Bring the elegance of Swedish Gustavian style into your home with this refined and layered paint technique. Using Amy Howard at Home’s milk paint, antiquing glaze, pigments, and waxes, this method creates the timeworn charm of aged Scandinavian furniture—without heavy sanding or distressing.
This tutorial also honors Memorial Day with deep appreciation for those who have served, while reminding us of the transformative power of thoughtful craftsmanship.
Materials Used
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Milk Paint Colors: Strawber White, Southern Gentleman, Amalfi Coast
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Pigments: Venetian Brown, Nor, Coast
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Other Products:
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Seawool sponge, chip brush, steel wool
Step 1: Surface Prep Without Stripping
This finish is designed for pre-finished or lacquered pieces—ideal for vintage finds or reproductions.
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Lightly sand the surface using 220 grit sandpaper
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Always clean thoroughly with Clean Slate to remove old wax, grime, or surfactants
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Let dry completely; wipe until your cloth is clear
Step 2: Base Coat with Milk Paint + Binder
Apply Strawber White Milk Paint mixed in a 1:1 ratio with Milk Paint Binder.
Binder improves adhesion while preserving milk paint’s natural matte and tactile quality.
🔁 Apply two coats, allowing at least 2–6 hours of dry time between layers.
🖌️ Stir often and agitate between dips to keep pigment evenly distributed.
Step 3: Create a Custom Gustavian Blue
To achieve the signature Gustavian blue-green:
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Mix Southern Gentleman and Amalfi Coast (start with a 1:1 ratio)
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Add:
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A small amount of Nor to darken
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A touch of Tuscany in the Summer to green the hue
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Optional: Venetian Brown to mute brightness
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📝 Tip: Write down your final formula and mix enough for the full project.
Apply one or two coats depending on coverage preference.
Step 4: Faux Distressing with Paint and Glaze
Instead of physically distressing, faux distressing mimics aged wear:
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Use a seawool sponge to lightly dab around the edges after paint application
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Let paint fully dry (preferably overnight)
Next, apply Antiquing Glaze with a damp sponge:
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Blend softly to expose hints of the base coat
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Focus on edges and natural wear zones
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Don’t panic if white underlayer shows through—it will be softened later
Step 5: Add Dimensional Shadowing
To enhance depth, apply layered “halo” shadows:
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Light shadowing: Mix Strawber White + Venetian Brown
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Dark shadowing: Use Sunday Suppers or deeper blends
Use a sponge to build up around the edges and corners, following natural wear patterns. Let dry fully.
Step 6: Blend and Soften with Wax and Oils
After shadowing:
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Apply a coat of Light Wax as a protective barrier
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Then layer with Dark Wax, Furniture Tonic, or a mix of pigments to add richness
Use:
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Pigment + Wax blends for subtle tones
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Furniture Tonic + Pigments for aged, oily edges
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Steel wool to softly blend or expose underlayers
🖐️ Pro tip: Use your fingers to apply oils at high-touch areas (like near knobs) for realistic hand-worn effects.
Step 7: Optional Fly Specking
Add antique speckling using:
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Pigment (e.g., Nor) mixed with alcohol
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Flicked gently with a soft-bristle artist brush
As the alcohol evaporates, the pigment remains, offering a delicate, realistic touch.
Final Reveal: Old-World Beauty, No Heavy Distress Required
This Gustavian finish blends soft neutrals, muted blues, and warm antique glazes to create a timeless heirloom feel. With no need for heavy sanding, this process is both gentle on furniture and rich in impact.
Whether applied to chests, cabinets, or statement panels, this layered method offers a custom, elegant, and historic finish that elevates any space.