1.21.2024

How to Get an Antique Finish with Paint: 4 Craft Tips to Recreate a Loved Piece

When we think of recycling we might think of taking something old and making it look new, but have you ever thought about adding some character with an antique style?

There are many things to consider when caring for antique furniture , not to mention the cost of purchasing genuine antiques as the antique market is booming. Therefore, simulating an antique finish with paint can be a fun alternative.

This will give you the perfect, imperfect finish for your "beloved" look.

How to get an antique finish with paint

As with any painted furniture idea , it's important to put as much effort into the prep work as the painting itself to achieve the best end result, even if you prefer a more rustic, lived-in aesthetic.

These are the four steps experienced craftsmen follow to achieve a long-lasting look every time.

1. Clean, sand and dust the surface.

Aged vintage chest of drawers in a white bedroom

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors/Julie Soefer)

"Before applying paint, you should first clean, sand, and remove residue, especially when painting wooden furniture," begins Gabriella Dyson , editor of the "Solved" section of Homes and Gardens . This gives you an optimal surface on which the paint layers adhere and do not peel off. Just because you want the room to look worn doesn't mean you want it to look messy.

Wash the piece with sugar soap and warm water to remove grease and dirt before removing any existing varnish or paint with fine-grit sandpaper. In most cases, you don't need to sand it completely - a rough surface should be enough for the paint to stick.

Be sure to use a lint-free cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove dust and sawdust before continuing.

Gabrielle Dyson
Gabrielle Dyson

Gabriella Dyson is Homes & Gardens' Solved Editor, editing and writing practical advice for homeowners cleaning, decluttering, or completing home renovations and home improvement projects. Gabriella previously worked at Homebuilding.com and wrote articles on topics related to historic and heritage building projects.

2. Apply color with crackle agent.

The ultimate guide to your home's interior design

(Image credit: Future)

"The trick to achieving the perfect antique paint finish is to apply the paint in thin coats so that some imperfections in the brush strokes show through," says Jay Sanders, contractor and owner of Castle Dream Construction .

You should start with a base coat, usually a chalk paint for the best effect, and apply one or two coats initially to achieve good coverage. To achieve coarse coverage, consider painting with a brush rather than a roller .

"Then apply a coat of crackle medium and let it dry. Once dry, apply a top coat of a contrasting color. As the top layer dries, it will crack and expose the base layer underneath, creating an antique look.

"For a more authentic finish, sand the edges and corners of the furniture to reveal the base coat," he adds.

3. Don't forget about metallic accents.

Any furniture with metal trim, hinges or handles should be removed and treated to improve the overall look and transform your home with color . Otherwise they will come out.

Kendra Hagerman, blogger and interior decorator, uses spray paint and rub n' buff to change the color of the decor and give it a vintage look. First, clean the surface, whether metal, glass, ceramic or plastic, before spraying it with an even coat of black spray paint as a primer.

Then, using a dry brush, apply a gold or bronze rub 'n' buff in thin coats, leaving some black visible under thin coats to give the finish a distressed finish. Just let it dry before reassembling your furniture.

Kendra Hagerman
Kendra Hagerman

Kendra uses her platforms to create DIY and craft projects for every budget, with clever tips for DIY, saving and decorating.

4. Finish the piece with wax.

Vintage drawers used as a bedside table.

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors/Julie Soefer)

"It's not just clever painting tricks that help imitate an antique piece. Your coat will probably have the biggest impact on the vintage or shabby chic look of your room," says Artem Kropovinsky , interior designer and founder of Arsight.

Finish your masterpiece with a clear or tinted wax to protect the piece and highlight its aged appearance. We recommend this Jolie Finishing Wax from Amazon as it is an odorless, safe and waterproof sealing wax that is available in a variety of colors.

Frequently asked questions

What is antique enamel?

An antique glaze is a special type of top coat that can be applied to a base to make the finished piece appear older and worn by simulating age. It also acts as a protective sealant to prevent the underlying paint from peeling or flaking with use.

How to give the walls a vintage look?

If you want to add old world charm to your home, you can start by adding character features to your property, even if it is not a historic home. Using wallpaper and adding wainscoting will help add interest, or you can consider paint to create texture.


"When painting for an antique finish, always remember that imperfections add the perfect touch," concludes interior designer Artem Kropovinsky. "Don't look for perfection. Instead, allow for brush strokes and small color variations that complement the vintage style.

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