Distress is one of several fake painting techniques used to create a worn and worn finish. The aged effect on wooden items gives them an antique or “shabby chic” look that is essential in a variety of decorating schemes, from antique chic to casual rustic style. Distress is an effective way to age bedroom, kitchen, and other cabinet doors to produce a less bland, textured look.
Distressing techniques
There are several ways to achieve a worn look on cabinet doors. Perhaps the simplest thing to do is to give a new-looking cabinet door a controlled hammer and chisel slam and scrape, but painting techniques are the preferred way to simulate age.
The basic technique is to create the illusion of age-related wear and texture using two coats of paint. For a more varied effect, more than two colors can be used. Scrape and scar the top layer to make the layer underneath look and feel old. A similar effect can be achieved by painting stripes with a fine brush, but this may require more artistic experience. Applying a top coat and then before it dries, using the drag or comb technique to remove areas of paint can also create a weathered look on wood doors.
Typically the base coat, which will show through, will be a lighter color. The darker finish coat gives the impression of patina, the deep shine that develops over decades or centuries on old wood. You can use shades of the same color (typically shades of brown) but different effects can be achieved with different combinations, such as gray base coat and brown top coat.
Distressing with wax:
One of the most popular methods involves using wax to ensure that the primer coat is exposed. Beeswax is especially suitable, although candles and other waxes can be used. The wax is applied in streaks and / or patches and allowed to dry before applying the second coat. When it dries, the door is sanded. Paint applied on top of wax comes off easily, exposing the undercoat. Depending on how vigorously you sand, it will result in a textured effect with clean ‘wood’ showing through the patinated surface.
Distressing with Crackle Frosting:
Cracked enamel is a special type of paint that must crack and peel as it dries, giving the effect that the varnish peels off over time. The crackle glaze is painted on top of the base coat and the top coat is painted on top of the crackle glaze. You must use latex paint for this technique, as oil paints do not creak properly.
Pickling:
This is a painting technique that involves applying paint to an unpainted wooden cabinet door and then randomly cleaning it before it dries. This technique is an easy way to give the impression of years of wear and tear and is good if you want to leave some wood grain exposed.
Distressing is a relatively simple way to add texture and color to a flat, even surface, enhancing its visual interest.