Creating the Perfect Distressed Look
If you like the look of distressed or aged wood, you can easily create this look using any piece of wood furniture you find. There are several ways to distress or create an aged look on a brand new or used piece of furniture using a few simple steps.
Painted furniture that has aged over time will have a peeled paint and worn away look, as if the piece has been sitting out in the sun or sea air for several years. Fortunately, you can recreate this look in just a few hours. Sand the entire piece of wood furniture you are distressing, wipe with a cloth, then paint with a light or bright colored base coat and let dry overnight. Satin or semi-gloss paint works best. Using a candle, rub wax all over the piece of furniture in places that you want the base color to show through, particularly in the corners, around edges, and along the sides. Then paint over the entire piece with a dark or neutral colored top coat of satin or semi-gloss paint and allow to dry. Rub the entire piece of furniture with some steel wool to remove the wax, as well as other areas, to allow the base coat to show through, giving it an aged look.
You can also age a piece of wood furniture by creating nicks, cuts, and scrapes on its surface. Using a hammer, metal chain, rocks, or even a set of keys, just start beating the piece of furniture in random spots to give it a well-worn look. Pay particular attention to the corners and don’t forget about the legs. Worm holes can be created by hammering small nail holes into the wood or by using a pointed awl. Keep the holes close together and small to give it a random look. Once you’ve done all that you can choose to distress it with paint, stain, or leave it untouched.
Tags: Amish Furniture, Distressing Furniture, Interior Decorating, Interior Design
