Dull Finish

[Gary Breckenridge]

I want to kind of antique a box I'm making. :cool: How do I get a dull aged look with a bit of protection? The artists dull varnishes I have checked out really don't offer much protection. Can I mix something with satin varnish to get a really dull sheen?:cool:

[Jamie Buxton]

Well, you can get a lower sheen varnish by buying a can and, without shaking or stirring, pour off the top half or so.

[glenn bradley]

0000 wool or a gray sythno pad will knock off the gloss in a controlled manner. On a "pirate chest" breadbox I was commissioned, I used satin poly and a gray pad to the level I was after.

[Howard Acheson]

Well, you can get a lower sheen varnish by buying a can and, without shaking or stirring, pour off the top half or so.

The liquid you pour off will have little or no flatteners so it will be very glossy. What is left in the can will have the high concentration of flatteners and will tend to give you a flat sheen.

[Scott Holmes]

Possibly a flat cloudy finish. Too high a concentration of flattenes can make it look cloudy.

Steelwool or a scotch-brite pad after you finish is better.