Phoenix Home Improvement Services

Make Distress Marks On Wood Surfaces.

This is the creative part of distressing furniture. It helps to have studied a few pieces of older furniture ahead of time to see where the most obvious areas of wear are. This is where you’ll want to concentrate your distress marks. Using your hammer, pound holes randomly along the surface of your piece to create visible signs of wear. Follow up by using a chisel to make a twisting motion across the grain of the wood. Still using your chisel, chisel the corners of your piece and then sand them lightly with 100 grit sand paper to smooth them off.

To create even more character, use your chain to beat warps into your wood to give it that aged, weathered look. This is a great way to relieve frustrations! Be sure to wear protective eye goggles when using any of these tools. There are a variety of other random tools you can use to make distress marks on your wood piece including a pizza pie wheel, an old padlock, or any other heavy metal item that’s tough enough to make marks on your wood.

Apply Wood Stains.

To highlight the distress marks, you can use wood stains or acrylic paint. First thoroughly clean the distressed surface and allow it to dry. Apply wood stain or acrylic paint using a damp cloth, completing one small section before moving on to the next one. Use a damp cloth to remove some of the paint or stain, leaving just enough to highlight the distressed areas. Some stain and paint colors which work well include browns and deep reds, although you can use whatever color you wish. Allow the paint to thoroughly dry before proceeding.

Apply A Protective Finish.

To preserve your new distressed, painted surface, apply a clear acrylic finish or sealer.

Once your finish is dry, you can enjoy your new piece of distressed furniture. Don’t be surprised if everyone thinks it’s an authentic antique!