Making A New Bucket Look Old

One thing I will NEVER do is try to sell or pass off something that is new as something old. I WILL try to MAKE something new LOOK old, but I will not try to fool people who may be buying the item into thinking that it it genuinely old. If something is called an antique, it should be 100 years old or older. Vintage, which means "of age", is typically AT LEAST 20 years old. 

I recently bought from the thrift store a wood, ice cream bucket that was clearly new (and had never been used).

I love these buckets because there are so many ways to use them, but it needed some faux aging.

I decided to make the bucket look like it has been around for awhile with a layered, chippy paint technique. 

I started by painting the bucket a vintage, minty green color. I didn't sand the bucket because the glossy wood finish would help the paint to chip or to not completely adhere. I painted over the metal rings and clips.

Next, I painted a bright red over the mint green. Notice there are some paint drips, which I didn't worry about because if you ever find antique, utilitarian items that were painted, they didn't worry about drips.

I left small spots of the mint green showing under the red paint.

I sanded the paint back to the wood on the edges and then I applied dark walnut stain over the red paint.

These buckets make great planters. They are very pretty planted with a bright array of colorful annuals. They also work well to hold rolled up towels in the bathroom, or as book and magazine holders. The bucket can hold kindling or decorative branches. Use one to house small, stuffed animals or toys, or mittens and hats by the door.

If you are reselling something that is new, but looks old be sure to describe it on the price tag as vintage LOOKING bucket or bucket with an antique looking finish. Always be truthful and enjoy the compliments when someone thinks an item looks like a genuine antique.