How to Create White Antique Furniture

Clean the furniture thoroughly by using a gentle wood cleaner to remove grime and dust. Use a dusting cloth to remove the dust and dirt in the detailing of the furniture, paying special attention to the carving and cracks. Allow the piece to dry completely so the water doesn't affect the adhesion of paint.

Rub off any rough edges with sheets of fine-grain sandpaper. Use gentle pressure. Focus on the edges and the major rough spots, particularly if there are places where paint is peeling off. When you run your hand over the piece, it should not catch on any edges.

Prime the surface with a spray primer. If the furniture piece has a shiny finish, use a bonded primer that will help the paint stick. Use a white primer if the piece is a different color to minimize the layers of paint you need. Once the primer dries, cover the furniture in a solid coat of white paint, repeating until you cannot see the original color. Set the piece in a ventilated area until it dries.

Apply a crackle finish to split the surface of the paint, giving it a rough, aged look. Read the directions: Some glazes require a base coat and a top coat. If you want a dramatic look, apply the crackle solution all over the piece of furniture. For a more subtle, realistic look, spread the finish on the areas of the furniture that would have seen the most use over the years: the tops of drawers, for example, or the arms and legs of chairs.

Rub antiquing glaze into the cracks that have been created by the crackle finish. Focus on the areas you want to highlight; as the glaze dries, it will make the cracks stand out. Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth, making sure to remove as much as possible from the non-cracked areas. Finish the surface with a spray varnish to seal the furniture.