How to Apply Distressed White Stain
Distressed is a term used for wood pieces that have an aged appearance. Scratches and signs of wear in the paint are distinguishing factors in distressed wood. While some find the distressed look of wood unappealing, others embrace it for its historical value. If you are a fan of distressed wood, it is possible to achieve the look with newer, raw wood pieces. A white stain, purposefully marred, creates a faux look of distress without having to wait for nature to do the work. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Paintbrush or foam applicator
- Water-based white stain
- Sandpaper of varying coarseness
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Instructions
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Apply a coat of white stain to the wood piece, using a brush or foam applicator. Neatness does not count but evenness does. Stain must dry thoroughly before distressing.
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Allow the first coat to dry for approximately two hours. Apply a second coat to the wood after the first coat dries. Give the second coat of white stain a three-hour drying time before attempting to distress.
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Rub sandpaper over areas of the wood you wish to distress. The coarseness of the sandpaper will determine how much of the white stain wears away. Focus on the corners of the wood piece and other flat surfaces that would normally show signs of wear. Continue the process until you achieve a distressed look that you like.
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Tips & Warnings
Don’t be afraid to get creative when it comes to producing a distressed look. Scratching the white stain with rusty nails or gouging areas of the wood with a screwdriver will give the piece an even more authentic appearance.
A faux distressed look can also be achieved with water-based glazes and paints.
Apply a coat of polyurethane after distressing, if you want to give the piece a shiny appearance.
Do not be hasty and begin the process before the stain is dry. This may cause the stain to smear and peel off instead of wearing off with the sandpaper.
References
Resources
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