Antiquing TIPS

Create a history for your antiqued objects. I’ve discovered that the best approach to antiquing is to think in terms of the passage of time. What would happen to any given object as it matured through time? Passing from one owner to the next, or resting quietly in the back of a dusty shop. Dirt starts to settle. As people clean or move these objects around, the high points, edges and top would naturally be exposed to polishing, rubbing or knicks and dings. Meanwhile, the recesses and deep areas slowly become more distinguished as they settle and mature. In step 8, above, we see just that. The buffing of the ‘high traffic’ points, while our newly applied antique glaze stays put in the details.

The 'Classic Antique Glaze'. A blending of Raw Umber, Van Dyke Brown and Burnt Sienna colorant.

Base Color Antique White - Latex Eggshell

Glaze color Classic Antique Glaze

Step 1: Prime Object.

Ensure that the object being antiqued is suitably primed. In this instance I’ve decided to antique a set of decorative wall brackets. Since they are cast in plaster I will need to prime them by using an aerosol white primer.

Step 2: Apply base coat.

Apply 2 coats of latex Antique White paint. Establishing a light base color allows the antique glaze to differentiate from the base color, taking on depth and richness of tone.

Smart, bold and uplifting, striped walls can quickly transform a modest room into an exciting environment. From elegant and formal to casual and comfortable, the painted stripe offers a variety of design solutions and can be quickly adapted to your interior style. Because of the linear quality of this application rooms tend to feel larger. It works well in entrance foyers, living rooms, dining rooms and bath areas.

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Turn ordinary objects into heirlooms! Creating the 'Classic Antique' glaze finish for objects, furniture, walls and more. This detailed step-by-step tutorial shows how to mix the right colors to create the perfect antiquing solution for any object, furniture, picture frame and more.

Step 3: Create 'Classic Antique Glaze'.

To create the artSparx 'Classic Antique Glaze', loosely mix together Raw Umber, Van Dyke Brown and Burnt Sienna in a 4:2:1 ratio onto the paper palette. This is not an exact science so use your color sensibility to adjust the glaze as desired.

This random mixing of the colors, in a not so scientific manner, allows for small variations of color on the object during application. This will further enhance the mottled and aged appearance of the object or surface.

For larger surface areas, follow the Parchment Glaze step-by-step tutorial.

Step 4: Wet surface.

Use a damp rag and wet the working surface with water. This helps your glaze to move fluidly while also extending drying time.

Step 5: Apply glaze.

Brush the antique glaze you created loosely over the entire surface.

Step 6: Rub glaze with rag.

Ball a clean rag in your hand and then lightly rub over the antique surface with the rag. This will remove glaze from the higher points, creating contrast by allowing the recesses to remain darker, thus exaggerating the natural shadows of your object.

Step 7: Drybrush.

With the dry brush, gently work over the surface, evening out concentrations of antique glaze.

Step 8: Wipe surface and varnish if desired.

Wipe the surface again using the balled up rag to pull out the highlight and even out the glazed surface.

To protect the surface, a clear water-based varnish may be applied after antiqued surfaces have dried compltely (4 hrs). A Satin or Semi-gloss sheen is best suited for this type of treatment.