How to Distress a Wooden Tabletop

Preparation

• 1

  Sand the tabletop until the finish is removed and it is smooth. Wipe away any sawdust with a damp rag.

• 2

  Hammer areas of the table to make dents, use nails to make holes simulating woodworms.

• 3

  Use a chain to beat the table and make dents in a shape different than the hammer dents.

Stained Table

• 4

  Rub stain into all of the dents and holes to make the dents darker than the stain of the table. Use a small paintbrush to dab the stain into smaller dents and holes. Allow the stain to dry completely.

• 5

  Stain the entire table in a wood stain one shade lighter than the stain you applied to the dents. Use a rag to apply the stain in a uniform fashion. Allow the stain to dry.

• 6

  Use a sanding block to sand the edges and small areas on the table to simulate wear.

• 7

  Apply varnish to the entire table to seal the finish. Allow the varnish to dry before using the table.

Painted Table

• 8

  Paint the entire table in a finish you are happy with as this color will show through when finished. Allow the paint time to dry.

• 9

  Rub paste wax over the entire table to give the paint a shine.

• 10

  Rub a white candle over areas you want to distress. Rub the candle over dents, along edges and in any other areas that would show excess wear over time.

• 11

  Paint the table with a second paint color; make this color complementary to the first coat. Allow the paint to dry.

• 12

  Use sandpaper to rub in the areas you applied candle wax; the paint should come off easily.

• 13

  Rub antique glaze over the entire table to give the paint a "dirty" appearance. Let the glaze dry.

• 14

  Apply varnish to the table to seal the finish.