how to distress furniture?

Answer 1

Have it delivered , just kidding some of the answers are correct if that is the look you want. Just using paint techniques gives and old look and crackle glaze offers a nice effect. I would not recommend a hammer or a chain try using your keychain lightly and finishing nail or a hole punch for worm holes.

You would get some good ideas on http://www.hgtv.com or free handouts from a home improvement center.

Answer 2

It depends on if you want to paint it or not. If you wish to paint a wooden piece of furniture and then give it the distressed look. Paint with the colour you like and when its dry, use a metal sponge and rub over edges and corners to take away the colour in specific places. This will show the wood from beneath and give it a distressed look. U can do the same affect with 2 colours, one as a base and one over the top and distress with a metal/wire sponge. Oh and dont rub it too much...less is more. Hope that helps!

Answer 3

The [rocess used to be done with a handle with a short piece of chain on it where you had some control over the strikes. Not the kind of chain used for pets as it has sharp ends on it where the links join together, but similar to towing type chains. this was the process used by some furniture manufacturers in the 70's. I had sold pieces done this way in the 70's, when I worked for a company called W.T. Grants.

Answer 4

One applies a finish, then uses a blowtorch (a propane bottle with the controller attached) to stress the wood and give it a special look. Burning it slightly at different degrees gives it the distintive distressed look. Be careful not to burn the wood or char it (possible to do if not careful). One is merely trying to stress the wood and enhance the qualities of dryness and age.
Also try using a hatchet to score and mar the wood to give it a worn, used look. This technique was popular when building with exposed beams to give the effect of age and wear and tear. Another finish can be applied after the "characteristic look" is achieved to retain the patina. Good luck

Answer 5

If you are referring to a process after stripping the finish, I used to use a hunk of 1/4 inch galvanized chain and a wire gauge drill bit (fake worm holes) to give it a distressed look. Hope this helps. :D

Answer 6

If you're going to repaint or refinish it, just go at it with a big hammer or a rubber mallet. If you're not going to repaint or refinish it, best to put a relatively heavy cloth on top of what you're distressing, and then hammer it. good luck!

Answer 7

Whack it with a hammer a few times.

Answer 8

You need to sand it and sand it light in some spots and heavier in others to give it that distresed look.