Antiquing

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-504 -- More Projects »

Antiquing a damaged piece of furniture such as this one can bring new life to the piece and enable items to be reused that would normally be discarded.

Antiquing expert Jose Sayula demonstrates ways to give an old chair a new look.

Antiquing a Chair

Materials:

old chair
sandpaper
paintbrush
primer
all-weather paint
distressing medium (steel brush, chain, rocks, etc.)
stencil
spray paint
rags
stain

Steps:

First, assess the damage. Sand the chair to remove rust and flaking paint.
Add a coat of primer to prevent the chair from rusting again.
After allowing the primer to dry, add a coat of all-weather paint and allow that to dry.

Figure A

Employ a process called "distressing" to add character to the chair. This might involve scratching, gauging, beating with a chain or otherwise marring the surface. Tools, a steel brush (figure A) or even rocks make excellent distress mediums.

Apply an elegant design with a stencil to further enhance the aged look. There are stencil books available that have beautiful, intricate patterns, or you can design your own.

Figure B

Tape down the stencil and protect the other exposed areas of the chair with paper. After painting the stencil--with a bronze spray paint, for instance--"stipple" the design by using a different paint color and lightly pressing on the paint can so that it "spits" little droplets of color (figure B).

Once the design is dry, remove the stencil and repeat the steps on the other side of the seat.

Figure C

Add stain over the entire piece once the chair is dry. Try an old rag or towel when applying the stain to give it a classic look (figure C).

Also in this Episode

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-504
•	Removing Burned-on Food
•	Antiquing
•	Inexpensive Evening Wear
•	Smart Solution of the Day

Decorating

Antiquing

Tools

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