How to Paint Cabinets to Look Weathered

Choose a suitable environment for the project---either outside, if the weather is fine, or in a well-ventilated room. Remove the cabinet from the wall, if it is affixed. Protect the surrounding area. Remove any old paint by sanding, if possible, although you may need to use an appropriate paint stripper. Remove all hardware from the front of the cabinet. Put any knobs, handles or screws carefully to one side, taking care not to misplace them.

Sand the cabinet, going in the same direction as the grain of the wood, and using a fine to medium sandpaper. Clean the wood with a painter's tack cloth. It is easier to work on a smooth and clean surface. Apply a primer to the wood, and allow it to dry completely. Lightly sand again. Apply the crackling medium to the areas you want to look distressed. Allow this to dry, but not completely, so that it remains tacky. Paint the cabinet with your color of choice. The paint should begin to crack soon, creating a distressed look.

Add other signs of distress to the piece of furniture. Take care not to overdo it and ruin the wood. Use a sanding block on the parts of the cabinet that are prominent, or that have sharp edges. You could also use a wire brush. Apply a coat of sealant. Reattach any metal fittings, and return the cabinets to their location.