How to Distress Furniture
Strip off all remaining paint on the piece of furniture., Add any indentations you feel are necessary., In a large bucket, mix together 1 cup of milk paint with 2 parts water., Paint along the grain., Distress the surface., Add 300 grit sandpaper to...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Strip off all remaining paint on the piece of furniture.
Start with bare wood. , Use an item such as the end of a high heel shoe or a hammer with a small chisel to make indentations on various places of the furniture piece.
Don't overdo it; the furniture will look tacky if you add too much distressing. , The paint will need to be stirred frequently to keep it mixed properly. , Always paint using one complete stroke for each length painted.
Paint the trim first.
Paint a base coat next.
Paint quickly as the milk paint dries quickly. , Add 100 grit sandpaper to the sander.
Locate areas where wear-and-tear would be most likely (corners, bumps, front areas) and sand over these areas. , Sand over the non-distressed areas with this grade of sandpaper to smooth. , Place rubber gloves on and old socks over the top.
Rub the wax finish over the whole piece of furniture.
Excess wax should be removed immediately; scrub off with a plastic-bristle brush. -
Step 2: Add any indentations you feel are necessary.
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Step 3: In a large bucket
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Step 4: mix together 1 cup of milk paint with 2 parts water.
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Step 5: Paint along the grain.
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Step 6: Distress the surface.
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Step 7: Add 300 grit sandpaper to the sander.
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Step 8: Add a darker wax finish.
Detailed Guide
Start with bare wood. , Use an item such as the end of a high heel shoe or a hammer with a small chisel to make indentations on various places of the furniture piece.
Don't overdo it; the furniture will look tacky if you add too much distressing. , The paint will need to be stirred frequently to keep it mixed properly. , Always paint using one complete stroke for each length painted.
Paint the trim first.
Paint a base coat next.
Paint quickly as the milk paint dries quickly. , Add 100 grit sandpaper to the sander.
Locate areas where wear-and-tear would be most likely (corners, bumps, front areas) and sand over these areas. , Sand over the non-distressed areas with this grade of sandpaper to smooth. , Place rubber gloves on and old socks over the top.
Rub the wax finish over the whole piece of furniture.
Excess wax should be removed immediately; scrub off with a plastic-bristle brush.
About the Author
Charlotte Harvey
Experienced content creator specializing in hobbies guides and tutorials.
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