How to Make a Distressed Dining Table

Wash the table with a soft cloth that has been dipped in freshly brewed black tea. The tannins in the tea dissolve waxy residues and readily remove dirt and grime without harming the underlying wood.

Sand the table with medium-grit sand paper. Hold the paper against the table and rub briskly, moving with the grain of the wood. Wipe away the dregs with a piece of tack cloth and repeat until the current wood finish is no longer visible.

Coat the table in one layer of latex primer that is slightly lighter in color than the paint that will be used for the finished item. Use a medium-size paintbrush to cover the wood in a thin, even layer. Wait for the primer to dry, sand the table lightly and brush the residue away with a clean cloth.

Brush a layer of latex paint over the table. For a more homogeneous appearance, use a 4-inch roller rather than a standard paintbrush. When the paint is dry, apply a second coat, then let the table sit for 24 hours.

Sand the table with a sheet of fine-grit paper to achieve the desired effect. For a touch of well-used charm, sand the table edges and corners while leaving the table top intact. To create an extremely weathered appearance, sand the entire table.

Apply paste wax or furniture polish to the table to shield the remaining paint, or seal the finished product in layer of clear varnish or polyurethane wood protector.