How do I paint my furniture distressed Americana?

Question

I have a small chest of drawers that I want to paint to look distressed and worn in a darker blue color (to go with some old wood star shaped knobs). I can only find instructions for crackle or to distress white (not really what I'm wanting). Any suggestions on how to do this and what kind of paint to use? Thanks!

Answer 1

I would possibly paint the chest with a heavy primer (Kilz is good) I wouldn't put to much effort in it to make it perfect just paint it roughly. Then I would go over it with the blue that you want and once that is dry go over the edges with light sand paper. You could even go a step further by putting dents into the chest with a small hammer before you paint the primer on it and/or get a dark stain and *very lightly* rub over the blue to give it an 'old' or 'dirty' look. If you don't like the idea of the white showing through you could always pick a different color. Have fun and good luck!!
*If you choose to use colors underneath your main color I would use a flat paint or a colored primer. Then your top coat I wouldn't do anything shinier than a semi-gloss*

Answer 2

Put a coat of blue paint first. Then add 2-3 coats of black and sand

Answer 3

If you are near are crafts store, like Michael's, they will sell you what you need and tell you how to do it. Professionals.