Faux Painting Techniques for Furniture

Faux Painting Techniques For Furniture

I've spent the last 15 years learning different faux painting techniques for all kinds of furniture. I have used this technique on many pieces of flea market furniture. It truly isn't that difficult, and I've narrowed it down to what works the best.

faux painting techniques

If you decide to learn to faux finish, you can save hundreds of dollars by learning your own furniture makeover ideas. And, in my opinion, you create a truly unique and fabulous piece of furniture!

Don't stress out: you can do it!

There are many different methods and looks you can achieve. This page is about adding a technique to darken a lighter piece of furniture. It is VERY easy, fun, and quick! I promise!

Antiquing furniture is really all about the application process.

I'm Going To Show You Step By Step Using An End Table

faux paint techniques

faux paint technique

This table is from Broyhill, and is in great condition. It is just a little out-of-date with the lighter stain color. It also has a lot of scratches, but those will only add character!

Gather all your supplies and let's start our faux painting technique project!

Step 1

Prep your furniture by cleaning it with a dry cloth and a little spray cleaner. You don't want to get the table "wet"; just clean off any surface dirt and dust.

Pour a little of your antiquing glaze onto the paper plate. Totally wet your rag and ring it out completely. Having a wet rag instead of using a dry rag allows the glaze to move smoothly over the furniture.

paint techniques

Dab your rag into the glaze, then go to a clean part of the plate and rub off the glaze. This will prevent any globs. Gently pound your rag up and down until you have your desired look. Re-coat your rag and continue working.

paint techniques

Step 2

Continue working around your furniture and keep going in the same direction. Faux glaze is great to work with because it allows you to keep working and "dabbing" without it drying too fast.

If you miss a spot, just go back and retouch it.

HELPFUL TIP: Always take a look at where you first started to apply the glaze. It is easy to change the way in which you are dabbing the glaze, and therefore, change the overall pattern.

If you feel you have messed up, no problem! You are applying a water-based glaze over a finished piece, so it will wipe off with a clean rag!

furniture faux techniques

Step 3

As you keep adding the glaze, one trick I have learned is to add a little extra glaze and darken the edges of the furniture. It gives a realistic and aged look. So, after the glaze dries, you can go back and just gently dab a little extra on the edges. This technique makes ALL the difference! Remember, faux painting techniques are all different, but it is about taking your time and creating a natural look.

faux techniques

Step 4

Once you are completely finished and your piece is dry, it is time to add a coat of polyurethane. I use a sponge brush; no cleaning-- just throw it away when you're finished! My favorite sheen to use is "satin". It is not too shiny and not too dull. It's just like Goldilock's bed--it is just right!

So, see you CAN learn faux painting techniques, and impress everyone!

faux techniques for furniture

See, faux painting furniture isn't too hard at all! Don't worry if your first effort isn't perfect! Once you have accessories on your furniture it will look great! Learning to faux finish furniture is a fantastic way to save money! And I am all about cheap decorating ideas!