How to Paint an Antique Finish on Walls

Learn how to apply this faux technique with these step-by-step instructions.

hdswt105_3aft_antiquewall

With this project, you can add decades' worth of weathering to your walls in a day. Here's how to do it:

Materials and Tools:

water-based flat-finish interior wall paint (1 gallon covers 400 to 500 square feet)
1 quart water-based flat-finish interior wall paint
paint rollers and coversextendable paint rollers (optional, for tall walls and ceilings)
paintbrushes for water-based paint
paint trays
drop cloths or sheets
painter's tape

Steps:

1. Lay drop cloths or old sheets to protect flooring. Tape off the baseboards, trim, molding and outlets.

2. Apply a base coat of paint with paint rollers on the entire wall. Use brushes for the edges and smaller areas and an angled bristle brush for corners. Apply a second coat if necessary. Let dry.

3. Practice the antique faux-finish technique on a piece of drywall or sample board before starting on the walls. To create the antique faux finish, dip a small brush into the desired paint about halfway up the bristles. Wipe off all excess paint so that you have an almost-dry brush. Lightly apply up-and-down strokes. When satisfied, apply the technique to the walls. Let dry. If you'd like a more weathered look, repeat the technique in a left-to-right motion.

Next Up

How to Paint With Wall Stencils

For an inexpensive alternative to wallpaper — and a creative wall-treatment that adds visual interest and a touch of whimsy — check out this simple how-to for applying a paint pattern using wall stencils.

How to German Smear a Brick Fireplace

Give your fireplace a faux finish that mimics what you'd find in old European cottages with a German smear mortar wash.

How to Match Paint Colors

Whether you're trying to find paint to match an existing wall color or pull your inspiration color from an upholstered sofa, family heirloom or your favorite flower, here's how you can get that perfect color match in a can of paint.

How to Paint a Front Door

Home improvement expert Mina Starsiak shows how to give a brilliant new hue to your entry door.

How to Limewash Walls

Learn how to create elegantly textured walls using a limewash paint technique for a look that's suited for many interior design styles.

How to Paint a Faux Marble Tabletop

Real stone surfaces out of your price range? Get the look of Carrara marble (for way less) with our easy DIY.

How to Stain a Wooden Deck

Enhance and protect your outdoor design by learning how to stain a deck with these simple steps using deck stain.

What's the Difference Between Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac and Lacquer?

These terms for a finish or top coat are often used interchangeably, but there is a big difference. Learn when and where to use the correct one.

How to Paint a Tile Backsplash

Give your kitchen a facelift this weekend with a little elbow grease, some 220-grit sand paper and a lot of epoxy paint. Find out how to paint a tile backsplash with this step-by-step guide and shop everything you need to get started from our comprehensive materials list.

How to Paint & Stencil Ceramic Tile

Remodeling on a budget? Give outdated floors a refresh with our step-by-step guide to painting and stenciling ceramic tile. All you need are a few basic supplies and a free weekend to totally transform the look of a laundry room, bathroom or other place in your home that's plagued by old or dirty tile. The best part? You can do it all for less than $75 and without special equipment.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.