Dan's Papers - June 22, 2007

Antiques are a charming way to add character to any home, but naturally acquiring an aged look can take generations. A piece of furniture with worn edges and distressed paint used to mean that it had been around for years, maybe given to us by our grandparents or bought at an antique store. Today, a piece of furniture with an aged look can actually be brand new, and considered both chic and stylish. It is now possible to create the illusion that we've inherited and taken care of something for years, when in reality it was just recently purchased at a local furniture store.

There are several ways to give a new piece of furniture or wall hanging a lived-in look, without waiting a lifetime. Recreating the effects of love and use that are typically found in genuinely aged furniture can be inexpensive, but take some effort. If you have never antiqued before, start with a small item such as a picture frame or mirror. This will allow you to get the hang of it and experiment with different techniques. Antiquing methods can also be used to salvage a damaged piece of furniture or wall hanging that would otherwise be thrown away.

The easiest way to give a piece of furniture or wall hanging an heirloom expression is by using paint or stain. When choosing which to use, there are many factors to consider. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your own personal taste and style. Think about what you want the finished piece to look like and where it will be displayed. If you want to see an old paint color under the distressed areas, as if it had been painted many times, you will need to choose colors for both the basecoat and topcoat. If you want the distressed areas to reveal bare wood, you will only need one paint color. If you prefer a wood stain finish, choose a stain color that will appropriately match the surrounding decor in the room where it will be placed.

Begin by lightly sanding the item you want to antique, even if it has been previously painted or polished. Use sandpaper to smooth out rough edges, making sure not to go against the grain, or the wood will be scratched. Once the sanding is completed, wipe down the item with a piece of tack cloth to remove any remaining dust. To give the wood a tattered look, use methods that will mar the surface such as scratching and gauging. This works best by using tools such as a steel brush or even a rock.

Before you paint or stain, applying a coat of primer is recommended but it is not required. If you have decided to use paint and want bare wood exposed, paint the entire piece one color. If you want color exposed, consider a brighter color for the base coat so it shows up through the topcoat of paint. Once the paint has dried, there are several distressing techniques. For bare wood exposure, sand areas that would naturally get distressed, including corners that could easily be nicked and places that would have been held by hands. This will give it a weathered look that is common with antiques. If you choose to have paint showing through, rub candle wax on the areas you want distressed after applying the basecoat. Then, paint over the basecoat and wax with the topcoat. Once the topcoat has dried, use steel wool to reveal the color underneath. Rub it on the waxed areas, and then use the tack cloth again to remove dust. If you choose to use a stain finish, apply the desired amount to the piece of furniture and let it dry. To give the piece a classic look, use a towel or rag to apply the stain finish. For all methods, applying a polyurethane stain upon completion can protect and enhance your work.

Using these antiquing techniques will instantly add age and charm to your furniture, and can be further personalized by using stencils or wood embellishments. Whichever faux finish you choose, whether applied to a piece as small as a picture frame or as large as an entertainment center, it will retain its beauty while looking convincingly like an antique.