5 Easy Steps to Creating a Faux Antique Finish

Before you begin, be sure that your work area will have adequate ventilation. Working outdoors or in a garage with an open door is idea. Always use gloves and safety glasses to protect skin and eyes. To be sure that a product is going to give you the look you want, test it in an inconspicuous spot before treating the entire piece.

Faux finishing kits can be purchased at home improvement stores but it is generally cheaper to purchase supplies separately. This is particularly true if you will be doing a large piece of furniture or several pieces. To create an antique finish on wood furniture you will need to buy a semi-gloss oil-based enamel in antique white or your chosen base color to cover the existing finish. You will also need satin varnish, turpentine, an oil-based tint if you wish to add a colored glaze and polyurethane satin varnish to seal the finished piece. Also gather clean rags, medium and fine-grade sandpaper, detergent and a bucket of water, mineral spirits, a course paintbrush and a varnish brush, cheesecloth and a tack cloth. You may also need an old sheet or newspapers to protect your floor or work surface.

1. Remove all hardware, set it aside. If hardware is tarnished, simply rub it with steel wool and mineral spirits to restore the luster. Scrub the furniture with detergent and water; rinse and dry with a clean rag. Wipe the piece down with mineral spirits to remove any old wax or polish then sand with medium-grade sandpaper. Wipe away debris with a clean tack cloth.
2. Apply the semi-gloss base coat with a coarse brush and let the furniture dry for at least 24 hours.
3. Mix one-part turpentine with 3 parts satin varnish. If another layer of color is to be added, stir an oil-based tint into the mixture. Brush on the mixture with a course brush and as it begins to dry, wipe away the excess with the cheesecloth. Let the glaze dry at least 24 hours.
4. If you want a distressed finish, use the fine-grade sand paper to gently sand the edges as desired, then lightly sand the remainder of the piece and wipe the entire piece of furniture with a clean tack cloth.
5. Finish and seal the piece with clear satin finish and enjoy your 'new' antique.