Are you attracted to furniture with a past? If you like pieces that look as though they’ve lived an interesting life you might want to try adding the distressed look. An authentic looking, distressed finish can add character and style to many types of decor.
Back in the day, if a piece of furniture looked distressed it meant that it had been around for years and had taken some hard knocks. The paint would be worn at the edges, it would have nicks and dents and the colors would be a bit faded. If you don’t feel like waiting, you can add the distressed look quickly and easily.
Whether it’s a table, a picture frame, a planter box or a furniture piece, there are some simple steps you can take:
- Lightly sand to open up the surface and remove any loose material. Then simulate age by stressing the wood a little. Sand exposed edges to make them look time worn. Focus on the areas would naturally have gotten more wear in everyday use – places where hands would have touched, or it would be bumped.
- Add some dings and dents. You won’t need fancy tools; almost any hard object will do; keys, nails, a hammer, screwdriver or a piece of chain. But don’t get too crazy. You want the project to look distressed, not trashed.
- Apply some paint. The muted colors of milk paint are perfect for getting an aged look. Give your piece a coat of paint and when it is dry, sand off areas that would naturally end up being worn. Steel wool also works to simulate rub marks.
- For a more dramatic look, add a second coat of paint in a strong, contrasting color. Sand through one or both layers to make interesting wear effects. Another way to let the layers show is to rub petroleum jelly on the first coat of paint in areas that you want that color to show through. Then apply the second coat of paint. When it dries, use steel wool to gently remove the paint on the petroleum jelly and expose the lower layer.
- If it fits your style, add some paint or stain spatters. Dip a brush into the paint or stain and wipe off any excess. Gently tap the brush on a stick to create splatters on your project.
- To darken and age your piece you can apply a thin coat of stain over the whole project.
- Protect your masterpiece with a good finish. Paste wax gives a soft, warm look. Oil based polyurethane has a yellow tinge and will darken with age so it will both protect and age your project. If you don’t want yellowing use water-based polyurethane.
Remember that imperfections add character. If you are worried about the look, practice the whole process on some scrap wood. If you’re not happy with the results, you can always start over. The important thing is that you get the distressed look without a lot of stress.
