Email us on sales@swedishinteriordesign.co.uk

Call us on +44 (0) 7958 788 555

Back to top

Swedish Interior Design

6 gustavian roundback dining chairs

How to Repaint and Age Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs

A step-by-step guide to achieving an authentic Swedish Gustavian finish 

Swedish Interior Design has specialised in authentic Swedish furniture since 2005, building a long-standing reputation as one of the UK and USA’s most experienced sources for genuine Gustavian dining chairs.

We source directly in Sweden, selecting chairs for their original construction, correct proportions, and historical integrity.

Every Gustavian dining chair we offer is chosen with an understanding of period craftsmanship, traditional finishes, and how these chairs were originally made to be used, ensuring they work beautifully in modern interiors while retaining the quiet elegance and authenticity that define true Swedish Gustavian design.

 

6 gustavian roundback dining chairs

What makes a Swedish Gustavian dining chair look “right”?

A Gustavian chair is not meant to look new, glossy, or perfect. Traditionally, these chairs were softly painted, hand-finished, and naturally worn over time. The beauty lies in restraint: muted colours, visible brush texture, and gentle ageing that suggests centuries of use rather than a weekend makeover.

If you remember one thing throughout this process, let it be this:

Less paint, less distressing, more patience.

Materials You Will Need:

Essential tools

  • Medium and fine grit sandpaper (120, 180, 240)

  • Sanding sponge (very useful for curves)

  • Soft natural-bristle paintbrush (50–70mm)

  • Small artist’s brush (for joints and carving)

  • Lint-free cloths

  • Vacuum or soft brush

Cleaning & preparation

  • Sugar soap or gentle degreaser

  • Warm water

  • Old toothbrush (for crevices)

Paint & finishes

  • Water-based chalk or mineral paint

  • Optional casein paint (more traditional)

  • Clear furniture wax (neutral)

  • Optional dark or grey wax (very sparingly)

  • Raw linseed oil (optional, advanced step)

Colours that work best

Authentic Gustavian tones are never pure white. Look for:

  • Warm grey

  • Soft stone

  • Pale mushroom

  • Light blue-grey

  • Faded green-grey

Avoid anything bright, creamy, or “designer white”.

 

axet gustavian dining chairs set of 11 ch109

Step 1: Understanding the Chair

Before touching sandpaper or paint, study the chair:

  • Where are the natural wear points?

    • Front legs

    • Seat rails

    • Crest rail

    • Stretcher bars

  • Is the chair pine, birch, or mixed wood?

  • Is there old paint present?

This tells you where ageing should happen later. Random distressing is the fastest way to ruin the look.

Step 2: Cleaning

  1. Mix sugar soap with warm water

  2. Gently scrub the entire chair

  3. Use a toothbrush in joints and carvings

  4. Rinse with clean water

  5. Let dry completely (overnight is ideal)

Paint will not adhere properly to dirt, wax, or polish.

Step 3: Light Sanding

You are not trying to remove all paint.

  • Use 120–180 grit lightly over flat areas

  • Use sanding sponge on curves and legs

  • Focus on key wear points

  • Leave some old paint visible if present

This creates tooth for the new paint and preserves character.

Step 4: To Prime or Not?

Most chalk and mineral paints do not need primer.

However, prime if:

  • The chair has dark wood bleeding through

  • There are greasy patches

  • The surface is very glossy

If priming:

  • Use a thin, matte primer

  • Do not fill the grain

  • Let it fully cure

Step 5: Applying the Paint

Golden rules:

  • Thin coats

  • Dry brush technique

  • Never overwork

How to paint:

  1. Load brush lightly

  2. Remove excess on a cloth

  3. Apply in long, soft strokes

  4. Follow the grain

  5. Leave visible brush texture

One coat is often enough. Two coats maximum.

If it looks slightly uneven — good. That’s correct.

Step 6: Let the Paint Cure

Dry ≠ cured.

  • Leave chair 24–48 hours

  • Longer if room is cold

  • Do not sand too early

This prevents muddy distressing later.

Step 7: Ageing & Distressing

This should feel almost disappointing at first — subtlety wins.

How to distress properly:

  • Use 240 grit paper

  • Sand only natural wear points

  • Feather edges softly

  • Expose hints of wood, not large patches

Avoid:

  • Symmetrical wear

  • Heavy sanding on flat surfaces

  • Sharp contrast

If you think “maybe that’s enough” — stop.

Step 8: Soft Ageing with Wax

Clear wax

  • Protects finish

  • Softens chalkiness

  • Adds depth

Apply sparingly with cloth or brush.
Buff gently after 20–30 minutes.

Dark wax

  • Use tiny amounts

  • Focus on joints and recesses

  • Immediately wipe back

You want shadow, not dirt.

Step 9: Traditional Touch

For a truly Swedish look:

  • Rub a drop of raw linseed oil into worn edges

  • Wipe back fully

  • This warms exposed wood naturally

This step is subtle but beautiful.

 

6 gustavian padded back dining chairs early 1900s

Step 10: Final Assessment

Place the chair in natural light and ask:

  • Does it look calm?

  • Does it feel honest?

  • Could it pass as 100 years old?

If yes — you’re done.

If no — do less, not more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-distressing

  • Using pure white paint

  • Thick roller finishes

  • High-sheen sealers

  • Trying to make it look “antique” instead of aged

 

RELATED POSTS