How can I make an acrylic painting look antique or aged?

Question

I'm painting a portrait with acrylic paints, and I want it it have an aged look. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

are you talking about aged stuff like painting aged buildings?

its all in the way you mix your colors and you paint in the aged stuff..such as the paint kinda scratched off the building..etc.  

Answer 2

Try this-boil a tea bag and try dabbing or rubbing it on the edges. As long as the acrylic paints aren't glossy it should work, if you want it to look glossy afterwards, go over it with a clear coat.

Answer 3

Well what kind of age?  Every era has a different look.  

Answer 4

I have done it this way.  Wait until your paint is really really dry,  then I get burnt umber color and brush it on top generously.  Then immediately clean it up with a rag.  You have to do this fast and almost vigorously.  Many times I slightly wet the rag so I can take it off better.  

If your painting is big you may want to do this in sections since acrylics dry so quickly.

I would suggest you paint on a small piece of wood first or a small canvas and try it there first to make sure you like the look and get comfortable with the technique.

Hope that helps.