How To Distress Furniture The Easy Way

One of the hottest home decorating trends right now is distressing furniture. Whether you have an old hand-me-down piece or just want to add some character to a newer item, distressing furniture can give it a vintage and rustic charm. The best part? It's much easier than you might think! In this blog post, we'll show you exactly how to distress furniture the easy way.

Before you get started, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:

1. Sandpaper: Get a variety of grits, including a coarse grit (around 80 or 100) for initial sanding and a finer grit (around 220) for smoothing the surface.

2. Paint: Choose a chalk paint or milk paint in your desired color. These types of paint work best for distressing furniture.

3. Wax or sealant: This will protect your finished piece and give it a smooth finish. You can choose between clear or dark wax, depending on the look you want to achieve.

4. Brushes and rags: Use brushes for painting and rags for distressing and applying wax.

Now that you have everything you need, let's get started with the process:

1. Prepare the surface: Start by cleaning the furniture thoroughly to remove any dust or dirt. If the piece has a glossy finish, use sandpaper to roughen it up so that the paint adheres better.

2. Apply the first coat of paint: Use a brush to apply the paint evenly on the furniture. Don't worry about perfection here; a slightly uneven application adds to the distressed look. Allow the paint to dry completely.

3. Sand it down: Take your coarse sandpaper and start sanding the areas where natural wear and tear would occur over time. Focus on corners, edges, and raised details. Sand more heavily in some areas to create an authentic worn-out appearance.

4. Apply a second coat of paint: Once you're satisfied with the distressing, apply a second coat of paint in a different color. This layer will show through when you distress again later.

5. Sand again: After the second coat dries, use the finer sandpaper to lightly sand the surface. This step helps to blend the layers of paint and create a smooth finish.

6. Distress further: Use your sandpaper or a damp rag to distress the furniture even more. You can rub off some of the paint in specific areas to reveal the layer beneath. Be creative and focus on areas that would naturally wear down, such as corners and edges.

7. Apply wax or sealant: Finally, protect your distressed masterpiece by applying a clear or dark wax with a cloth. This will seal the paint, add durability, and enhance the distressed look. Buff the surface gently for a smooth finish.

Voila! You have successfully distressed your furniture, giving it that trendy vintage look. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques to achieve your desired distressed effect. With a bit of patience and creativity, you can transform any piece of furniture into a unique and charming addition to your home.