How to Paint and Distress Antique Furniture

Have the piece tested at a furniture dealer, or buy a home test kit to determine whether the paint used on the piece is lead-based. Lead-based paint should not be sanded away or disturbed, as it poses a health risk. Instead of removing the paint, rub the furniture with a dab of paste wax and a soft, dry cloth. Buff the furniture until the wax is evenly distributed and leave the paint job alone.

Place your furniture on a drop cloth in a well ventilated area.

Sand the old paint away with a piece of 180-grade sandpaper once the paint has been deemed safe. Wear a mask so you do not breathe in any paint dust. Although you do not need to remove every speck of old paint if you plan to repaint the furniture, sand until the surface is smooth. This way, the paint will adhere to the wood more easily.

Wipe the furniture with a damp cloth until all of the paint dust is removed. Otherwise, the dust will stick to the furniture, preventing the paint from going on evenly.

Apply a primer to the furniture, using a paintbrush. Primer ensures the paint goes on smoothly and evenly. Allow the primer to dry completely -- approximately 24 hours -- before continuing.

Use a paintbrush to apply a thin, even coats of flat paint to the furniture. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours, and then apply another coat. If the furniture has a flat surface, use a roller for the final coat to ensure that the paint goes on as evenly as possible with no brush marks. Let the second coat dry at least 24 hours.

Use sandpaper and a kitchen knife to distress the furniture. Place the sharp edge of the kitchen knife against the wood, and then apply firm pressure to the handle to make cuts in the paint. Go over the corners of the furniture with sandpaper. For additional distressing, put some heavy bolts in a pillowcase, tie it securely, and bang it against the furniture. Put on goggles when you do this to protect your eyes from any flying chips of wood.

Rub the furniture with a damp cloth to remove paint chips and dust from the distressing process.