Create a Crusty, Chippy Patina Finish with This Easy Technique
Transforming ordinary furniture into extraordinary pieces is both an art and a journey. In this blog post, decorative artist Lyonella Cook guides us through the process of achieving a stunning crusty, chippy finish that adds depth, character, and a touch of history to any piece.
Discovering the Crusty, Chippy Finish
The allure of aged, timeworn furniture lies in its ability to tell a story. The crusty, chippy finish replicates the natural wear and tear that occurs over decades, offering a rustic charm that's both authentic and captivating.
Lyonella's technique allows you to recreate this beloved aesthetic in your own home.
Clean the Surface Begin by thoroughly cleaning your piece with Clean Slate to remove any oils, dirt, or manufacturing residue. This ensures better adhesion of all your layers.
Stain the Raw Wood Apply Auburn Mahogany Gel Stain to the raw wood surface to give it depth and an aged look. Use a chip brush or rag to apply it, then wipe back the excess with a clean cloth. To create even more visual age and dimension, dry brush Kensington Black Glaze in areas like corners, edges, and imperfections to simulate natural wear.
First Layer of Cracked Patina Once the stain layer is fully dry, apply a layer of Cracked Patina using a chip brush. Brush in one direction (with the grain) to determine your first crack pattern. Allow it to dry until tacky—don’t rush this step!
Second Layer of Cracked Patina (Opposite Direction) Apply another coat of Cracked Patina, but this time brush against the wood grain. This creates tension in the paint layers, causing more dramatic and random cracking when painted over. Let this second layer dry to tackiness.
Apply One Step Paint in Layers Use a working cup to avoid contaminating your main paint source. Apply your selected One Step Paint color—such as Dearborn or Winter Snow—as your first topcoat. Once dry, repeat with a second lighter or different color to add complexity. Finally, apply your accent color (like Cherbourg Green) as the topmost layer.
Let each coat dry and crack fully before adding the next. Gently pull and distress with your hands or a scraper to lift areas and reveal the layers beneath.
Age with Light Wax Seal the surface using Light Antiquing Wax to protect and enrich the finish. Let it come to tack before moving on.
Define with Dark Wax Use Dark Antiquing Wax in select areas (edges, crevices, corners) to enhance the aged, dirty look. You can also use a detail brush to apply Kensington Black Glaze in cracks and seams for an even more authentic effect.
Final Touch with Dust of Ages Once your wax has come to tack, apply Dust of Ages generously over the piece. Let it sit several hours (or overnight) before buffing it back. This will settle beautifully into the cracks and waxed areas, giving the finish a truly vintage feel.
Seal with Matte Sealer To protect the finish—especially when using Cracked Patina—apply 2–3 coats of Matte Sealer. This ensures the finish doesn’t remain tacky or reactive to touch, and locks in the distressed texture for durability.
Embrace the Beauty of Imperfection
This crusty, chippy finish celebrates the beauty found in imperfection and the passage of time.
By layering paint and using the right techniques, you can transform ordinary furniture into timeless treasures that exude history and charm.
Start your project today and craft a beautiful life with Amy Howard at Home.
