Wood Distressing Tools

Sandpaper and Abrasives

• Use sandpaper to rub off bits of finish, stain and paint to create a worn look. If you were applying this technique to a chair, you might target the arms and the seat, since they would naturally be the first to show signs of wear. You can do this by hand for small areas or with a palm sander for larger surfaces. Another abrasive tool is a steel brush. The steel brush will not make scratches as fine as the sandpaper, so you may want to use it sparingly.

Hammers and Mallets

• Antiqued furniture and floors often have indentions in them from being knocked around over time. You can create this effect with a hammer or mallet. Plan ahead of time where you want the indentions and space them in random patterns. You might even use masking tape to mark spots so you can get an idea of what the finished product will look like. Then, simply hit the wood. You might use this technique in a high traffic area of a wood floor.

Cultivators and Markers

• A garden cultivator resembles a small pitchfork and is used to break up the ground for planting. It is also a useful distressing tool. Hit it against your wood floor in a random pattern and it leaves behind holes and splits. On smaller surfaces, such as chair or table legs, use a fine point black marker to create the illusion of cracks and marks.

Paints and Stains

• Use paint and stain to further distress your wood. A simple way to do this is to apply a stain of your choice to any area you have already scuffed up. Then, wipe it off with a rag. The cracks and scratches will pick up the stain and darken. Another technique is to create layers of paint for distressing. Start by painting your piece with a flat paint that goes with your color scheme. Allow it to dry and then wipe a coat of paste wax over it with a rag. After an hour, go over the piece with a coordinating wood glaze and let that coat dry. Then, use sandpaper in whatever areas you choose, causing the flat color to show through the glazed layer.