How to Give Wood an Antique Look
If your dream of owning handcrafted furniture is a little out of your budget, this guide will help you give any wood item an antique faux finish for that old-world charm.
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You Will Need
- Sandpaper
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Chisel
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Rag
- Crackle medium
- Flat or satin finish
- Electric sander (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Sand the wood
Sand the wood to allow the paint to stick. Use a fine-grit sandpaper. Smooth corners and uneven areas to create a distressed look.
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Use an electric sander to make the process easier.
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Step 2
Add marks
Add dents and scratches using a hammer, screwdriver, and chisel to give the wood character and add an illusion of wear and tear.
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Step 3
Start with a dark base color
Use a paintbrush to apply a dark base color sparingly and in a sporadic pattern to convey aging and time-induced water damage. Wipe away any excess paint before it dries.
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The dark base shouldn't cover the wood completely -- just hit the high areas that would see the most damage.
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Step 4
Apply your main color
Apply your main paint color from the top of the wood toward the bottom. Allow the brush to run dry to create a worn appearance. Use a rag to remove excess paint before it dries.
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Step 5
Apply a crackle medium
Apply a crackle medium sparingly over the areas that would naturally see sun or water damage. Paint over the dried crackle and allow the paint to chip and crack.
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Step 6
Leave it natural
Leave the wood unfinished or protect it with a satin or flat finish to give it a muted, antique appearance. Display your newly aged furniture for friends and family to gawk at in wonder.
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The office desk of the President of the United States was carved out of wood from the HMS Resolute, a British ship, and was presented to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880 by Queen Victoria.
