How to Distress an End Table

The art of distressing furniture is a process in which you remove portions of the finish to give the wood an aged appearance. This is a way to simulate age on a new table and make it look like it has been weathered through the years. Any piece of furniture can look like an antique with a few simple techniques, using items you may already have at home. With a little time and some imagination, you can create an interesting finish on your end table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose a well ventilated work area to paint your end table. Place the drop cloth on the floor, underneath the table you want to paint. Inspect the table to make sure it is clean and free of dust and debris. Wipe any dust away with a clean, damp rag to prepare the table for painting.

2

Apply the flat paint in the color of your choice to the end table. Choose a color that you want to be noticeable, as this will be the paint that will show through the top coat once you have distressed it. Apply the paint in the direction of the wood grain with a 2-inch paint brush. Let the new coat of paint dry for at least 24 hours.

3

Apply the paste wax to the end table once the flat paint is completely dry. Using a clean rag, wipe a thin layer of the past wax evenly across the table on all areas that you plan to distress, including the legs if you desire. Wipe away any excess paste wax with a rag. Let the wax dry for at least one hour before continuing to the next step.

4

Apply the wood glaze with a clean 2-inch paint brush across the surface of the end table and down the legs. Brush the wood glaze in the direction of the wood grain, in the same manner you applied the flat paint. Allow the wood glaze to dry completely before continuing to the next step, this should take approximately 24 hours.

5

Sand the top of the end table in various places to remove the top layer of wood glaze. This will allow your flat paint color to peek through the sanded areas. Sand lightly and evenly with fine grit sandpaper at first, then sand with coarse sandpaper in areas that would typically show more wear and tear through the years. Remove more paint on corners, and gently sand down the legs as well. Continue until you have the distressed look you want.