Here are 3 of the best paints, in my opinion for antiquing and distressing furniture:
Chalk Paint – Annie Sloan chalk paint is a very popular paint right now that is great for distressing and antiquing. When using this paint, it’s important to seal it with a clear wax or polyurethane finish. Chalk paint is very dry and so it will easily absorb new color like glazes, dark waxes, whitewashes, etc. For distressing and antiquing I find it to be better than standard latex paint.
Milk Paint – Milk paint has a similar look and feel as chalk paint. Although the application process of painting furniture with milk paint is very different. For more information about the differences between milk paint and chalk paint, see this post. Both milk paint and chalk paint are very flat paints, the sheen on the furniture comes from the finishing wax.
What About Semi-Gloss or Satin Finish Latex Paint? I have been able to successfully antique and distress furniture with latex paint and have it turn out great – HOWEVER, I prefer chalk paint or milk paint for antiquing and distressing for some of the reasons I mentioned above. You can do it with latex paint, but it just doesn’t work as easily, it feels like I had to sand a lot more to get a similar effect. Both types of paint distress a little easier and turn out a little smoother, in my opinion. Sometimes regular latex paint can ball up or peel off a little more easy. Also, latex paint doesn’t adhere quite as well, so you might need a primer, which will show through when you try to distress.