Are you tired of plain and boring old furniture in your home? Do you want to add some character or a pop of color to your space? Then you’ve come to the right place! As a DIY enthusiast, I know that painting furniture is a great way to give new life to old pieces. Also when you apply glaze to painted furniture it turns a plain painted piece into the perfect antiqued look.
Glazing furniture adds depth and dimension by creating an antiqued finish or distressed look that will make a huge difference on plain painted furniture. If this sounds intimidating, don’t worry – I offer a video tutorial that will teach you how to apply glaze on painted furniture.
Even if you are just starting in the world of furniture painting, this tutorial is for everyone looking for an affordable way to transform their furniture makeovers. So let’s get started and bring those furniture painting projects back into the spotlight!
What is the best glaze to use on painted pieces of furniture?
If you’re looking to give your painted furniture a little extra pop, glazing could be the perfect finishing touch. But with so many different glazes out there, which glaze finish is the best?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a glaze and the glaze color. If you only want to highlight the carved details or drawer insets of your piece, a lightly tinted glaze may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more dramatic effect, using a dark glaze or more heavily pigmented black glaze could be the ticket.
I highly recommend that you paint a sample board and apply a little glaze to test how the glaze will work with the paint color and how it absorbs before placing it on your painted furniture. Some glazes will absorb quickly into the paints, leaving more of an aged look than you prefer. I have discovered that I like to apply a top coat over my paint before glazing. This gives me more open time (working time) with the antique glaze mixture.
Each brand and type of paint will absorb glazes differently. Chalk paint is more porous than mineral or acrylic paint, so this is why I say to test the glaze before using it on your painted furniture.
My favorite furniture glaze
My favorite glaze is Maison Blanche, which sadly has been discontinued. I have found a close second with Country Chic furniture glaze.
You can also make a custom glaze by mixing any color of paint with a glazing medium, like glazed over, or using the Country Chic furniture glaze in clear.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the glazed look you’re going for. Just remember to test your glaze on a small area first to ensure you’re happy with the result before applying it to the entire furniture piece.
Waxing furniture VS. Glazing furniture
When it comes to putting the finishing touches on painted furniture, there are various methods you can use to achieve your desired look. Two popular techniques include waxing and glazing. While both can help to enhance the look of your furniture, they have distinct differences.
Wax comes in a variety of different colors and is a paste-like substance. Wax also serves as a protective barrier over painted furniture. Colored wax adds depth and dimension to the furniture while creating an aged or distressed appearance.
Some furniture waxes are hard to use and the darker colors will need to be removed or lightened by applying a clear wax.
Glaze, on the other hand, is a translucent coating that can be applied over paint to add depth. It is not a protective coating and requires a clear coat sealer if used on furniture. The glaze is more versatile and can create faux finishes like the look of wood grain, marble, or other textures.
Both wax and glaze add depth to the beautiful details of carved furniture. However, understanding the differences between these techniques can help you make the right choice when it comes to glazing or waxing furniture.
Furniture Glazing Online Workshop
Master the art of furniture glazing with our easy-to-follow video tutorial.
I take the guesswork out of how to glaze to painted furniture as you work side by side with me from the comforts of your own home. Watch me glaze a beautiful buffet as I share how to glaze the entire piece and not just a small sample board. You will learn many helpful tips and what are the best supplies to use when glazing furniture. Also, discover how to blend and shadow the glaze to achieve the perfect balance of antiquing.
As a bonus, you will receive access to our growing private Facebook community, “Paint Chat”. This private community allows you to access me with your painting and product questions, find ideas and inspiration from others like yourself, and share your projects with the group.
Make sure you take my FREE – How to Prep Furniture Workshop by visiting my online painting workshop.
DeDe Bailey
DeDe Bailey is the artistic mastermind behind Designed Décor and The Puzzle Table. With a rich background in home décor retail, she has transformed her website into a platform driven by a profound passion for helping individuals craft spaces they adore. As a self-taught furniture painting artist and thrift decorator, she loves sharing her knowledge and empowering others to beautify their homes through furniture painting and thrifting. When she isn’t sharing her wisdom on the Designed Décor blog, DeDe is occupied with showcasing her ingenious jigsaw puzzle table design and expanding her short-term rental located in NE Ohio.
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Marianne Holscher says
Thank you De-De for this instructive blog. I use to have trouble getting the right effect, but now with your help it will be much better.
Designed Decor says
Thanks, Marianne! I love to use a glaze on my furniture pieces.