How to Redo Furniture With a Shabby White-Gray Finish

Creating a Shabby Finish

• 1

  Sand the old piece of furniture down to "key" the finish, remove any old layers of paint or varnish and provide a good surface for the new paint. For a large piece of furniture, use an electric sander, other wise use sandpaper. Sand along the grain of the wood not across it.

• 2

  Wash the furniture to remove any dust that will otherwise stick to the paint. Use a sponge dipped in warm water then squeezed dry, and let the furniture dry completely before painting.

• 3

  Paint the furniture with an undercoat of dark brown. This undercoat doesn't have to be perfect, as it will mostly be hidden by the later top coats. Finish each section by stroking the brush in the same direction, working with the grain of the wood. Allow to dry thoroughly.

• 4

  Mix the required shade of white-gray using a base of white paint with black added a little at a time. Mix thoroughly with a stick.

• 5

  Paint on the first top coat of white-gray, and allow to dry thoroughly. Paint on a second coat, and allow to dry.

• 6

  Use a piece of sandpaper to sand off the white gray paint from the corners and edges of the furniture to reveal the dark brown undercoat. Sand off the surface lightly in areas of high wear such as around handles, on the edge of shelves. Throw handfuls of gravel at the top and sides of the furniture to create a distressed look.

Repainting

• 7

  Sand the furniture down thoroughly, removing all traces of the old paint finish, wax or varnish. Wash the furniture down to remove dust.

• 8

  Paint the furniture with undercoat, finishing the brushstroke in the direction of the wood grain. Allow to dry thoroughly.

• 9

  Mix the required shade of white-gray paint, and apply the first coat to the furniture. When completely dry, rub very lightly with sandpaper to key the finish for the next coat. Apply the second coat and allow to dry.