How to Distress Wood
Distressing wood is the process of making new or slightly new wood look older. It’s a great look if you like your wood furniture has been around for a long, long time. Make your wood get that antiquated look using these steps.
Tools
Chisel
100-grit sandpaper
Hammer
Nails
Other objects that can cause wood distress
Wood stains or acrylic paint
Damp cloth
Acrylic finish
Protective gear
Procedure
Start making distress marks. Distress marks are supposed to simulate what would should look like after years of being weathered down by various elements. To make distress marks, you need to use a variety of tools. You can use hammers and chains to make dents and warps, while nails can be used to create small holes in the wood. You can use a chisel to create irregularities on the wood’s surface. Other things hard enough to cause dents on wood can be used to create different textures and indentations. Make sure that you use protective gear when making distress marks.
You can use the chains to beat on the wood for warped dents, but make sure you are wearing protective goggles for your eyes.
Use the sandpaper all over the distressed markings to make it look like part of an organic whole.
Thoroughly clean the wood after you’re done distressing it with a damp cloth. Let the wood dry thoroughly.
Use a damp cloth to apply acrylic paint all throughout the wood item, applying by sections.
Use another damp cloth to remove some of the acrylic paint in the distressed areas of the wood. The removal will cause the distressed areas to be highlighted. You can also put the acrylic paint on some areas more heavily than others. It’s all up to you and what you think looks good.
Once you’re done painting, let the paint dry thoroughly.
Apply a protective acrylic finish to protect your wood item. You now have yourself wood that looks like an antique.