How can I tone down the bright colors of painted wood?
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You can add a glaze or antiquing medium.
Hello. An antiquing or white wax might be an idea to consider.
Here's how to do this:
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/how-to-apply-a-wash-over-a-bright-paint-color-to-tone-it-down-13403194.html
There's a wide array of glazes, antiqueing stains, and waxes available that would "tone" down the brightness. Just test on an inconspicuous area on another piece to get the look you want before applying to the piece. Here's a link with good info.
https://www.hunker.com/13413241/what-glaze-will-tone-down-bright-paint-colors
You can add a glaze. I would suggest black or brown, depending on your color scheme. Apply and wipe fairly quickly. If it isn't dark enough, add another coat until you get it the shade you desire.
If the wood is too bright why don't you just repaint it?
You can use Minwax brown wax to tone down.
I painted my bathroom cabinets with Americana Satin Enamels paint. The paint is made to adhere to wood, etc., surfaces without sanding. You could paint over it with that paint. The paint comes in a wide variety of colors. You can see my project here: https://momhomeguide.com/painted-bathroom-vanity-one-room-challenge/
You could also try white washing over the painted surface to soften the look. I show how to white wash here: https://momhomeguide.com/white-washed-patio-pots/
I would perhaps suggest painting it again if it isn't too hard. Especially if there is a specific color you want.
Whatever the bright color is, get a shade or two darker or add gray to that bright color and paint over the super bright with the less bright.
Do you have pics? What are the items that are painted? Walls, Interior? Exterior?
You could white wash or use a dark wax
I've used a brown antiquing gel. I'm not a painter and it was so easy to use, just rubbed it on and then off.
Pour some of the latex paint into a paint tray. Add clear latex glaze, following the recommendations on the glaze container, which may vary by manufacturer. The more glaze added to the paint, the more translucent the top color, which means the end result will look more like the base and top shades blended together.