How to Create Antiqued Paint

Sand the furniture piece with 120-grit sandpaper until it is smooth. After sanding, wipe the entire piece with a dry cloth to remove all leftover debris.

Apply one coat of stain in your choice of colors to the wood. This improves the appearance of the exposed wood when the overlying paint has been removed. Allow the stain to dry overnight before moving on to the next step.

Form two bowls out of pieces of aluminum foil and pour the two paint colors out into them.

Apply the desired color of paint to the entire piece with a paintbrush. This color will be the piece’s base color. Allow the base color to dry for several minutes.

Apply the second paint color to the entire furniture piece while the base color is still tacky.

Drag a lint-free towel or rag across the surfaces of the piece to thoroughly blend the two paint colors.

Splatter a few drops of black paint or stain on the piece, using a small brush or toothbrush, if desired, while the top coat of paint is still wet. This will create the appearance of “age spots.” You may include as few or as many age spots as you like.

Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

Rub selected areas of the piece, such as corners or edges, with 3/0 steel wool to remove the paint and expose the stained wood beneath. Continue removing paint in this way until you achieve the desired amount of distress on your furniture piece.

Apply one coat of satin finish varnish to the entire piece with a paintbrush, if desired. Applying varnish will give the piece a subtle shine. Allow the varnish to dry completely before touching or moving the piece.