What Is A Cerused Wood Finish?

A cerused wood finish is a technique used to enhance the grain of wood. It involves brushing on a layer of wax or resin over the wood and then finishing it with a layer of pigmented wax, creating a matte coating that highlights the texture and color of the woodgrain underneath.

Cerusing can be used to darken light woods and make them look richer, or to lighten darker woods and make them look brighter.

This finish is often found in high-end modern furniture designs, as it creates an elegant distressed look that stands out from traditional finishes.

How Do You Make A Cerused Wood Finish?

To make a cerused wood finish, you will need to start by sanding the wood to create a smooth surface.
Next, you will need to clean it with a tack cloth and apply a coat of white chalk paint.
After this has dried, you need to use fine- and medium-grit sandpaper to lightly buff away some of the paint in some areas.
Once done, wipe down the wood with mineral spirits, followed by a light rinse with water and dry it off.
Finally, apply an oil-based stain or colored wax for the desired look then brush on a thin layer of sealer or shellac for an extra layer of protection against moisture.

What Color Is Cerused?

Cerusing is a furniture finishing technique that involves applying white or light colored wax or paint to the surface of dark woods, such as oak or walnut, and then brushing away the excess.

As a result, the darker grains in the wood stand out and create an attractive looking ancient-style finish.

Cerused finishes can range from muted whites to nearly black depending on the type of wood that is used and the amount of pigment applied to it.

What Wood Is Best For Ceruse?

Ceruse is a wood finishing technique which consists of applying a white pigment mixed in oil or wax over stained wood.

The most commonly used woods for cerusing are oak and ash, as they have an eye-catching grain pattern that becomes even more prominent with the application of the white finish.

Hardwood such as cherry, walnut and maple can be used, though these are less common choices.

Pine is generally not considered suitable for this technique as its softness makes it prone to staining and damage from use.

What Paint Do You Use For Ceruse?

Ceruse is a type of paint that utilizes a white base with black pigment added to give it a distressed effect.

It can be used on furniture, cabinets, walls and other surfaces.

The best type of paint to use for ceruse is an oil-based paint as it won’t chip or water down easily and will provide better coverage than latex paints.

Oil-based paints are more durable and require fewer coats to cover the surface when compared to latex paints so make sure to buy the best quality possible for your project.

It is also important to choose a paint color that will work well with other interior accents.

Once applied, the finish should be protected with polyurethane or varnish depending on what kind of look you’re trying to achieve.

What Is A Cerused Wood Finish?