How to Make a White IKEA Table Look Distressed & Antique by Painting

Place your white IKEA table outdoors to provide yourself with a well-ventilated area for distressing the item. Place it upright with the top surface exposed. Sand the surface and sides of the table with a hand-sized square of coarse grain sandpaper. Do this gently, to slightly buff away the white paint of the table. This begins your distressed look.

Squeeze a quarter sized amount of white paint from a craft crackle paint kit onto a sponge. These kits come in a variety of colors and brands; find them in craft and hobby supply shops.

Apply the paint-soaked sponge to the surface of the table, buffing in circular motions. Do this until a fine layer of white, streaky paint is covering the table's top and legs. Wait 30 minutes for this layer to dry.

Squeeze a quarter-sized amount of clear crackling solution onto the sponge from the kit. Apply this in the same manner as you applied the white paint. Let it dry for 24 hours. During this time, the topcoat of the paint will give the appearance of cracked paint over the surface of your table.

Dip a wide paintbrush into a bucket of glossy varnish. Apply a single, thin coat of the varnish over the entire painted surface of your white IKEA table. Let it dry for 48 hours before placing it back in your home for decor and use.