How to Distress a Yellow Cabinet

Rub paste wax onto the cabinet, focusing on the areas you want distressed. Apply the wax in a circular motion for an even coating on the wood surfaces. Leave the piece sitting out overnight or as long as 24 hours.

Paint the cabinet in a color that complements the yellow shade and the rest of the kitchen decor. White or cream shades work best with lighter or paler shades of yellow. A bright green or even black helps mute an otherwise blinding or bright shade of yellow.

Sand the edges of the cabinet with fine-grit sandpaper. Sand around the handles and lightly sand the sides and doors of each cabinet. Fill an old sock with heavy objects such as nuts, bolts and rocks. Hit the cabinet with the sock, pulling off some of the new paint.

Cover the cabinet with a second coat of paint. After the paint dries, sand again and hit the cabinets with the filled sock. The sandpaper and filled sock removes the some of the paint, letting different colors and shades appear on the cabinet.

Coat the entire cabinet with a layer of polyurethane or another clear sealant. Let the clear coat dry completely before using the cabinet. Paint the inside of the cabinet with the color of your choice and let it dry thoroughly before using the cabinet.