Antiquing & Painting Paneling

Helpful Tools

• Paneling can be antiqued by mixing paint with glaze and texturing it to achieve your desired effect. Basic painting supplies, including drop cloths, painting tape, mixers, rollers and brushes, are essential for this task. You will also need a bristle block brush, fine steel wool or a piece of carpet to produce the streaked effect. You may be able to find an antiquing kit containing the necessary tools at your local paint store.

Preparing Your Work Area

• If you want to properly apply any special effect to walls, you must start with a clean surface and a base coat. Make sure that all cracks and holes are filled with spackle and that the walls are free of dirt and grease. After you apply a base coat, make sure it dries completely before proceeding with the antiquing. Any flaws in the base coat will be magnified by the antiquing effect.

Mixing a Glaze

• A standard mixture for antiquing includes one part latex paint to five parts latex glaze. This mixture will not dry quickly, so you can take your time properly applying your streaking effect. If you don't like your result, you can easily wipe the glaze off with a damp rag and start over.

Antiquing

• To create your antique effect, brush your glaze on with a latex paintbrush in the direction of the wood grain. Then run your streaking tool (the bristle block brush, steel wool or carpet) through the glaze in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe your streaking tool between each stroke to remove excess glaze. Too much glaze will create a muddy finish, so remember: less is more!

Varnishing

• After your glaze dries, it is important to protect it by applying two coats of a low-luster satin varnish. Be sure to wait a full 24 hours after antiquing before applying the varnish so you can be sure the glaze is completely dry.