If you're inspired by old-world finishes and European antiques, this armoire transformation is the perfect project. Created by decorative artist and finish expert Lyonella Cook, this technique combines Amy Howard at Home’s Milk Paint, pigments, specialty textures, and a soft metallic glaze for a finish that’s full of depth and rich, vintage charm.
This look is ideal for statement pieces like armoires, buffets, or sideboards—and brings timeless character to any space.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Clean Slate
- One Step Paint or Matte Sealer
- Noir Milk Paint
- La Gustavian Milk Paint
- Pigment Powders: Provincial Red, Venetian Brown, Noir
- Gesso
- Glass Bead Gel
- Mylar Stencil
- Glazed Over
- Gold Mica Powder
- Matte Sealer
- Light Wax + Dark Wax
- Antiquing Glaze
- Dust of Ages
- Sea Wool Sponge
- Chip Brushes + Artist Brush + Plastic Spatula
- Optional: Furniture Tonic
Step-by-Step Tutorial by Lyonella Cook
1. Prep the Surface
Clean your piece thoroughly with Clean Slate and a lint-free rag to remove all wax, residue, and oils.
2. Apply Your Base
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If painting over the wood, apply One Step Paint.
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If preserving the original woodgrain, seal with Matte Sealer or two coats of Shellac.
3. Create Texture with Gesso
Mix your Gesso and apply one full coat over the entire piece. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.
4. Base Coat with Noir Milk Paint
Paint the piece using Noir Milk Paint as your dark underlayer. Allow to dry for at least 6–8 hours, or overnight.
5. Add Dimension with Stencil & Glass Beads
Place your Mylar Stencil on your surface and use a plastic spatula to apply Glass Bead Gel over it. Carefully lift the stencil and wash it immediately. Let the beadwork dry for 2 hours.
6. Create a Metallic Glaze Accent
Mix Gold Mica Powder with Glazed Over to form a soft metallic glaze. Apply it over the beadwork using an artist brush or your fingertips for a gently worn, shimmering effect. Let it dry for 2 hours.
7. Seal the Detail
Apply a thin layer of Matte Sealer over the stenciled area to lock in the texture and metallic glaze. Allow to dry for 2 hours.
8. Mix Your Raku Red Topcoat
In a separate container, mix La Gustavian Milk Paint with small amounts of Provincial Red, Venetian Brown, and Noir Pigment Powder to create a warm, earthy red hue. Let it sit for at least 1 hour to fully activate the pigments.
9. Apply Your Final Coat
Use a chip brush to apply your custom milk paint mixture over the entire piece. This layered effect will give the finish richness and dimension.
10. Distress with Antiquing Glaze
Once dry, use a sea wool sponge and Antiquing Glaze to lightly pull back color and reveal texture underneath. Dab and drag to mimic age. Let dry overnight.
11. Wax and Finish
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Apply Light Wax to the full surface.
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Optionally, layer in Dark Wax to emphasize carved details and depth.
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Once wax has dried, you may use Furniture Tonic to enhance richness or blend areas.
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Finish with Dust of Ages, letting it settle into crevices and edges. After a few hours, gently buff back with a lint-free rag. Leave matte or buff to a subtle sheen.
🪞 The Result: An Armoire Full of Character and Charm
This technique results in a layered, tactile finish with European-inspired elegance. From the subtle metallic glaze to the custom red tones and aged texture, every detail speaks to artisan craftsmanship and timeless design.
Whether you're transforming a thrifted find or giving new life to a family piece, this project—taught by Lyonella Cook—will help you create a finish that looks like it’s been collected, not created.
