How to Duplicate Antique Finishes

Simulating wear and tear is the key to duplicating an antique finish on a furniture item or object. Over time, paint and finishes rub off the "peaks," while the paint or finish remains intact in the "valleys." Regions surrounding handles, the edges of an object or the edges of a drawer will be worn due to handling and use. This will cause the paint to thin to varying degrees. In some cases, the paint may be worn away completely. Remember that wear is usually irregular and non-uniform and keep this in mind as you simulate the antique finish.

Face mask
Protective eyewear
Fine-grit sandpaper
Sanding block
Flat-head screwdriver
Water
Lint-free cloth
Drop cloth
Clear polyurethane or paint
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Put on a face mask and protective eyewear.
- 2
  Wrap a piece of fine-grit sandpaper over a sanding block and sand the "peaks" of the furniture item or other object. Sand the edges, corners and the regions around handles to simulate wear. Remove the paint in some regions and thin the paint in other regions for a random appearance.
- 3
  Chip off areas of finish or paint by scraping and lightly gouging the surface with a flat-head screwdriver. Chipped paint is most commonly found around latches, handles and other regions that are handled frequently.
- 4
  Dampen a lint-free cloth and wipe down the item's surface to remove flecks of paint and dust from sanding.
- 5
  Place the item on a drop cloth.
- 6
  Apply a coat of clear polyurethane or paint to seal the object's surface, particularly in the areas where the finish or paint has been sanded or chipped away. Use a paintbrush to apply two even coats. Let the finish dry before handling.

How to Make a Plush Headboard

How to Make a Homemade Drawing Light Box

Furniture Making

Furniture Making