Antiquing Techniques for Painted Walls or Cupboards

Sponging Walls

• 1

  Paint the wall with a base color. This should be a color that complements the sponging colors as it will show through on the finished wall.

• 2

  Pour the two other colors of paint into separate paint-roller trays.

• 3

  Dip the sponge into the first color then blot it on a kitchen towel to remove some of the paint. Dab the sponge on the wall, creating speckles and spots. Work until the entire wall is covered in speckles.

• 4

  Wash the sponge and dry it. Dip it into the second paint color. blot it to remove some of the paint and dab over the wall, concentrating on filling in the gaps left by the first color. Leave some areas so the base wall color shows through.

Distressing Cupboards

• 5

  Sand the old paint finish off the cupboard surfaces using coarse sandpaper, then sand again using fine sandpaper. Wipe the surface with a tack cloth to remove all the dust.

• 6

  Paint the surface with a primer/sealer and allow this to dry.

• 7

  Brush over the cupboard surface with latex interior paint. Allow the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat. Wait at least 48 hours before moving on.

• 8

  Sand over the surface with very fine sand paper to smooth the paint. Sand more thoroughly on the edges, corners and on any decorative trim to remove the paint down to the wood.

• 9

  Rub wax furniture paste over the entire surface and buff it off immediately. Follow the directions on the brand of wax paste.