How to Refinish & Distress Wood

Refinishing

• 1

  Move the furniture piece to a well-ventilated area. Stripping outside in the shade works very well.

• 2

  Wear gloves and goggles while stripping. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are also recommended to protect your skin.

• 3

  Remove any hardware like handles and drawer pulls.

• 4

  Brush on furniture stripper.

• 5

  Remove the stripper and loosened paint or varnish with a putty knife, a scraper, a wire brush, sandpaper, steel wool or any other tools you may need.

• 6

  Clean any remaining stripper with mineral spirits and tack cloth. You want a smooth, completely clean surface for refinishing.

• 7

  Apply new paint or stain and let it dry completely. Make sure you use at least two coats.

Distressing

• 8

  Hammer several nails into the 2-inch by 4-inch board and screw in the screws. Make sure the ends extend to different lengths from the board.

• 9

  Gently but forcefully strike the piece of furniture with the board. Make sure you are leaving scratches and gouges in the wood.

• 10

  Hit the wood with the chain, also leaving marks.

• 11

  Use a hard file and/or sandpaper to leave additional marks and to round off the corners of the furniture.