How to Do a Faux Paint Distressed Finish Technique

Create distressing effects with a hammer.

There are many faux finishing techniques that can be used with paint. Sponging, crackle paint and whitewashing are just a few examples. One of the easiest faux finishes is distressing. The concept of distressing is to create a finish that looks like it is aged and worn from years of use. Because it is supposed to look imperfect and slightly damaged, you have a lot of flexibility when utilizing this faux finish technique. Practice with some scrap lumber before you tackle furniture or cabinets. Once you master the technique, you can find ways to use it all over your home.

Things You'll Need

• Degreasing cleaner
• Rags
• Sandpaper, medium-grit
• Paint for base color
• Paintbrush or roller
• Paste wax
• Glaze
• Paint for second color (for top coat)
• Hammer (optional)

Instructions

1. Clean the wood well. Dip a rag in degreasing cleaner and wipe down the entire surface. This will remove grease that would interfere with your paint.

2. Sand the wood with medium-grit sandpaper to create a rough surface to which the paint can adhere. Wipe away any sanding dust with a damp rag.

3. Paint the wood with your base color using a good quality paintbrush or roller. This is the color that will show through the distressed portions of your wood. Apply a thin coat of paint. Let the first coat set until dry to the touch. Apply a second thin coat. Let the paint dry overnight.

4. Rub paste wax over the areas that you are planning to distress. The paste wax will keep the second color of paint from adhering to the cabinet and will help with distressing. For light distressing, put the paste only on the corners and raised edges of the item. For heavier distressing, apply the paste wax to the entire surface. Let the paste wax dry for one hour.

5. Mix one part paint with four parts glaze in a small bucket. Glaze will cover the wood while still allowing some of the base color to show. Glaze dries clear, so choose a paint color that you want as your top coat.

6. Apply the glaze/paint mixture over the entire piece. Apply two thin coats, allowing the first to set until dry to the touch before applying the second. Let dry for 24 hours.

7. Sand the areas that you want to distress. Rub gently to remove the top layer, revealing the base color underneath. Sand as much or as little as you like to get the distressed look you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• After painting, you can further distress the wood with a hammer. Lightly tap the wood to create dents to mimic those that would happen naturally if your painted surface was aged and worn.

References

• Repair-Home.com: How to Distress Wood
• HGTV: Distressing For Success