How to Antique Crown Molding

Crown molding is a great way to add character to a room; however at times the white look can get rather boring. Antiquing the crown molding can definitely give the piece of wood work a lot of texture and add value to it as well. Follow these easy step by step instructions on how to antique your crown molding.

One - Materials Needed
1. Acrylic Paint
2. Clear Glazing
3. Painter's Tape
4. Paintbrush
5. Ladders
6. Knife
7. Drop cloth
8. Cheesecloth

Two - Installation
Before you continue any further make sure your crown molding is installed, caulked, puttied, and has a prime and base coat to it.

Three - Mixing The Glaze
Using your acrylic paint and clear glazing medium, mix in a large plastic bucket, 10 percent acrylic paint to 90 percent clear glazing. The best color acrylic paint will be either a dark brown or earth brown tone.

Four - Prevent A Mess
Lay your drop cloth out of the floor.

Five - Ladder Time
Set up two ladders, the same size and place a board between them. This will allow you to antique all the crown molding in one step instead of going up and down the ladders. Place your paint bucket onto the board along with any paper towels you will need for messes and your paint brushes.

Six - Tape It Up
Place your painters tape on both sides of the crown molding against the wall. This will protect your wall paint and you will not get any of the glaze onto the walls.

Seven - Applying The Glaze
Use a brush that is the exact (or as close as possible) same size as the molding. Apply the glaze to the surface in a thin, even coat from side to side. While the glaze is still wet wipe it off with a cheesecloth using firm pressure. Depending on the depths of the antiquing you will either press extremely firm or medium firmly.

Eight - Finished
Remove the tape and adore your work!

Nine - Other Options
Once you have glazed the molding you can either leave it be, or you can add these other great features to it. Remember if you are going to add more features, make sure you allow your crown molding to dry for at least 24 hours.

You can give your crown molding a distressed look by beating it with a small rock, use a knife to shave off edges, or expose the raw wood underneath with a little sanding with sandpaper.

Have fun with this project and enjoy it!