How to Distress a Wood Table

Distressing a wood table provides the look and patina of a vintage piece without the wait of years and high price tag of an actual antique. Nicks and dings, chipped finishes, and layers of color are what will make people think your table has been handed down for generations. You can add all that character to any table in an afternoon.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper, 100 grit
• Table
• Rags
• Water
• Metal objects for distressing
• Hammer
• Utility knife
• Disposable rubber gloves
• Wood stain or latex paint
• Polyurethane (optional)
• Paint brush

Instructions

Create the Time-Worn Look

1. Sand table with medium grit sandpaper to remove any glossy finish. Rub thoroughly along edges to soften if desired. Wipe with damp rag to remove dust. This step may be done by hand or with an electric sander.

2. Distress table top and legs. Make marks in the wood with metal objects to simulate scuffs and nicks that would happen over time. Use a hammer to tap a nail or awl to make pits. A nail set will make tiny circles. Hit table directly with hammer head or claw. Thread a ring of keys onto a string and swing it striking the table to make random marks. Use a file or utility knife to shave the edges of table top and legs here and there. Rub areas with a wire brush or steel wool. Try to work without making any obvious patterns and focus on areas that would naturally show wear on an old table.

3. Wearing disposable gloves, dip a rag in watered down latex paint or undiluted dark wood stain and rub all over the surface of the table and legs. Work color into the markings and along all edges especially where any raw wood was exposed during the distressing process. Wipe off excess with clean rag.

4. If desired, seal table with polyurethane applied with a brush after stain or paint has dried. Unless you want to continue to distress table with normal use, the polyurethane will protect the table top from water marks and scratches. More than one coat can be applied for stronger protection.

Tips & Warnings

• You can experiment with the final color of your table by layering shades of stain or paint. Allow each coat to dry before adding the next.

• Apply stain and polyurethane in a well ventilated area.