How to Distress a Wood Mantle

Distressing or antiquing wood furniture or fixtures, like fireplace mantles, is not an exact science. Instead, you rely on random methods to make the wooden fixture or furniture look as if it has aged over several decades. This requires no specialized decorating or interior design skills but will require a bit of imagination, along with several tools and materials. Rather than hire someone to antique your mantle, you can do the job yourself and give it your personal touch.

Chain
Hammer
Screwdrivers
Screws
Medium-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Crackle paint
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Spread a chain across the mantle and strike it repeatedly with a hammer, moving the chain in a random manner. This will create indentations that distress the wood mantle.
- 2
  Casually gouge the fireplace mantle with screwdrivers to create different markings in the wood.
- 3
  Lay screws on the mantle and strike them with a hammer, leaving thread marks in the wood.
- 4
  Scuff the mantle randomly with medium-grit sandpaper to rough the surface and make it appear worn.
- 5
  Wipe the mantle down with a tack cloth, removing any dust created when sanding.
- 6
  Apply a coat of crackle paint in the color of your choosing using a paintbrush to finish distressing your wood mantle.

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