How to Distress Painted Furniture Using Stain

If you painted an old piece of furniture and it didn’t turn out the way you wanted or if you want to change the look of your painted furniture, try distressing. Distressing is a technique that simulates wear and tear and gives the furniture an aged or worn look. Distressing is a great way to add visual interest to a formerly plain piece. Since your furniture is already painted, distressing will only take a few hours and you will have a stylish piece of furniture.

Drop cloth
Sandpaper
Tack cloth
Drill
Small drill bit
Heavy chain
Stain
Rag
Wood varnish
Foam paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Place your painted furniture on a drop cloth in a clean, well-ventilated area.
- 2
  Run sandpaper along the edges of the furniture in random areas to show the wood underneath. You can also sand in other areas that would have worn over time, such as the top and legs. Use a clean tack cloth to wipe away the sawdust.
- 3
  Use a drill with a small drill bit to make holes in the furniture to give the look of worm holes. Wipe away the sawdust.
- 4
  Hit the furniture with a heavy chain in areas to make dents and scratches.
- 5
  Wipe the entire furniture piece with a tack cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- 6
  Shake the stain well to mix it together. Dip a rag into the stain and run it along the areas you sanded. Dab the stain into the holes and dents you made.
- 7
  Wipe away the excess stain with a clean rag. Let the stain dry completely.
- 8
  Apply a coat of varnish to the entire piece of furniture with a foam paintbrush to protect the finish.

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Faux Finishing