How to Refinish & Distress Kitchen Cabinets

Remove the doors from the cabinets with a screwdriver and remove any hardware, such as hinges or knobs. Place a drop cloth on the floor to protect the surface from any dripping. Choose a well-ventilated area to work in.

Apply a coat of paint thinner to the entire cabinet. Allow it to sit for as long as directed, usually 20 to 30 minutes. Gently scrape away the layers of paint with the scraper, moving in an up and down motion.

Apply a new coat of darker paint to the surface of the cabinets, such as a dark brown. Allow the coat of paint to dry for at least 12 hours.

Apply a lighter color of paint over the dark brown, such as light blue, white or creamy yellow. Allow it to dry for 12 hours.

Create the distressed look by rubbing areas of the cabinet with sandpaper, so the darker paint begins to show through the lighter paint. Sand around knobs, hinges and other areas, such as corners, that become the most worn. Make sure sanded areas have rounded edges, not jagged ones.

Cover the completed cabinets with a coat of varnish to protect the wood and add sheen. Apply one coat, and allow it to dry before adding a second coat if desired.

Paint the cabinets in your lighter color paint, and allow to dry before re-attaching the doors to the cabinets. Add the knobs last, and purchase antique or country-style knobs from the hardware store to go with your new cabinet style.