How to Give Wood a Distressed Look

Distressing wood gives it a warm, antique appearance. There are multiple techniques and color combinations for distressing wood. You can get the look you want by experimenting with colors, glaze finishes and different grits of sandpaper. All it takes is a little elbow grease, a few supplies and your patience.

Paintbrush
Flat coat paint
Paste wax
Cloth
Distressed wood glaze
Respiratory protection mask
Sandpaper of multiple grits

Instructions

- 1
  Paint the wood with a flat coat in the direction of the wood grain. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours.
- 2
  Apply a thin, uniform layer of wax with a dry, clean rag. Allow the wax to dry for approximately one hour.
- 3
  Paint the wood with the distressed wood glaze in the direction of the wood grain. Apply the wood glaze as thin or as thick as you'd like. You can completely conceal the wood or allow some of it to remain visible through the glaze, depending on your desired outcome.
- 4
  Allow the glaze to dry for 24 hours. Start the next step immediately after the 24-hour period. Do not allow the glaze to dry for much longer than that.
- 5
  Put on a respiratory protection mask.
- 6
  Use sandpaper to scratch the wood glaze and show the flat coat. Apply more pressure to areas of the wood that would naturally wear sooner. Use different grits of sandpaper to create an uneven look.
- 7
  Remove the dust with a clean, dry cloth.
- 8
  Apply a coat of clear coat to protect the finish.
- 9
  Allow the clear coat to dry for 24 hours.

How to Name a House

How to Repaint a Cast Sink

Historic Restoration