acrylic craft paint to your glaze if you're starting with clear glaze and mixing your own color. Start with less color and work your way up to the desired shade. Test the mixture on a piece of scrap wood -- let it dry so you can see the final effect -- before starting.

Prepare the furniture to be glazed. Remove all hardware and cushions, if necessary. If the item has a high-gloss finish, roughen the areas to be glazed by lightly rubbing with fine steel wool or No. 00 sandpaper.

Remove all sanding residue by wiping the furniture down with a slightly dampened cloth, then with a dry cloth. The surface must be smooth, clean and dry prior to glazing.

Place the piece on some old newspapers and use a sea sponge to apply the furniture glaze. Start at the top and work downward, one small area at a time. Wait 3 to 5 minutes and wipe the glaze off lightly with a piece of damp cheesecloth. Keep a bucket of water handy; rinse and squeeze out the cloth often or you'll simply be moving the glaze around. Leave some glaze in the pattern work, decorative grooves and inside corners. High spots, edges and outer corners should only contain a light transparent film in order to give the appearance of wear. Work in the direction of the grain and do not aim for perfection; slightly uneven application will enhance the desired effect.

Allow the glaze to dry overnight. Apply a light coat of furniture wax to the entire glazed surface after final inspection and touch-up. Replace hardware and upholstered cushions if necessary.