Lucie rowe
To add some "age" to the piece, apply black spray paint sparingly and sporadically to the surfaces to emulate weathering and water damage. Apply more black paint towards the lower areas of the piece, creating an effect that would be expected from a piece that has been exposed to water or sat on a dirty floor.
Note: This technique is not recommended for authentic antiques, but can be used to good effect on unfinished furniture, which can be purchased very cheaply at specialized unpainted and unpainted furniture stores.
Lucie rowe
Lucie rowe
Decide the color of your piece. Country furniture was usually painted with paints left over from other projects.
Paint the piece with an ordinary brush. Start brushing the paint at the top of the piece and work your way down so there is less paint on the brush when you have reached the bottom. Avoid covering every inch of the surface to create the illusion of some wear.
Lucie rowe
To give the piece an even more weathered look, consider using medium grit sandpaper to roughen and abrade the surfaces. An abrasive pad made of synthetic fibers can be used for the same purpose.
Lucie rowe
Once the paint has been applied, wipe it off with a rag before the paint has dried. This results in a duller, older-looking finish. Take your time and use your imagination to give the finished piece a look that mimics the effect of aging and wear.
Lucie rowe
Finally, you may want to apply a little extra protection with a water-based spray finish. Use a satin finish instead of a high gloss. A high gloss glossy finish would not be suitable for a naturally aged piece. A satin or matte finish is much better suited to the faded, antique look.
