Wood that looks old has character and adds a touch of shabby chic to a room’s décor. Wood is purposely distressed to give the impression it has been beaten by time adding an element of country, and a feel of something passed down through generations within a family. For someone who has a love of antiques, but is short on funds, taking on a Do It Yourself (DIY) project may be the best solution.
There are many ways to distress a new piece of wood so it looks as if time has beaten history into it. In addition to simply “beating” on a piece of wood furniture for instance, there are finishes a person can apply to get an old distressed look. In addition to different household items that can be used, there are different finishes that can be applied to wood pieces. Here a person will learn some affects different items and techniques, such as a crackle finish or faux finish have on wood.
Distressing Tools
· 2"-by-6"-by-15" Wood Board
· Nails (Varying Sizes)
· Screws (Varying Sizes)
· Hammer
· Screw Driver
· Sandpaper (Fine Grain and Rough Grain)
· Wire Brush
· Steel Wool
· Chain
· Crackle Kit
· Patina Solution
· Acrylic Craft Paint
· Clear Spray Acrylic Sealer
· Lint Free Cloth
Distressing Wood
Step 1
Leaving enough room to grasp the wood at one end, insert the nails into the wood board being sure each is at a different depth so the marks will differ as the wood piece is distressed. Follow this same process for the screws. Be sure to use different sizes and styles of both nails and screws.
Step 2
Using a hammer and holding the wood piece in one hand gently strike the furniture, but use enough force to scratch and gouge the surface leaving a mark in the wood. If desired, take a chip, chunk, or slivers out of the wood.
Step 3
Using a chain, repeat this process. Be sure to use enough force to cause scratching and gouging marks to the surface of the wood. Using a chain will created indentations and nick the wood making it look worn. This technique works on any type of wood, but the amount of force will need to be adjusted depending on the hardness or softness of the wood.
Step 4
Use a hard file or sandpaper to round off the corners and edges of the wood piece.
How to Apply a Distressing Technique
Giving Furniture the Distressed Look
Steps for Distressing Furniture
Faux Finishing & Crackling Finished Wood
Applying a faux finish or crackle finish to a piece of wood will make it look distressed and antique. Faux finishing is the art of making something appear something it is not; in this instance, old and antique.
How to Give Furniture a Faux Finish
Crackling is a process of a multiple step process of painting which results in the surfaced having a cracked painted; at the same time this reveals a color underneath that contrasts the color being applied. Crackling kits are available at local craft supply or home improvement stores. The manufacturer’s instructions will provide directions for the crackling application.
