There’s something magical about capturing the timeless beauty of an heirloom piece—and this Pulaski clock makeover is the perfect example. Inspired by the classic Swedish Mora Clock style, this project used cracked gesso and authentic Toscana Milk Paint to create a beautifully aged, old-world finish.
By layering texture, pigment, and delicate distressing, you can transform a dated clock (or any piece of furniture) into something that looks like it has been loved for generations.
Ready to learn how? Here’s a full look at the products and steps we used to achieve this stunning antique-inspired finish!
Materials You’ll Need:
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One Step Paint to mimic wood (Brown Derby, Java, or Windsor recommended)
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Sea Wool Sponge
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Chip Brushes
Step 1: Clean and Prep
Start by cleaning the entire piece thoroughly with Clean Slate and a clean rag. Removing old oils, waxes, and dirt is crucial for proper adhesion and a flawless finish.
Step 2: Apply Your Base Coat
Brush on a base coat of One Step Paint in a warm, wood-toned color like Brown Derby, Java, or Windsor. This mimics the wood tones that will peek through during the distressing process, adding rich, authentic depth.
Step 3: Build Texture with Gesso and Milk Paint
Once your base coat is dry:
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Apply your first layer of Gesso using a chip brush.
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Let it dry overnight, then lightly sand off any dust.
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Repeat with a second layer of gesso, allowing it to dry overnight again.
Then, layer your color:
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Mix As All Get Out Milk Paint and Praying Wife Milk Paint in a 2:1 ratio.
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Apply the first pigmented color with a chip brush.
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Allow it to dry completely overnight.
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Next, apply Southern Gentleman Milk Paint mixed with a teaspoon of Noir Pigment Powder to deepen the tone.
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Let dry for a full 24 hours to ensure a rich, saturated finish.
Step 4: Distress and Antique the Surface
To create that beautifully timeworn look:
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Use Antiquing Glaze with a sea wool sponge to soften and distress the painted layers.
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Let the glaze fully dry.
Step 5: Create the Clock Face Ring
The gold trim deserves special attention:
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Mix Gold Mica Powder and Glazed Over into a paste consistency.
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Apply multiple layers, allowing about 2 hours of drying time between coats.
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Lightly distress the trim using a razor blade to reveal natural wear.
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Stain over the gold finish using English Walnut Gel Stain, allowing it to sit just a few minutes before wiping away excess (to avoid overly darkening the glaze).
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Once dry, seal the trim with wax.
Step 6: Wax, Age, and Buff
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Lightly brush on Light Wax across the entire piece.
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Once tacky, touch in Dark Wax to create depth in crevices and details.
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After the waxes have come to tack, apply Dust of Ages generously.
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Let it sit for at least an hour, then buff away the excess and polish to a soft, beautiful sheen.
The Final Result
The end result is a stunning, authentically aged Mora clock with layers of history, texture, and depth—achieved using a curated palette of Amy Howard at Home products. This finish brings the soul of European antiques into any space, whether styled traditionally or blended into modern decor.
Ready to create your own masterpiece?
Shop the full collection of paints, glazes, and waxes at Amy Howard at Home
