Decorative antiquing is fast becoming a global trend especially in the DIY restoration market. Various products have been introduced to the market in the last couple of years. As professional paint manufactures and suppliers we set out to test the comparative performance of the industry leaders. The tests exposed all dubious claims of superior adhesion, coverage and performance leaving us without a suitable product to compare our research too. So on a clean slate we started developing our own formula with the characteristics of a superior water based coating but in addition we set three targets that had to be met before roll out could go ahead.

To gain <80% adhesion to an imperviable surface (glass) without the use of primer

(Test method "Hall's BGH Adhesion Test")

To remain fully tint-able to pastel, deep and bright colours

To produce a product that can compete in the world market

Step 1: Step 1 - Technique Hall's Cheese Paint® Sealer Board)

This is a pine board we use in the retail stores to illustrate a simple technique as well as what effect each sealer/wax has on a single colour.

Step 2: Step 2 - First Coat

We start with one coat of Hall's Cheese Paint® Natural White around the border using a pure bristle brush so that you can see the brush marks. We then apply two coats of Hall's Cheese Paint® Saga to the inside panels we do not want to technique the inside panels because we are trying to display the effects of the four different sealers on one uniform colour.

Step 3: Step 3 - Hammer the Edges

Using a rubber mallet hammer the corners to mimic aged distress. Straight crisp lines make the piece appear new and modern which is the opposite of what we want to achieve.

Step 4: Step 4 - Overlay With a Colour

Apply an overlay colour as a second coat to the border we used Hall's Cheese Paint® Babybel. Allow to dry naturally or force the issue like we do for time constraints

Step 5: Step 5 - Sand and Seal

This is the part where we take 80# sandpaper and lightly rub to expose the White Hall's Cheese Paint® and some raw wood as well, if you were trying to achieve a smoother surface you can change the grit of the sandpaper all the way to 600#. We Manufacture 2 different water based sealers and 2 buffing waxes, we used Hall's Cheese Wax® Natural to seal the Babybel border. We then used all the sealers in the inside panels to demonstrate the finishes of the respective sealers.