Lena Rivera
There are many ways to distress wood when painting with Behr paint. One of the simplest methods is to use sandpaper to distress the finish. This can be done by hand or with a hand sander, and it works on both painted and unpainted wood. Another technique is to apply a white wash or colour wash (paint diluted with water) over stained wood, or to dry brush paint over it. You can also create a distressed look by applying dark paint over lighter paint, revealing the darker layer underneath. This technique can be used to create a farmhouse finish. For a more natural weathered look, black paint can be used to distress the wood.
How to distress wood when painting with Behr paint
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Behr paint offers interior and exterior options, primers, and specialty coatings. |
| Paint cost | Behr paint typically costs between $25 and $50 for 1-gallon containers, with specialty coatings from $30 to $65. |
| Paint coverage | Each gallon of Behr paint covers approximately 250 to 400 square feet, depending on the application method and surface. |
| Paint tools | High-quality rollers or brushes enhance coverage and finish. |
| Paint techniques | Wet distressing, dry brushing, layering, and sanding are popular techniques for distressing painted wood. |
| Paint colors | Behr paint offers a range of colors, including whites, grays, and blues, which can be layered to create a distressed look. |
| Paint preparation | Before distressing, ensure the wood is thoroughly prepped, cleaned, and sanded. |
| Paint sealing | After distressing, use a water-based sealer to protect the finish. |
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What You'll Learn
Use chalk paint
Using chalk paint is a simple and effective way to distress wood. It can adhere to practically any surface, from varnish to bare wood, laminate, plastic, metal, and glass. This means you can skip the tedious process of stripping, sanding, and priming your wood.
Firstly, if you want to do two-color distressing with chalk paint, you need to paint or stain the first coat and let it dry. Then, apply a second or third coat of chalk paint. You can stop here if you're going for a more aged, distressed look. However, if you want more coverage, a second or third coat will make a significant difference.
After applying your coats of chalk paint, you can distress the finish with sandpaper. Hand sanding with a 120-grit sandpaper block will give you better control over the final look and prevent removing too much paint at once. Concentrate on the edges and corners, or any areas that will naturally experience wear and tear, for a more authentic distressed effect.
If you're using Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint®, consider applying a layer of wax before distressing, as the paint can produce a lot of dust when sanding. Use a damp rag for distressing if you want more control over the final look.
Finally, wipe away any sanding dust and apply a final coat of clear chalk paint wax to seal and protect your distressed wood.
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Apply a white wash
To apply a whitewash to wood, you can use a few different methods, depending on the look you want to achieve.
Firstly, you should prepare the wood by sanding it down to expose the grain. You can use a hand sander or an electric sander, such as a SurfPrep sander, which attaches to a vacuum to reduce dust. If you are working on a table or a piece of furniture, it is a good idea to take it apart if possible, to make it easier to work on.
Once you have sanded the wood, you can apply a base coat of paint or stain. You can use a grey gel stain, such as Dixie Belle's Voodoo Gel Stain in Up in Smoke, or a grey paint. You can also use a white wash pickling stain, or mix your own by combining white paint and water. If you are using a water-based whitewash, you may want to prime the wood first with a clear primer to prevent tannins from bleeding through.
After applying your base coat, you can then apply the whitewash. Simply apply it and let it dry; there is no need to wipe it, as this can cause streaks.
Finally, you can seal the wood with a water-based sealer to protect your work.
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Sand the paint
Sanding is an important step in the process of distressing wood with paint. It helps to create a worn and weathered look, adding to the distressed appearance. Here is a detailed guide on how to sand the paint when distressing wood:
Firstly, it is crucial to select the appropriate sandpaper grit for the job. The grit size will influence the smoothness of the finish. A lower grit, such as 80 to 120, is ideal for initial sanding to remove any existing finish or paint. However, for distressing, a finer grit is often preferred. A 150 or 220 grit sandpaper is commonly used to achieve a smoother finish without leaving noticeable sanding marks. Finer grits, such as 240, can be used for an even smoother result, although stopping at 150 grit is usually sufficient.
When distressing wood with paint, it is recommended to use a hand sander for better control and precision. Power sanders can be too aggressive and may remove too much material. Hand sanding allows you to focus on specific areas, such as edges and corners, to create a natural-looking distressed effect. Fold the sandpaper or sanding block to conform to the shape of the piece when sanding corners and edges, applying only light pressure to avoid over-sanding.
