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Les Gustavian Rose Finish Guide

Les Gustavian Rose Finish blends blush-toned milk paint, cast embellishments, antiquing glaze, and gold leaf to create a romantic European patina for furniture, mouldings, and decorative accents.

Inspiration

Inspired by the refined elegance of 18th-century Gustavian interiors and the faded beauty of European provincial estates, the Les Gustavian Rose Finish blends soft blush tones with sculptural ornamentation and luminous gilded accents. This finish channels the look of time-worn furniture, antique paneling, and carved architectural details found in historic homes across Sweden and France.

Delicate layers of milk paint, textured gesso, antiquing glaze, and hand-applied gold leaf create depth, movement, and patina—while cast embellishments made with WoodCast and the Empire Mould add the appearance of authentic hand-carved detailing. The result is a romantic, heirloom-inspired finish that feels collected over generations.

Finish done by: Patricia Skelton of @openwindowrestore

Step-By-Step Instructions

Mix one part Cracked Gesso with one part room-temperature water, stirring thoroughly. Allow the mixture to rest for a couple of hours for best results.

Apply two coats of Cracked Gesso over the entire surface and WoodCast details.

Brush on the first coat and allow it to dry completely.
Apply the second coat using a pouncing or stippling technique with a soft brush or sea wool sponge to build texture.

Let dry fully before continuing.

About this Finish

Les Gustavian Rose Finish is a layered decorative paint technique designed to recreate the soft, aged elegance of European furniture and architectural accents. Built with sculptural WoodCast details, cracked gesso texture, blush-toned milk paint, rich antiquing glaze, gilded highlights, and final wax and patina layers, this finish achieves the look of centuries-old craftsmanship with approachable, DIY-friendly methods.

Perfect for furniture makeovers, mouldings, frames, planters, wall décor, and accent pieces, this finish offers endless creative flexibility—whether applied to a single statement piece or used to elevate an entire room. Subtle distressing, dimensional casting, and time-worn surface variation give each project its own unique character, making Les Gustavian Rose Finish ideal for makers who love romantic, Old-World style with a refined, designer touch.