How to Get an Ivory Distressed Vintage Look on Furniture

Natural ivory develops a dark patina from years of use. While you still see the deep cream shade of the ivory, you also see darker brown colors caused by a buildup of dust, dirt and oils. Distressing your furniture to look like ivory gives your pieces a vintage look and feel. Instead of using several coats of paint, as you use in most distressing processes, replace one shade of paint with a dark wood stain. The stain gives the furniture the darker look of ivory.

Paint remover
Paint scraper
Sandpaper
Old rags
Dark wood stain
Ivory paint
Sponge brush
Rocks
Keys
Clear sealant

Instructions

- 1
  Apply a thick coating of paint remover to all surfaces of the wood piece. Leave the product sit for as long as the manufacturer recommends. Rub the paint scraper along the wood, peeling away the old paint or stain. Sand down all areas of the wood, which removes any leftover paint and creates a smooth surface.
- 2
  Rub the dark wood stain on the piece with an old rag. Work in small areas at a time, and after 60 seconds, wipe off any excess stain with a second rag. Keep applying more stain and wiping off the excess until all areas of the piece have stain.
- 3
  Paint the wood furniture with one coat of ivory paint, using the sponge brush. Distress the finish by rubbing the paint scraper along corners or edges and hitting the surface with heavy rocks or keys. Every time you hit the surface, it reveals some of the original stain.
- 4
  Coat the furniture with a second layer of ivory paint. After the paint dries, distress the piece again. The second round of distressing shows different layers of paint and stain on the piece. The darker stain that shows through mimics the look of natural ivory.
- 5
  Protect your piece by applying a coat of clear sealant, such as polyurethane. Paint the stain on with the sponge brush, just as you did the paint. The sealant protects the furniture against moisture or water damage and keeps the paint from peeling.

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