Today I’m sharing how to antique furniture the easy way …. using wax. This isn’t the wax you hear about with chalk paint and other specialty furniture paints. This wax has been around for years. I first discovered it about 2006. I was painting furniture to sell at my booth at Alyssa’s in Pace, Florida. A friend painted a red chest I absolutely fell in love with. She shared her secret to the awesome finish……..
How To Antique Furniture
I used the wax to get this look.
the cedar chest before
my special color mix…this is latex paint
I applied one coat of paint and let some of the natural wood with flaws show through the paint.
In this photo you can see where I applied the wax. It’s shiny when wet but will retain a nice patina when buffed. I used Howard’s wax in golden oak. To get a deeper color I sometimes use the darker walnut color.
The wax takes about 10 minutes to dry, depending on the humidity level. I buffed it with a soft cloth then applied one more coat of wax. Always use a lint free cloth when waxing. I buy old sheets and tear them up for rags.
The wax gets into the little grooves and details and adds to the antique or aged look. The wax will be more obvious on lighter paint colors.
This finish works best on furniture that doesn’t have a heavy coat of varnish or sealer.
The finish on the cedar chest was perfect for the antiquing technique. Some people beat the furniture up with a hammer or chain to add to the look. I haven’t tried that technique. I’ve worked on a few pieces of furniture I wanted to beat up!
Howard’s wax is easy to find too. Most hardware stores, thrift shops, or antique shops carry it. You can always order it online.
I made a video of another method to antique painted furniture.
How To Antique Painted Furniture Video
Did you think the finish would be that easy? This look can be completed in just a few hours! I love it.
I want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes yesterday. I was overwhelmed.
Thank you, Kathy
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EFFIE CARROLL says
Thanks for the tip. Happy Birthday. I have one this month myself.
Kathy Owen says
Thank you! Happy Birthday to you too!
shelley says
nicely done….and Happy Birthday yesterday…
Beverly Farkus says
A belated happy birthday! And I love this red chest. Of course I love all your work.
[email protected] Interior Frugalista says
Hmmmm, you’ve peaked my curiosity. Is it less expensive than chalk paint wax?
Kathy Owen says
Yes it is Marie!
Sherry Parker says
Can you use this wax oer chalk paint?
Kathy Owen says
I’m not sure Sherry. Never used it on chalk paint. I’m not a big chalk paint fan. Too much work.
Donna Marie says
Thank you. I needed something for a quilt rack I painted. Hopefully this will do it!!!
Cindy Olvera says
I would love to know what color of red is on this chest. I love red and this is awesome. I have an old cedar chest that my dad built many many years ago when he was in high school which was about 60 years ago. I would love to do this to it
Kathy Owen says
Cindy, I would love to help you with the red but I mixed it myself with a combination of 3 paint colors I had on hand. I’m thinking of slapping some paint on a paint stick and taking it to Home Depot so they can do a custom mix for me. If I do I will take a photo of the color formula and add it to the post.It’s hard to get the perfect red, isn’t it!