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is used for the base coat. A second color of the same type of paint will be mixed with water for the top-coat glaze. Clear or amber 3-lb. weight shallac mixed 1:1 with denatured alcohol will be used as the sealant.

The steps:
1. Prepare furniture to accept paint by cleaning and lightly roughing up with sand paper.
2. Apply base coat and allow to thoroughly dry.

3. Sand project lightly with 220- or 180-grit sandpaper.
4. Mix glaze of water and paint in 1:1 ratio. Apply to project and allow to dry. If you are painting a piece of furniture which was first stripped, you can apply this coat in streaks and adjust according to your tastes. If painting over original paint, use your own judgment as to how much coverage you want to give it.
5. After the glaze coat has dried, lightly sand with 60-grit paper sanding more in areas which would get frequent use or wear such as corners, handles, edges, and legs. 5. Clean with tack cloth and apply shellac mixture sealant.
6. After the sealant has thoroughly dried, lightly sand with 220-grit paper to dull the sheen.
7. If you wish, you can add random spatter specks using a small chip brush and contrasting glaze. Just load the brush and flick specks onto your project by tapping the bristles with the handle of another paint brush towards your painted surface.

These techniques are easy and fun projects to do with your children as they don't require perfection. Still, the results can be very attractive and add renewed value to old furniture.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Wordsmith.
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