How to paint furniture antique white

One of our most frequently asked questions is how to achieve the antique white look on furniture and beams. Most people want to achieve that beautiful white lime-washed look that allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. Typically we advise using our Claypaint watered down ( you can read more about this process here). However, with our Pigment range, there’s a  technique that is super easy and just as beautiful. Also, with 47 shade’s to choose from who says you only need white!

Firstly, make sure your chosen project is ready to paint by prepping and priming, if necessary, you can find more information on these steps in our other blog posts.

Method 1: Light water wash

Once your surface is prepped you will need to mix a small amount of White Pigment (a little goes a long way) with a cup of water and stir. Using a synthetic brush, apply the paint to bare wood, it may be helpful to apply to a small area first to check you are happy with the opacity. If needed, more pigment or water can be added to increase or dilute the pigment. Before drying, take an old rag and rub along the surface removing some of the excess paint.

Once fully dried, a coat of Furniture Glaze or Furniture Wax should be applied to protect your antique white project from surface dust, grease and oil.

Method 2: Vibrant Furniture Glaze wash 

This method is similar, but the thickness of the Furniture Glaze increases the intensity of the Pigment. Start by mixing a small amount of water and Pigment together to form a paste. Once mixed add the Pigment paste to our Furniture Glaze (3 parts glaze to one part paste) and stir until well combined. Using a synthetic brush apply the pigmented Furniture Glaze to your project making sure to apply thinly. For a light wash effect, use a rag to remove off any excess before drying. For a super vibrant piece, why not try Ultramarine Pink, Ultramarine Blue or Ultramarine Violet.

As this process mixes the pigment directly into the glaze there is no need for a protective coat of glaze or wax to be applied.

Two Tone effect

You can achieve this by repeating the same process you followed above but adding a second pigment coat to create a contrast. Ensure you follow the same method when introducing your second pigment. This is because a pigment wash with water will not go over a pigment layer washed with Furniture Glaze.  

Alternatively, you can paint your furniture using our Eco Chic paint, just allow time to dry between coats and use pigments directly over the top following one of the above techniques. Once dry use sandpaper to on high point areas which will reveal a contrast for a truly unique piece.

We hope you enjoy experimenting with our Pigments as much as we do. Head over to our blog for more hints and tips on upcycling furniture. Have you used Earthborn in your project? Be sure to tag us in your masterpieces on social media with #Earthbornbyme.