Materials you'll need:

• Fine steel wool
• Mineral turpentine
• Clean rags
• No, 0 sandpaper
• Antique base coat
• Toner
• Clean cloths for wiping toner
• Clear satin or gloss finish

Tools you'll need:

• Paintbrushes

Furniture can be totally transformed by the application of an antique finish. Pieces that are the worse for wear can be given a new lease of life. Antiquing can also be used on doors,' architraves, window frames, picture frames and skirting boards. This type of finish offers a wide range of decorative effects and metallic looks.

The process is usually sold in kits, either as a multi-step or a newer one-step process. Provided the finish is basically sound, they can be applied without stripping off the existing paint or varnish. For multi-step kits, this is the method used.

Clean the old surface to remove all traces of oil, grease and polish, by rubbing down with fine steel wool and mineral turps, then wiping over with a clean rag. Sand tightly but thoroughly with No. 0 sandpaper.
Stir the can of base coat thoroughly and cover the whole surface. New woodwork or dark surfaces may require two coats. Leave for at least 6 hours then sand and apply a second coat. Leave this to dry for 12 hours
Apply the toning coat, which gives you the antique effect. The surface you achieve depends on how the excess is wiped off. Try various cloths, facial tissues or a graining tool until you get the effect you want. Antique toners should be left for about 3 minutes before wiping off the excess, using a clean cloth pad, A timber grain effect is obtained by applying a heavier coat of toner and leaving more on the surface. Wipe over lightly, letting the "grain" curve gently like the graining on real timber. If you inadvertently wipe off too much toner from any section, you simply apply more and wipe again Some toners can be washed off with mineral turps up to 2 hours after application, allowing you to re-do any unsatisfactory areas.
Allow the toner to dry overnight then apply a clear finish, which may be brushed on or sprayed from an aerosol pack. Most antique colours look attractive with a satin finish but some of the metallic toners benefit from a gloss treatment.