To the letter, the word patina refers to a chemical compound that forms in the metal after the action of time and climate. She is responsible for leaving any aged objects. Inspired by this aesthetic, many artisans are betting on the handmade patina to transform the decoration.

Patina, in handicrafts, is a type of decorative painting, widely used in wooden furniture. It manages to innovate the finish of a piece, leaving it with a charming Provençal and aged appearance (faded, scratched and veined).

Patina is considered a very common form of furniture restoration in Brazil. The aged effect, characteristic of this painting, is made with hard bristle brushes, waxes, paraffins or candles. The technique also allows to mix colors, in order to make the customized furniture even more original.

 

Through the patina technique, it is possible to restore beds, tables, dressers, dressing tables, cabinets, among many other furniture. This handmade work is very easy to put into practice and helps to reuse the furniture that is out of fashion.

Different types of patina in furniture and tutorials

Do you want to apply patina to used furniture? Then follow the step-by-step below of popular techniques:

Provencal patina

The patina with Provencal style is inspired by the time of Queen Marie Antoinette (France, 17th century). The technique has the power to renovate old furniture and leave it with a charming, worn look. The white finish is in charge of making the piece look more romantic and delicate.

Watch the video and learn how to make Provencal patina:

Demolition Patina

Materials

• PVA inks in dark brown and light brown colors
• Brushes with thick bristles
• Fine sandpaper for wood
• Colorless paste wax
• Foam roll
• Candle

The demolition patina is well-worn and has no shine. It mainly combines with the finishing of robust farm furniture. Check step by step:

Step 1: paint the entire furniture with PVA dark brown paint. Wait for it to dry and apply a second coat. Allow to dry well.

Step 2: take a regular candle and go through the whole piece, spreading the paraffin well at work.

Step 3: using the thick bristle brush, apply a paint with a lighter tone than the bottom throughout the piece. Let it dry.

Step 4: Sand all the furniture in the same direction, until it looks worn.

Step 5: finish by applying a little colorless paste wax to protect the furniture.

Traditional patina

Materials

• PVA inks in white and sand
• Brushes with thick bristles
• Sandpaper for wood
• Colorless paste wax
• Foam roll
• Spackling

The traditional page technique is the best option for those who want to restore chairs. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: using the roller, apply white PVA paint throughout the piece. Let it dry and then apply another coat.

Step 2: when the piece is dry and all white, apply with the brush a mixture of 80% putty and 20% white PVA paint. Wait 24 hours for complete drying.

Step 3: apply a PVA paint with a sand tone throughout the piece, moving the brush always in the same direction. You can add a little water to the paint to make it softer and easier to apply. Wait for 12 hours of drying.

Step 4: run the wood file through the entire piece.

Step 5: put a little colorless paste wax on a dry cloth and apply all over the furniture.

Mexican patina

Materials

• PVA inks in yellow, orange and red
• Brushes with thick bristles
• Sandpaper for wood
• Colorless paste wax
• Foam roll

The Mexican patina is the best option for those who want to highlight the characteristics of a well-worn piece of furniture. It has a very colorful background and a lighter coverage. Follow:

Step 1: using the same brush, apply red, orange and yellow paints throughout the furniture. Do this always thinking about mixing these warm tones. When finished, wait 5 hours for drying.

Step 2: apply colorless paste wax over the dry base. Then apply white paint. Wait 3 hours for drying.

Step 3: sand the piece with sandpaper for wood.

Washed patina

The washed patina has, as main characteristic, the lightness of the finish. The craftsman generally uses soft colors, with a tone-on-tone effect. When performing this technique it is possible to leave the furniture with a rustic or romantic appearance. Watch the video below and learn the step by step:

 

Inspiring Patina Furniture

We separated some inspirations of furniture with patina. Check out:

1 – The balcony has a charming renovated furniture with patina

2 – A family furniture has a new finish and its natural beauty has been valued

3 – Renovated and colorful antique cabinet

4 – The shabby chic kitchen won a super stylish cabinet

5 – This sideboard gained the charm of the imperfect

6 – Furniture with a colorful patina and full of personality

7 – Blue patina finish and golden details

8 – The aged aspect is the characteristic of all furniture with patina

9 – Old-fashioned desk leaves the charming study corner

10 – The Provencal patina is perfect for a romantic setting

11 – Antique dresser with patina effect highlighted

12 – Even a sophisticated environment can receive this type of furniture.

13 – Creative finish, inspired by the colors of the rainbow

14 – In this case, the old aspect was reinforced to the maximum

15 – Green tones are on the rise and serve as inspiration

16 – The painting bets on an ombré effect

17 – How about renovating a mint green furniture?

18 – A refreshing and functional corner that you can also create at home

19 – Transform your old furniture with a yellowish tone

20 – Old and renovated dresser decorates the room

21 – Worn appearance with blue paint

22 – A charming stool to accommodate visitors

23 – After remodeling, the furniture can decorate anywhere in the house

 

24 – A delicate and rustic piece of furniture at the same time

25 – A corner to read and get inspired

26 – Patina furniture combines with flower arrangements

27 – Old and elaborate wardrobe

28 – Aged-looking furniture calls for delicate decorative objects

29 – This piece received patina painting and prints

30 – The combination of furniture with patina and mirror has everything to work

31 – A super charming and charming sideboard

32 – The technique offers several possibilities

33 – Before and after furniture restored with patina

34 – Headboard made with patina and old doors

35 – Enjoy that gray is the new white!

36 – The old dressing table received a coat of paint and the patina effect

37 – The coffee table combines different styles of patina

38 – The patina can personalize everything, even the double bed

39 – Personalized nightstand with Provencal patina

40 – A blue furniture perfect for decorating a beach house

41 – The painting of the piece was done with strong pink to renovate the kitchen

42 – The softness of green manages to reinvent the patina

43 – The baby room dresser has a special finish

44 – Patina with white is still the most appreciated

45 – Kitchen cabinet with vintage and aged effect

46 -The round coffee table has an aged appearance

47 – Open furniture with white patina

48 – Working with two colors in the same old piece

49 – The centerpiece of the living room was made using the aged painting technique

50 – The refurbished furniture contributed to the chic vintage decor

51 – This room became more chic and romantic with the aged nightstand

52 – The shabby finish is the charm of this blue furniture

53 – A beautiful antique bookcase

54 – The rustic corner table reinforces the natural look of wood

55 – Combine patina with painting a drawing

56 – Aged furniture will become the sensation of the environment

Now you know how to make patina on wooden furniture. Any questions left? Leave a comment.