Antiquing furniture is a faux technique process done to make a piece of furniture look as if it is worn over time. It’s not hard to give a chair, a table, or any favorite furniture a fake antique finish. All that’s needed are a few things from around the house to help mark up the wood, some antiquing gel from a local home improvement center, and anyone can create the illusion the piece has years of history tied to it.
Things Needed For the Project
· Sandpaper
· Household Metal Objects (used to mark up the wood piece – chain, screw driver, knife, hammer, wire brush, etc.)
· Steel Wool
· 2 - Tack Cloth
· Antique Gel
· Wood Stain
· Polyurethane or Varnish
· Paintbrush
Other Items to Use
· Enamel Paint
· Chisel
· Transparent Antiquing Glaze
· Dark Brown Glaze
Before Beginning
Project Steps
Step 1 – Clean the Wood
Clean all debris from the wood piece.
Guide to Antique Furniture Finish
Step 2 – Apply Stain
In a small area, and using the tack cloth, apply the wood stain. Wipe the excess stain off with a clean dry tack cloth. Continue this over the entire wood piece. Let dry completely according to the Manufacturer’s directions.
Step 3 – Mark Up
Using one or multiple household items; chain, screw driver, knife, hammer, wire brush, etc. make desired marks over entire piece of wood. The knife or screw drive can be used to make small nicks and holes. This will give the illusion that the holes were created over time. Use sandpaper to sand down where the wood piece should be worn from years of use; dresser handles, knobs, arm rests, etc.
Step 4 – Apply Antiquing Gel
Next, working according to the manufacturer’s directions and in small areas; apply the antiquing gel with a paint brush. The gel will give the appearance of age by darkening a piece of bare wood, any wood already stained or even wood that is painted. If a lighter color is desired, the antiquing gel can be diluted by adding a small amount of water. Once the antiquing gel has been applied wipe it off with a clean dry cloth. Let dry completely.
Step 5 – Sand Lightly
Using fine grain sandpaper sand the surface lightly to remove any bumps or imperfections the stain or antiquing gel may have left in the finish.
Step 6 – Remove Sanding Dust
Using a dry can clean tack cloth, wipe clean removing any dust from sanding.
Step 7 – Protective Finish
To protect the wood piece, apply a layer of polyurethane or varnish with a paint brush. (Follow the manufacturer’s directions.)
Step 8 – Very Fine Sandpaper
Using very fine sandpaper sand the wood piece to smooth out any bubbles.
How to Make New Wood Look Old Part 1