Before sanding, ensure the wood is properly prepared. This includes cleaning the surface to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. It is also essential to wear the appropriate protective gear, such as a dust mask, to avoid inhaling dust particles. If the wood has been previously painted, it is crucial to determine if it has been painted with lead-based paint and take the necessary precautions to safely remove and dispose of the paint.
Once the wood is prepared, start sanding in the direction of the wood grain. The goal is to lightly scuff the surface and create slight scratches, providing a "tooth" for the paint to adhere to. Avoid stripping the wood of all coatings and stains, as this is not necessary for distressing. After sanding, use a tack cloth or a slightly damp cloth to remove any dust or debris from the surface.
For a more pronounced distressed effect, you can apply a base coat of paint and allow it to dry before sanding. This will create a two-tone effect as the top coat of paint is sanded away to reveal the colour underneath. You can use a dry brush painting technique to add additional layers of paint, creating a worn and distressed appearance.
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Use the wet paper technique
The wet distressing technique is a simple way to distress wood and achieve a farmhouse finish. This method is perfect if you only want to reveal the finished colour of the wood you have painted, rather than distressing with a sander, which will reveal the raw wood as well.
To start, you will need to prepare your wood by priming it with a high-quality primer. Then, paint the wood with your base colour. You can use any kind of paint, but latex paint is preferred as it is durable, comes in endless colour options, and is easy and cheap to obtain at hardware stores.
Once the first coat of paint is dry, start applying the second coat. Do not let this second coat dry. Instead, grab a lint-free rag, dampen it with water, and rub the painted surface. The paint will start to thin and remove, revealing the colour of the wood underneath. Work in small sections and in spots that would naturally show wear and distress. If the paint dries in an area you want to distress, apply a small amount of paint to reactivate it.
You can also experiment with this technique by placing wax or dipping irregular shapes of paper in water and placing them on the wood before painting. Carefully lift the paper off the surface while the paint is still wet. If you leave it to dry, the paper may stick to the surface, adding some texture.
Finally, seal your wood with a water-based sealer to protect your masterpiece.
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Paint layering
Painting in layers is a simple concept that can add depth, texture, and subtle colour shifts to your work. It can be done with various media, including oil paint, watercolour, encaustic, and acrylic. When layering with oil paints, due to their long drying time, ensure that each subsequent layer is more flexible than the one beneath it. You can start with a base layer of oil paint mixed with a solvent.
When using acrylic paint, you can be playful and loose with the first layers, as they will not always be visible in the final work. You can apply random marks, scribbles, loose washes, or even words without fear. These early layers can set the tone, temperature, or energy of the final work and add depth and history to the painting. You can paint over wet or dry acrylic marks, blend colours, add water or other mediums, and use different tools.
With layering, you do not have to cover the entire surface with each layer. A layer can be a small dab of paint or a thick overlay covering the whole surface. You can wait for each layer to dry before applying the next, or you can paint into wet layers.
When distressing wood with paint, you can use a variety of techniques, including wet distressing, dry brushing, and chalk paint. If you want to distress with two colours, you can paint or stain the first coat and allow it to dry, then add a second or third coat of chalk paint and finish with hand sanding.
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Frequently asked questions
Behr offers a range of paint products suitable for various projects. Their paints include interior and exterior options, primers, and specialty coatings. The best paint to use for distressing wood depends on the specific project and the desired finish. For example, if you want to distress wood with a dark paint underneath, you might choose a dark brown or black paint from Behr's interior line.
In addition to paint, you will need sandpaper, a paintbrush, a cloth, and possibly a primer.
First, prime the wood with a high-quality primer. Then, apply a base coat of paint. This can be done with a paintbrush or a roller, depending on the surface. Once the base coat is dry, you can start the distressing process. There are several techniques you can use, such as sanding, wet distressing, or using chalk paint.
After your base coat is dry, you can start sanding. Use a hand sander or sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of the wood, focusing on areas that would naturally get bumped or scratched. You can also sand between layers of paint if you want to create a more distressed look. Finally, wipe down the wood with a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris.
