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How to Glaze Antiques

Glazing antiques can be a way to beautify a plain antique or to preserve the antique surface. Most antiques retain value if they are left in original condition. For purely decorative purposes, glazing antiques can make a difference between a plain piece or an updated, stylish piece. Most items that can be glazed would be wood items. Glaze adheres to a wood surface better, when the surface has been sanded and primed beforehand. Antique furniture and decorative items can be glazed and given a new appearance from a dull look, with only a few steps leading up to the glazing process.

Things You'll Need

Respirator mask
Old newspaper
Clean paintbrushes
Latex spray
White paint
Light brown paint
Old rags
240 grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Primer
Clear gloss paint
Mineral spirits
Varnish

Instructions

- 1
  Put on a respirator and properly ventilate your work area by opening windows---or work outside, if weather permitting. Lay old newspaper around a flat work surface. Add a couple of teaspoons of a light brown paint to the white paint, to offset the white and give the base coat an antique look.
- 2
  Sand the wood first with 240 grit sandpaper. Do not over sand, if you want the antique wood to remain in its natural state, with surface pits. Sand all surface sections, if you want the antique wood surface completely smooth before applying primer, paint and glaze. Remove the wood dust using a clean paint brush or tack cloth, after sanding.
- 3
  Prime antique wood by painting two coats of quality primer onto the wood using a clean paintbrush. Let the first coat dry, then apply a second coat. Apply white, brown-tinted paint to the wood. Apply two coats, letting the first coat dry before applying a second coat. Mix a clear gloss paint, with one part mineral spirits.
- 4
  Apply the glaze using an old rag, blotting in sections as you go. Keep applying the glaze until the desired look is achieved. Use a clean paint brush to smooth out the glaze, if it appears too thick in sections. The glaze should be painted on in complete strokes, so that it covers the wood completely, and dries evenly.
- 5
  Add a water- and insect-proof varnish, once the glaze is completely dry. The varnish will add a top coat that seals in the glaze, and also will add more shine to the wood.

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