How To Distress Furniture That Is Already Painted White

Distressing furniture is a popular way to add character and a vintage charm to your space. And if you already have a piece of furniture that is painted white, distressing it can give it a beautifully weathered and aged look. So, if you want to try your hand at distressing your painted white furniture, here's a simple guide to help you achieve that perfect worn-out aesthetic.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you start distressing your furniture, you'll need a few supplies. Make sure you have sandpaper or a sanding block, a clean cloth or tack cloth, a primer, latex or chalk paint, a paintbrush, and a clear wax or furniture glaze. You may also require other tools like a hammer, screwdriver, or any other materials specific to the piece of furniture you're distressing.

Step 2: Prepare Your Work Area
Distressing furniture creates a bit of a mess, so it's essential to protect your work area. Lay down a drop cloth or old newspapers to catch any paint chips or dust. If you're working indoors, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using a fan.

Step 3: Clean and Sand the Furniture
Start by cleaning the furniture piece thoroughly. Wipe away any dirt or dust with a clean cloth. If necessary, use a mild detergent solution to remove any stubborn stains. Once clean, sand the entire surface of the furniture using medium-grit sandpaper or a sanding block. This will help the new paint adhere better and create a smooth surface for distressing.

Step 4: Apply a Primer (if needed)
If your furniture has a glossy finish or a dark color, you may need to apply a primer before painting it white. The primer will help prevent the previous color from bleeding through the white paint and provide a better base for distressing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific primer you're using.

Step 5: Apply the Base Coat
Now it's time to paint your furniture white. You can choose either liquid latex paint or chalk paint, depending on your preference and the finish you want to achieve. Apply a thin coat of paint using a paintbrush, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Allow it to dry completely before applying additional coats, if needed. Multiple thin coats will give a more authentic distressed look.

Step 6: Distress the Furniture
To distress your furniture, use sandpaper or a sanding block and rub it gently against the edges, corners, and areas where natural wear and tear would occur over time. Focus on areas that would typically receive regular use, such as the edges, drawer pulls, or legs. Sand lightly to expose the base coat or the wood underneath, creating a worn appearance. Remember, distressing should look natural, so step back occasionally to evaluate your progress and avoid overdoing it.

Step 7: Apply a Top Coat
Once you're satisfied with the level of distressing, protect your furniture by applying a clear wax or furniture glaze. This will seal the paint, add durability, and give a subtle sheen to the distressed areas. Follow the product instructions for application and drying time.

Step 8: Reattach Hardware and Finishing Touches
If you removed any hardware or knobs, reattach them once the distressing and top coat are fully dry. Check that everything is securely fastened and give your furniture piece a final inspection. At this point, you can also consider adding other finishing touches like decorative stencils, decoupage, or antique-inspired hardware to enhance the distressed look.

Distressing painted white furniture allows you to transform a plain piece into a unique statement item that fits your personal style. So, let your creativity run wild and enjoy the process of giving your furniture a beautiful weathered look that tells its own story.