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How to Antique a Desk in 4 Easy Steps

October 15, 2015 By Colleen 4 Comments

Congratulations to Kelly Kuert-Rowe, the winner of the $50 Walmart giftcard!
how to antique desk in 4 stepsThere are many ways to do this but today I want to show you How to Antique a Desk in 4 easy steps! You might remember this desk I painted with Glidden High Endurance after which I decoupaged some scrapbook circles here and there with good ol’ Mod Podge.

As many methods there are to antiquing there are also various mediums and paints to choose from.

modern masters matte metallicI chose Modern Masters matte metallic in bronze which might seem odd, antiquing with a metallic. However metallics have an easy flow because of the resins inherent in the paint.

Plus I happened to have this on hand from the outdoor fountain and screen I painted I used matte metallic on.

Truth be told, I did try regular burnt umber acrylic paint mixed with a glaze as well as the metallic. Very similar colors but the metallic has tiny little shimmers in certain light without appearing obviously metallic.

How to Antique Desk in 4 Easy Steps


Materials List

  • paint
  • glaze medium
  • soft clean cloths (tee shirts cut up work great)
  • large brush *optional
  • palette knife for mixing
  • foam plate or other container

how to antique desk in 4 easy steps

To get the right ratio of paint to glaze will depend upon the glaze used as well as the paint so try a few samples in an area that isn’t highly visible.

With the metallic paint I only needed 1 part to 3 parts glaze. You might think you’ll lose intensity of color as often happens with glazes, but not with this matte metallic.

how to antique desk in 4 easy stepsStep 2 – Brush or wipe the paint/glaze mixture on the desk

Apply the mixture in the direction of the wood grain, if any, and work in smaller sections. While the glaze increases the open time – the time paint stays wet – you don’t want an area drying before you have a chance to work with it.

how to antique desk in 4 easy stepsStep 3 – Remove part of paint/glaze mixture with soft damp towel

How much to remove? It’s a “by-eye” thing. Remove more at first until you get the look you want because you can always add more glaze.

Step 4 – Repeat Step 3, allow to dry and seal

Seriously, that’s it! Such a simple process to totally makeover nearly anything.

how to antique desk in 4 easy stepsBefore

how to antique desk in 4 easy stepsAfter painting and decoupage

how to antique desk in 4 easy stepsAfter antiquing and sealing

Even though I used a satin polyurethane for sealing there was a lot of sheen. Of course it’s more durable than a matte sealer but I wound up moving the desk from in front of the window so it has the nice antique look I wanted.

how to antique desk in 4 easy stepsLook at how all the grain and chips now show up after antiquing.

how to antique desk in 4 easy stepsNow the desk looks old but not neglected.

how to antique desk in 4 easy stepsI intentionally added glaze to all the chips and divots in the desk to bring them out.

how to antique desk in 4 easy stepsEach little knick now reminds me of my dad and brothers and brings me joy every day when I sit at the desk.

Antiquing is one of the easiest ways to update and refresh a piece of furniture while still maintaining the aged look.

Colleen

about Colleen

Filed Under: Antiquing & Distressing, Furniture, Home Decor, How To & PIY, Paint Surfaces, Paint Types, Paint Wood, Specialty Paints, Techniques, Tutorials

Comments

  1. Jaime Haney says

    October 15, 2015 at 7:11 am

    Wow this looks great Colleen! What a transformation. My son is at the age where he is in need of a desk and this gives me some great ideas. Thanks for another wonderful tutorial, you rock!

    Reply
  2. Carmen Skyles says

    October 15, 2015 at 8:35 am

    Turned out beautiful Colleen! Even I could do the 4 steps I think!

    Reply
  3. Kris says

    October 15, 2015 at 11:13 am

    A great transformation, Colleen! How wonderful it holds so many memories, too. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  4. Denise says

    October 16, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    Colleen, this desk looks so good,I wish I had a piece of furniture to transform.

    Reply

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    About Me

    Hi there! I'm Colleen, a self-taught artist, writer and blogger, among other things. You don't get to be old enough to order off the Denny's senior menu without accomplishing a few things in life. Read More…

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