How to Distress a Wooden Tabletop

Give your tabletop the look of worn wood.

If you have a wooden tabletop you want to change the look of, try distressing. Distressing your furniture involves making a new piece look old and worn. With paint supplies, items found in your home and your imagination, you can give your wooden tabletop the appearance of well-used furniture. You can distress a wooden tabletop that has been painted or one that has a wood stain finish. Pick colors and stains that will complement the finishes in the room that you tabletop will reside.

Things You'll Need

• Orbital sander
• Rag
• Hammer
• Nails
• Chains
• Wood stain
• Small paintbrush
• Sanding block
• Varnish
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Paste wax
• White tapered candle
• Antiquing glaze

Instructions

Preparation

1. Sand the tabletop until the finish is removed and it is smooth. Wipe away any sawdust with a damp rag.

2. Hammer areas of the table to make dents, use nails to make holes simulating woodworms.

3. Use a chain to beat the table and make dents in a shape different than the hammer dents.

Stained Table

1. Rub stain into all of the dents and holes to make the dents darker than the stain of the table. Use a small paintbrush to dab the stain into smaller dents and holes. Allow the stain to dry completely.

2. Stain the entire table in a wood stain one shade lighter than the stain you applied to the dents. Use a rag to apply the stain in a uniform fashion. Allow the stain to dry.

3. Use a sanding block to sand the edges and small areas on the table to simulate wear.

4. Apply varnish to the entire table to seal the finish. Allow the varnish to dry before using the table.

Painted Table

1. Paint the entire table in a finish you are happy with as this color will show through when finished. Allow the paint time to dry.

2. Rub paste wax over the entire table to give the paint a shine.

3. Rub a white candle over areas you want to distress. Rub the candle over dents, along edges and in any other areas that would show excess wear over time.

4. Paint the table with a second paint color; make this color complementary to the first coat. Allow the paint to dry.

5. Use sandpaper to rub in the areas you applied candle wax; the paint should come off easily.

6. Rub antique glaze over the entire table to give the paint a "dirty" appearance. Let the glaze dry.

7. Apply varnish to the table to seal the finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Use paint and stain in well-ventilated areas.

References

• Amateur Woodworker: Distressing Wood
• That Painter Lady: Creating a Distressed Look on Kitchen Island