There are many professional specialists who will create an antique paint finish for furniture on pretty much any piece that you may wish to transform. They can completely change the appearance of items and make a bland and tired looking chair or table look very attractive and quite authentic. They do, however, command quite a high fee and it is possible, with a little inside knowledge, to do the transforming all by yourself. This can be satisfying as well as practical and does not take too much practice.

There is little point in using an antique paint finish for furniture which has obviously been born in a completely different era. A G-Plan table for example will never look antique, regardless of how good a paint job you give it! Try to find furniture which has an antique shape to it. Tables with spindle legs for example are quite good. Some really sturdy kitchen chairs can be very successful. It is always best if you can use some imagination when you look at a piece of furniture and see if you can think what it will turn out like.

There are several different ways that you can improve the look of dull and uninteresting chairs and tables which you have grown tired of. One very well known antique paint finish for furniture is crackle glaze. This is fairly self explanatory. It creates a crackle finish on the item which will make it look old. This is not as difficult as you may think but does involve buying some specialist crackle glaze paint. You will be given instructions with the crackle glaze paint. It will involve painting with a base coat and leaving to dry. Painting with the crackle glaze and then painting with a top coat. Only when the top coat starts to dry will the crackling become apparent. This will then all have to be sealed to protect the finish. This is a simple process and it is easy to get good results.

Another very simple method of creating an antique paint finish for furniture is to paint a base coat and leave to dry. Then, using a plain wax candle, rub over all the areas of the furniture where it would be normal to get the most wear such as the edges and on the raised aspect of any decorative work. Then, using a different colour, paint over the piece again. Once this has dried, gently rub over the waxed areas with a scouring pad… the stiff nylon ones are good for this. This will remove the candle wax to reveal the paint underneath. Give the whole item a gentle rub with either a scouring pad or fine wire wool and coat with a satin varnish for protection.

Many pieces of furniture can be revived and there a great many ways in which you can create an antique paint finish for furniture. The best plan is to have a go and experiment. It is usually possible to re-coat and start again if you do not get the finish you require.

By: Ivy Johnson

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For a unique look, many homeowners are mixing distressed furniture with current modern styles.

Before you go throwing away your old dining room or bedroom sets, reconsider by refinishing it. Distressed furniture can be very expensive to buy so why not create it yourself with a little imagination and some TLC. This step by step guide will give you some helpful tips that the pros use when distressing furniture.

1. Sand: Sand down the finish on your piece so the primer/paint has something to adhere to. Use medium/fine grit sandpaper for this.

2. Rough up surface: Take a few tools (hammer, screw driver, chain, etc.) and rough up the surface of the piece. This is left up to your discretion of how distressed you want to make the furniture. The more you rough up the surface the more aged the piece appears.

3.Prime: Use a good quality white primer and give the piece of furniture a thin coat. After the piece has dried, follow up with a light sanding.

4. Top coat: Pick a top coat that complements the room. If you want to stay neutral, then go with whites/off whites. Apply two even coats of this top coat. Sometimes, homeowners will request a crackle finish in which the top coat appears as if the paint has dried and is starting to chip away. For a crackle finish read the steps below:

a. Follow steps 1-3.

b. Optional Base coat: Get Creative!! If you do not want the piece to show white crackle from primer coat, then now is the time to be creative. You can apply a different base coat which will show behind the top coat when the crackle takes effect.

c. Apply crackle glaze where you want the top coat to crackle. Allow to dry according to directions on package. This is usually a clear glaze sold at your local home center.

d. Top Coat: Apply top coat evenly (try not to over brush which may cause paint to drag). This top coat should be a different shade then the primer/base coat to make the crackle stand out.

e. Continue the follow steps below.

5. Optional Glaze coat: After the piece has thoroughly dried, apply a glaze over the entire piece. This step is optional but recommended. This glaze (usually dark brown/grey) when applied, highlights all of the roughed up areas (step 2) and really brings out the details in the piece. The best way to apply the glaze, is with a brush and then wipe off the excess with a rag. Wipe with even pressure (in one direction).

6. Apply a seal coat: Water based Poly works good for this. Apply 2-3 thin coats of this product according to the manufacturer’s recommendation and do not forget to sand in between coats. This step will protect all of your hard work.

Now step back and enjoy your newly antiqued furniture. You will be amazed at the results and how quick and easy you have changed the look of your room. Take your time & most importantly be creative with this!!

By: Travis B.

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