How to Give Drawers an Antique Look

Apply a coat of stain or paint to the face of the drawers. Choose a color for your finished product, but remember that the finished color will not be as intense after you've finished distressing the drawers. Allow the paint to fully dry.

Apply a second color of paint or stain over the top of the base coat. Dip your paintbrush into the second color and apply a few strokes to a cloth or piece of newspaper so your brush is nearly dry. Brush directly onto the drawers so the paint streaks onto the base coat.

Rub a thin coat of paste wax over the surface of the drawers with a rag. Do not apply the wax to the entire surface; simply focus on the areas that would be naturally distressed over time, like corners, edges and any elaborate woodwork. Allow the wax to dry for an hour.

Brush a coat of wood glaze in the color of your choice over the wax. Keep in mind that this color will be the most prominent color when you're finished. Allow the glaze to dry overnight before proceeding.

Sand down the areas of the drawers that would naturally stress over time, which will remove some of the top layer of glaze. Do not sand too vigorously; just rub the paint down enough to make it look like the drawers were used over a long time. Sporadically mark the face of the drawers with a pencil to give the appearance of nicks and scratches. Finish the drawers, rubbing gently with steel wool to slightly scratch the surface.