How to Make Antiquing Paint Wash

Paint finishes that make furniture look antique are a commonly used technique. Most paint stores will have aisles dedicated to the glazes, stains and milk paints used in antiquing. As an addition to the painting, antiquing involves the judicious use of sandpaper, sanding away bits of the new topcoat to expose the bare wood or basecoat underneath. Many people also like to add dings and dents to the furniture with a hammer, chain or a screwdriver.

Paint
Water
Glaze
Paint brush
Wet rag

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the item you are painting with a wet rag to remove dirt and oils.
- 2
  Paint a basecoat. This coat will show through the distressed topcoat. Let the paint dry. Sand bits of paint to distress the furniture. Corners, edges and the tops of chair arms are places that usually show more wear.
- 3
  Paint on the antiquing glaze in sections and wipe it off with a sponge or rag to create a streaking effect. Alternatively, create a wash of one part paint to four parts water. Add more water for a thinner wash, less for a milkier wash. Paint the wash on top of the dry topcoat. The paint is thinned by the water and goes on in streaks, with the sanded parts showing a darker color.

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