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How to Give a Dresser a Distressed Look

Distressing furniture is a popular do-it-yourself project for those who want their decor to have an antique look but cannot afford real antiques. You can distress a bedroom dresser in a matter of hours, or use more complicated techniques to give it a more authentic look. All you need is paint, sandpaper and an idea of what you want your dresser to look like once you have distressed it.

Things You'll Need

  • Rag
  • Sandpaper
  • Latex-based paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Primer
  • Wood glaze
  • Paint roller
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the dresser drawers. Clean the inside and outside of the dresser with a damp rag.

    • 2

      Sand the dresser. Be careful not to apply too much pressure. If there is grime or paint that doesn't come off when you sand, go over the area with a wire brush.

    • 3

      Apply a coat of primer to the entire dresser. Wait for the primer to dry.

    • 4

      Paint the dresser with a paintbrush, making sure to follow the grains in the wood. When the paint is dry, apply a second coat.

    • 5

      Sand areas that you want to look distressed, such as edges and corners.

    • 6

      Apply a polyurethane stain or finish to the entire dresser and let it dry.