Step 1: Determine the Size of the Project

This project applies the antiquing techniques to a pair of huge,
81"-tall storage cabinets. But they work just as well on smaller pieces of furniture, doors or even picture frames. If you're unsure about trying the paint effects on such a large piece, practice on a smaller item or a piece of scrap wood. Also, learn how to convert a cabinet into a handy wet bar.

Step 2: Lay out all the Pieces to be Painted

Lay out the pieces. Set up the cabinets in a large, well-ventilated area – preferably outdoors. Lay out the cabinet doors and shelves on a tarp nearby.

Note: If painting a large piece of furniture, a power sprayer can be used to apply even paint coverage. The same techniques work just as well on a smaller scale – with less equipment. Make sure to wear eye protection and a dust mask if using a power sprayer.

Step 3: Prime the Pieces of furniture

Prime the pieces. Prime all of the pieces with a good-quality primer. Latex primers and paints are easier to clean up and don't generate such strong fumes as their oil-based counterparts. Allow the primer to dry completely before going to the next step.

Primer Color: Yarmouth Blue, eggshell

Step 4: Paint the Cabinet

Get sloppy with splotches. Paint splotches of two different colors around the entire cabinet and the doors. Allow to dry completely.

Sand the white. Once the white over-coat is dry, lightly sand away the white to reveal the colors below. Don't over-sand to reveal too much of the colors; work slowly, and stop when the desired effect is reached.

Paint over the splotches with an even coat of white paint. A paint sprayer can be used to speed up this process.

Paint Colors:
white semi-gloss
Shenandoah Taupe, semi-gloss