How to Test Authentic Antiques for Original Paint

Look for signs of age. On antiques, the quality of the paint should have degraded at least a small amount. This applies to all types of antiques. Most collectors are going to be okay with small imperfections or a little faded paint. If a paint job appears too perfect, there is a good chance that the object has been repainted.

Inspect the joints and corners of the antique. Also, check such places as the insides of drawers and the undersides of the furniture. These areas are often difficult to paint and are where mistakes usually will show up. Look for more than one color of paint, which indicates that the antique has been repainted.

Scratch the paint of the antique lightly with a knife in a place that is not easily visible. Again, undersides, backsides or the inside are good choices. Gently flake away the paint. If the object has been repainted, you will usually be able to see additional layers underneath the top coat.

Research the item that you are looking at in depth. You should be able to find out such information as what colors were used in the original paint schemes for that item. If you can't find this information on the Internet or in resource books, a good antique dealer should be able to tell you what colors were used when painting the item that you are researching. If you are looking at an item painted a different color, it should raise a red flag.