This method is suitable for painted, varnished, and unpainted cabinets. It will be easier on an unpainted cabinet, however.
If you are working on a painted or varnished cabinet, keep sanding the until the raw wood starts to show. These areas will eventually get the stain, so the more you sand, the more weathered your cabinet will look.
Make sure you get rid of all the sawdust. Any dust that remains will get into your stain and/or paint, and mar the surface. [2] X Research source You’ll get a messy finish instead of a weathered one.
Consider going over the cabinet with a steel wire brush first. This will open up the wood grain and help the stain and/or paint to soak in better.
Try to keep these areas random but keep in mind that most weathering will occur on corners and edges. Buff off the wax with a clean rag once you’re finished. [6] X Expert Source William & Shannon LatilFurniture Refinishing & Home Remodeling Specialists Expert Interview. 29 October 2021.
You can also use a steel wool pad to rub at the areas with the wax/petroleum jelly. This lets the stain show through.
If you want a crackly look, use a crackle glaze instead. For large, wide cracks, apply a thick coat. For finer, more spidery cracks, apply a thinner coat. Once the cabinet is covered in glaze, you can smooth out the circular marks with a clean rag. Wipe the glaze up and down or side-to-side to get a lined look. If you’d like to darken the edges or small corners, apply the glaze using a small brush.
It’s best to wait 24 hours, or at the very least overnight. You don’t want to the two coats meshing together and marring your artwork. All the rags you’ve used should be washed together but separate from your other linens in your washing machine in case the glaze stains.
How long the coats take to dry will depend on the sealer itself. Most sealers will dry within 2 to 3 hours, but you might want to refer to the label for more specific drying times. Check the label to make sure yours is non-yellowing. Some sealers need a curing period as well. This can take several hours to a few days. Do not get impatient or try to rush through. If you don’t let your work cure properly, you’ll get a sticky, tacky, gummy finish.
If you left the handles or knots on, give them a give buff with the sandpaper too. Focus on the areas that will get the more wear, sure such the edges.
You will want to buy specifically designed weathering wax for furniture. You can find it in hardware stores as well as in some arts and crafts stores.
A small amount of wax goes a long way.
