DIY Antique Aged Stain Finish for Furniture
, by Ryan Casuga, 4 min reading time
Looking to achieve the look of beautifully aged furniture with rich depth and patina?
In this workshop, Amy and Gene Howard walk you through the step-by-step process to recreate a timeless antique stained finish, perfect for giving your furniture the look of a well-loved, centuries-old heirloom.
By layering the right materials and techniques, you can add character and charm to your pieces.
Let’s dive into the process!
Materials You Will Need:
- Better with Age
- English Walnut Gel Stain
- Matte Sealer
- Light Antique Wax
- Dust of Ages
- 220 Grit Sandpaper
- Steel Wool - 4x
- Assorted chip brushes
- A hammer or other tools for distressing
- A block of wood
- Nail punch or ice pick for creating wormholes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Furniture Surface
Before starting, ensure that your piece of furniture is either stripped down to its bare wood or is an unfinished piece. You can do this by either sanding or using a furniture stripping agent. Once stripped, the wood should be smooth and ready for staining.
Step 2: Distress the Wood
To give your furniture that authentic aged look, you need to add wear and tear:
- Soften the Edges: Use a block of wood to gently soften the sharp corners and edges. This will mimic the natural wear that occurs over time on antique furniture.
- Create Wormholes: Use an ice pick or nail punch to create small wormholes, focusing on areas away from the center of your piece. Keep the holes random and in clusters to replicate the natural burrowing of woodworms.
- Add Dents: Take your hammer or other tools to create small dents and scars across the surface, simulating the knocks and bumps that furniture accumulates over centuries.
Step 3: Apply Better with Age
Next, apply a coat of Better with Age to the wood using a chip brush. Offload the excess product from your brush before lightly flicking the bristles to create a "fly speck" effect. This will give the surface tiny age spots, enhancing the antique look. You can also dip the bottom of a jar lid in Better with Age and press it onto the wood to create realistic-looking water rings.
Step 4: Sand and Smooth the Surface
After applying Better with Age, let it dry for about 30 minutes to an hour. Once dry, lightly sand the surface with 220 grit sandpaper to soften the wormholes, dents, and aged marks. This will prepare the wood for staining.
Step 5: Apply the Gel Stain
Now, it’s time to add color. Use English Walnut Gel Stain, applying the stain with a cotton rag. Start by lightly applying the stain to the entire surface, ensuring that it penetrates the wormholes and dents. Let the stain dry before applying a second coat to build up the depth and richness of the finish.
Step 6: Seal with Matte Sealer
Once the stain has dried, apply two thin coats of Matte Sealer to protect your finish. Use a sponge brush for application to avoid visible brush marks. Be sure to allow each coat to dry for at least 30 minutes before applying the next, lightly sanding between coats for a smooth finish.
Step 7: Apply Light Antique Wax
To further enhance the patina, apply Light Antique Wax using fine 4x steel wool. The steel wool allows you to apply the wax smoothly while also gently buffing the surface. This step will give your piece a soft sheen, perfect for that antique finish.
Step 8: Finish with Dust of Ages
For the final touch, apply Dust of Ages over the waxed surface. Dust of Ages settles into the crevices, wormholes, and dents, giving the piece an authentic old-world feel. Once applied, use a clean piece of steel wool to buff the surface gently, enhancing the depth and sheen of the final finish.
Final Result
In just a few steps, you can transform a raw wood piece into a gorgeous antique-styled treasure.
The layers of stain, distressing, and wax create a depth and richness that mimic the look of a piece that's been passed down through generations.
Whether you're working on a thrifted find or a new piece, this technique will add timeless character to your furniture.
Ready to try it yourself? Shop all the materials you'll need to recreate this stunning antique stained finish at home!
