Antiquing Your Old Books with Paint?

Do you have some old books you want to look really old, like antique books? There is a way you can “antique” them and no one will know the difference. Well...maybe everyone will notice the difference, but it will give them a different look which may suit your taste. There is a video explaining how to do this on Fearless DIY. Don't be so fearless as to try this on a legitimate antiquarian book, one that has monetary value, but if you have an old book that no one wants and you're going to have to throw it out anyway, what have you got to lose?

The instructor goes by the name of “Emily,” and she is a DIY project person at heart. This one is not difficult so you can do it. Your tools are some paint, a paintbrush, some wax and an old book. You may want to add chalk or a matte finish paint. This serves as a primer. Then take your finish paint, dip your paintbrush in it, and paint the book. That's simple. The wax is to give it a shinier finish (clear wax) or a more antique look (dark wax). That's it. If you have any doubts as to how to do this, or how the end product will look, watch the video here.

Now, you may scoff at her work. I can't say these look like antique books to me. No one will look at your painted 1988 edition of Hamlet and think it is a Shakespeare first edition. I'm not sure what they resemble. These are not examples of great artist's books. You may think Emily has failed in her mission, but that would be to misunderstand her purpose. Once you understand that, you will see her in a totally different light. So, we will let Emily describe her purpose, taken from her “About Me” page.

“I want to give women the courage to try things that scare them a little, whether it’s learning how to properly hang a shelf that they have been badgering their husband to hang up for them, or going back to school to get the degree they have always dreamed of.

“So many times, we let self doubt or the fear of what others will say stop us from even attempting a dream. I am here to say that mistakes and failures are just fine!

“I want to show you the truth…that joy comes while we are experimenting, learning, creating, not just with the finished product.”

Maybe this is a successful artist's book after all. It's just that Emily's art is giving others the self-confidence to reach their potential. They still don't look like antiques to me, but who cares? Their beauty is on inside rather than the surface. So, whatever your dream, go for it. Emily gives you permission. She knows you won't fail.

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Antiquing Your Old Books with Paint?

Rare Book Monthly

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Antiquing Your Old Books with Paint?

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