How to build a wooden lantern with an antique finish

How to Build a Wooden Lantern with an Antique Finish

Creating a wooden lantern with an antique finish is a great way to add a touch of rustic charm to your home or garden. With basic woodworking skills and some finishing techniques, you can craft a beautiful, vintage-style lantern. Follow this step-by-step guide to build your own.

Materials and Tools Needed

Materials:

• Pine or oak wood (1/2” thick boards)
• 1/4” plywood (for base and top)
• Wood glue
• Wood screws (1” screws)
• Glass panes or acrylic sheets
• Hinges and latch (for a door)
• Wood stain (dark walnut, oak, or mahogany)
• Chalk paint or milk paint (white, cream, or gray)
• Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
• Antiquing wax or glaze
• Clear sealant

Tools:

• Miter saw or handsaw
• Drill and bits
• Clamps
• Paintbrushes
• Screwdriver
• Rags for staining

Step 1: Cutting the Wooden Pieces

1. Measure and Cut the Frame:

   • Cut four pieces of 12” x 2” wood for the vertical frame.
   • Cut eight pieces of 6” x 2” wood for the horizontal top and bottom frame supports.

2. Base and Top Panels:

   • Cut two 6” x 6” squares from 1/4” plywood for the base and top.

3. Door Panel:

   • If adding a door, cut an extra 6” x 2” piece to use as a door frame.

4. Glass or Acrylic Panels:

   • Cut four panels (5” x 10”) to fit inside the frame.

Step 2: Assembling the Wooden Frame

1. Attach the Vertical Supports:

   • Use wood glue and screws to secure the four vertical pieces to the base.
   • Attach the horizontal top and bottom frame pieces to form a rectangular frame.

2. Fix the Top Panel:

   • Center the 6” x 6” plywood square on top and screw it into place.

3. Install the Glass or Acrylic Panels:

   • Secure each pane inside the wooden frame using small nails or wood glue.
   • If using glass, carefully slide each panel into grooves made in the frame.

Step 3: Attaching the Door (Optional)

1. Attach the Hinges:

   • Fix the small 6” x 2” wooden piece on one side with small hinges.

2. Add a Latch:

   • Secure a latch on the opposite side to keep the door closed.

Step 4: Creating the Antique Finish

1. Apply the Base Stain:

   • Use a rag to apply a dark wood stain to the entire lantern.
   • Wipe off excess and let it dry completely.

2. Apply the Chalk or Milk Paint:

   • Lightly brush a thin layer of white or gray paint over the stained wood.
   • Let it dry partially before distressing.

3. Distressing for an Aged Look:

   • Use 120-grit sandpaper to sand edges and corners to expose the stain beneath.
   • Focus on natural wear areas like corners and edges.

4. Apply Antiquing Wax or Glaze:

   • Rub dark wax or glaze into the sanded areas to deepen the aged look.
   • Wipe off excess and let it dry.

5. Seal the Finish:

   • Apply a clear sealant to protect the antique look and enhance durability.

Step 5: Adding a Handle (Optional)

• Attach a metal or rope handle to the top for easy carrying.
• Drill two small holes and thread a rope through, securing it with knots.

Final Thoughts

Your antique-finished wooden lantern is now complete! It’s perfect for indoor or outdoor use and can hold candles, fairy lights, or decorative items.

For more woodworking plans and projects, check out Teds Woodworking Course: Click Here.