Time for another installment of Milk Paint 101, where we learn techniques, tips, and tricks on how to use milk paint to give old furniture new beauty. If you want to see the rest of my Milk Paint 101 tutorials, click here. In this installment, written By Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint Team, how to use Antiquing Wax to add age and patina.
Miss Mustard Seed’s Antiquing Wax is lightly tinted to a rich brown, perfect for simulating age and adding contrast. Antiquing Wax is easy to apply, provides a durable finish with a beautiful luster and has almost no odor.
How to Apply Antiquing Wax
Using a wax brush or soft cloth, apply a bit of Antiquing Wax in a small area, working it into the surface. You don't need to use a wax brush, but it definitely helps to wiggle Antiquing Wax into nooks, crannies and carved details!
Wipe away the excess with a cotton cloth, leaving the wax in the low points.
This video tutorial will show you the process in action!
Tips for Using Antiquing Wax
Antiquing Wax can be used to create both dark and rustic finishes as well as subtle and softly contrasted ones.
For a rustic and aged look, apply Antiquing Wax directly over Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. Apply up to 3 thin layers to build color to your taste.
If you prefer a cleaner look, apply a layer of our clear Furniture Wax first. Wipe it back and THEN apply Antiquing Wax. Having this clear barrier will help control the tint of the Antiquing Wax and give you a more subtle effect.
Since the Antique Wax is…well…a wax, you do not need to apply a topcoat over it. It IS a topcoat in and of itself! Just buff the finish, let it dry and it's good to go!
From an artistic standpoint, we think it really shines on a piece with a lot of texture, carvings, or details. This tastefully simulates the look of dirt that can accumulate over time on true antiques. Think about it - when a piece is dusted, the cloth only hits the high points, leaving the dirt and dust to build up in the low points. By mimicking this, you're giving the piece instant, authentic-looking patina.
An Antique Dresser in Tricycle with Antiquing Wax
Miss Mustard Seed refinished a beautiful Eastlake 3 drawer dresser using Tricycle MilkPaint and Antiquing Wax. It’s a perfect example of how you can use Antiquing Wax to tone down a bright color.
It also shows off how well Antiquing Wax settles into the low points of the piece to simulate age and “grunge”.
You can purchase Antiquing Wax right here at FreshCoatFinishes.com. Just select 'Finishes' from the SHOP drop-down menu above.
A note from Nancy:
What great info from the team at Miss Mustard Seed's MilkPaint! Was this post helpful? Please feel free to leave a comment below or message me with any questions. If I don't know the answer, I'll talk to the experts and get you the info you need.
Send pics! I’m always happy to see what you’re working on or planning to work on.
Happy Painting!
