How to Distress Non-Wood Shelves

Paint the non-wood shelves with the kind of paint that is appropriate for their material. If possible, apply the paint with a paintbrush instead of using spray paint. Apply multiple layers of paint, using multiple colors. If the shelves are made of a material that you don't want to see when the distressing process is complete, then give the shelves at least three layers of paint. Make the bottom paint layers the color or colors that you would like revealed once the top layer of paint is sanded. Allow the shelves adequate time to dry between layers of paint.

Sand the places on the shelves that would have the most wear over many years, such as their top and corners. Use 80-grit sandpaper, and sand until you start to see layers of paint revealed under the top paint layer. If you wish to see all the way down to the shelves' non-wood material, then sand until you can see that material.

Sand the shelves with 150-grit sandpaper, working on the places you sanded previously. This sanding task will make the shelves smoother and make their paint less likely to chip over time.

Apply varnish to the shelves to preserve the paint. Varnish is available in glossy and matte finishes; use whichever finish you prefer, and follow the product manufacturer's instructions.