The Framers Forum

I have client who wantts an antiquing finish. I am thinking of doing it with wax and pigment brushed onto the dried paint surface and stiff bristled brush to apply the finish.

Which companies wax and pigment should I use for an antique finish ?

I can't compromise on quality ther art work is going to be hung in a museum

We are a coustom picture framing in Brisbane,Australia.

John Sprakes

Hi John,

Welcome to the forum. I think it is difficult to make a suggestion without knowing exactly what finish your trying to achieve. But if I had to give a simple answer of the best wax then I would say micro-crystalline is a good start, I use Renaissance wax. This can be mixed with artists dry pigments to make a coloured, patinating wax.

I use it mixed with rottenstone and titanium white as a simple antique finish on gilding. But I also use readily available coloured waxes such as Liberon and Briwax on gilding and paint finishes. The antique effect is often enhanced by using colour washes first, and the variation of methods is huge.

Hope this helps a little

Richard