Distressing is a great way to add an aged, rustic farmhouse look to your piece. You can do a 2-color distress by painting a base coat, let dry, then paint a second coat. After the 2nd coat is dry, lightly rub the edges with sandpaper (220 grit is our favorite) to reveal the first color. Another distressing option is to paint one color and distress with sandpaper to reveal the natural color underneath (remember that whatever color your piece is originally is what will come through when distressing with one color). Jolie Matte Finish Paint or chalk type paint works best for this!
To learn more, watch our video on how to do a distressed technique.
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Paint your piece in a chalk-type paint, just like Jolie Matte Finish Paint, and let it dry. Next, paint another color over first color and let dry. You can also apply only one color right to the raw wood, or previously finished surface and let dry.
- Once your piece is completely dry, use 220-grit sandpaper and lightly begin to sand. When you are sanding you want to go in long strides across your piece, adjusting your pressure as needed. The long strides will give you a more natural look.
- Once you've distressed to your liking, take a damp shop towel, rag or a tack cloth and remove the dust.
- When you're complete seal with wax.
