How To Distress Furniture With Vaseline

Are you tired of your furniture looking polished and new? Do you want to give it a more antique and distressed look? Well, look no further because we have the perfect solution for you! In this blog post, we will guide you on how to distress your furniture using a common household item – Vaseline.

Distressing furniture can add character and a vintage charm to any space. It's a great way to repurpose old or plain-looking furniture and turn it into a unique piece that fits your style. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to distress furniture with Vaseline:

1. Start by gathering the necessary supplies: a piece of furniture to distress, Vaseline, sandpaper (medium to fine grit), a cloth or sponge, paint, and a brush.

2. Prepare the furniture: Make sure the piece of furniture you intend to distress is clean and free of any dust or grease.

3. Apply a base coat of paint: Choose a color that contrasts nicely with the top coat of paint. Apply the base coat evenly using a brush and let it dry completely.

4. Apply Vaseline to the areas you want to distress: Using a cloth or sponge, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the edges, corners, and any other areas where you want the distressing to appear. The Vaseline will act as a resist to the top coat of paint, allowing it to easily come off during the distressing process.

5. Apply the top coat of paint: Choose a color that you want to see as the distressed layer. Apply the paint directly over the base coat, covering the entire piece of furniture, including the areas with Vaseline. Be sure to apply a thicker coat of paint to achieve a more distressed effect.

6. Wait for the paint to dry: Allow the top coat of paint to dry completely. This may take a few hours, so be patient.

7. Start distressing: Once the paint is dry, take a piece of sandpaper and start rubbing the areas where you applied the Vaseline. As you sand, you will notice the paint coming off easily, revealing the base coat underneath. Continue distressing until you achieve the desired look. You can also sand other areas of the furniture to create a more worn-out effect.

8. Wipe off excess paint: After distressing, use a cloth or sponge to wipe off any excess paint or dust particles. This will give your furniture a clean and polished appearance.

9. Finish with a protective coat: If you want to protect the distressed areas and give your furniture a longer-lasting finish, apply a clear protective coat such as wax or varnish. This will also enhance the overall appearance of the piece.

Voila! You have successfully distressed your furniture using Vaseline. Stand back and admire the character and charm it brings to your space. Remember, distressing techniques can vary, so feel free to experiment with different paint colors, layers, and sanding techniques to achieve the desired effect. Have fun and get creative with your newfound skills!