Step-by-step: Creating the Sonoma Vieja accent finish Washington DC

In today's market, antique reproductions are among the hottest, most popular furniture lifestyles. However, replicating authenticity in antique reproduction finishes can be challenging to say the least.

The most common technique for distressing furniture seems to begin with a good old-fashion thrashing with a chain decorated with nuts and bolts. This is followed by a low sheen finish and lots of dusty wax. The problem is it doesn't look authentic. The distressing really doesn't make sense.

Authenticity can be achieved if the artisan understands and can explain how each mark, dent and scratch may have happened. Attempting to mimic these characteristics can be challenging — but rewarding. Imagine finding a step-back hutch from the early 19th century at a local estate sale. You notice that at some point it had been painted and much of the paint had simply worn off from years of use. Underneath revealed a beautifully aged wood tone finish. Planer marks were still evident from the crude methods of cabinetry typical for that period.

The Color Design Stylists of the RPM Wood Finishes Group have re-created the look of fine antiquity using distressing and finishing techniques that help "tell the story" of a wood product. They would like to share the steps involved in creating one of their most popular accent finishes, which they call Sonoma Vieja.

1. Physical aging & surface prep

   Any wood species can be used to replicate this finish; however, knotty or #2 common seems to add even more interest. All edges should be softened to replicate years of wear. Appropriate aging techniques may be added such as open joints, worm holes, scratches, etc.

2. Base stain & sealer

   The first application in the finishing process is a spray base stain in a medium brown, nutmeg color tone. This will provide the lighter, wood color tone value. Following the stain coat, a high solids spray sealer is applied overall to create the foundation coat. This product may be either sprayed or brushed and can vary from conventional vinyl to a self-seal post-catalyzed conversion varnish depending on the chemical properties desired.

3. Brushmark emulsion

   After the sealer coat has dried thoroughly, the desired color of Brushmark Latex Emulsion should be applied using a 2- or 4-in. brush, randomly overall. After allowing adequate time to dry, the surface should be scraped to remove excess emulsion and expose the desired undertone color value. The edges and surface should be lightly distressed to create imperfections and create another level of aging. This process must dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next finishing steps. The entire surface should be sanded using a fine grade sandpaper in the direction of the grain. Dust and debris should also be removed using forced air and a clean dry brush.

4. Glaze/antique marking & topcoat

   Brown wiping stain should be applied over the entire surface and wiped to remove excess. Brush blend the stain to create the desired overall color tone while leaving a natural burnished effect in the corners and along the parameter of the panel. Allow adequate curing for the wiping stain prior to first topcoat application. After allowing dry time as directed, cowtail over the surface using the same wiping stain to create additional character and depth to the finish. After allowing flash-off time on the stain as directed, apply final coat of satin sheen topcoat. Allow to dry thoroughly as directed before proceeding. Wool wax the surface using a brown paste wax and buff to desired sheen.

The RPM Wood Finishes Group manufactures and markets products under the RPM, Chemical Coatings, Mohawk, Westfield and Guardian brands. For more information on recreating Sonoma Vieja, contact Alan Toney, sales manager, via e-mail at atoney@rpmwfg.com.