Creating Old World Finishes on Wood Furniture
, by Ryan Casuga, 3 min reading time
In this workshop, Amy dives into the techniques that bring an Old World charm to modern furniture.
Using a combination of Better With Age, Venetian Plaster, and Cerusing Wax, you’ll learn how to transform raw wood into a beautifully aged masterpiece with depth, texture, and character.
These finishes, designed for raw wood, emulate the look of antiques, adding sophistication and warmth to any space.
Materials Used
- Better With Age – A reactive product that ages wood in minutes.
- Venetian Plaster – High-quality plaster with marble dust, creating rich, textured surfaces.
- Cerusing Wax – Enhances wood grain with depth and a soft sheen.
- Steel Wool – For buffing and adding texture.
- Clean Slate – To prepare surfaces and thin the wax if needed.
- Chip Brush – Natural brush for applying wax and plaster evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Applying Better With Age
Start with a raw wood surface, such as oak or walnut. Shake and stir the Better With Age thoroughly before applying. Brush it onto the wood, allowing it to react with the tannins, which creates a natural, aged appearance. Within 20 minutes, your wood will transform into a beautifully aged, weathered look, as if it had been around for decades.
Tip: If you want a darker finish, use wood with higher tannin content, like walnut.
Step 2: Preparing the Venetian Plaster
In a separate container, mix the Venetian Plaster with water to a sour cream consistency. This plaster, containing marble dust, adds depth and texture to your finish. Use a metal spatula or trowel to mix, as the plaster reacts well to metal, almost "coming alive" as you prepare it.
Step 3: Applying Venetian Plaster on Better With Age
Once the Better With Age is at a “tacky” stage—not fully dry—apply the Venetian Plaster. The wetness of the wood stain will interact with the plaster, creating a natural, mottled effect. Spread the plaster evenly with a metal scraper, covering the wood in a thin layer.
Tip: For a warmer, brown-toned finish, apply plaster while Better With Age is still tacky. For a cooler, gray tone, wait until it’s fully dry.
Step 4: Scraping the Plaster
Once the plaster has partially dried, hold a metal spatula at a 45-degree angle and scrape it off gently, following the grain of the wood. This technique reveals the wood grain beneath, creating an authentic distressed effect. Wipe off excess plaster from the spatula regularly to keep your surface even.
Step 5: Adding Depth with Cerusing Wax
After the plaster layer is completely dry, apply Cerusing Wax to enhance the grain and add depth. Dip a chip brush into the wax, offload excess onto cardboard, and then brush it along the wood grain. For a richer finish, apply the wax generously, then use steel wool to buff against the grain. This method allows the wax to settle into the wood, creating a stunning, dimensional finish.
Tip: If the wax is too thick, thin it with a few drops of Clean Slate for a smoother application.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Let the wax sit for a few minutes, then buff it with a clean, lint-free rag. This final step enhances the sheen and gives your piece a soft, antique look.
The result? A beautifully aged, Old World finish that’s durable, sophisticated, and unique.
Conclusion
This tutorial teaches the timeless technique of layering finishes for a rich, antique effect.
Whether you’re working on furniture, cabinetry, or decorative wood pieces, this approach using Better With Age
