Creating A Distressed Look On Your Dining Table

Giving your dining room table a distressed look is a great way to change up your space without breaking the bank. A distressed paint finish is all the rage these days, but a large piece of distressed furniture can be expensive. You can achieve the same look yourself with a few simple tools and some sandpaper. The process is simple: first, you'll need to sand down your table to remove any existing paint or gloss and create a surface for the new paint to adhere to. Next, apply a coat of paint in the colour of your choice, followed by a layer of white paint or whitewash. Once dry, use sandpaper to lightly sand the edges and legs of the table until you achieve the desired distressed look. You can also use a belt sander or an orbital sander for a more heavily distressed finish. Finally, seal the table with a coat of acrylic sealer or wax to protect your new finish.

Sanding the table

To achieve a distressed look, it is important to sand the table. This can be done with sandpaper or a belt sander. If opting for sandpaper, use a 60-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the edges and anywhere there are raised edges. If there is an existing coat of paint that you wish to distress, use a belt sander to remove quite a bit of the paint. Remember to always go with the grain when using a belt sander.

If you are looking to remove any gloss from the table and create a surface that paint can adhere to, sand down the entire table. To do this, place protective paper under each of the legs to protect the rest of your space. You can also use sandpaper to distress the table after painting. For a more natural distressed look, sand along the edges that would naturally get brushed against the most.

After sanding, use a tack cloth to remove any excess wood dust. Ensure you remove all the dust so that it does not interfere with the rest of the process. Once you are satisfied, seal the table with a coat of acrylic sealer, such as Polycrylic. Follow the directions on the product you are using and allow the sealer to dry completely.

Using a primer

To achieve a distressed look when painting a dining room table, using a primer is essential. It serves as the foundation for the paint to adhere to and ensures a smooth and uniform finish. Here's a step-by-step guide on using a primer for your project:

Choose the Right Primer

Select a primer that is suitable for the surface of your dining room table. Since you are working with wood, a latex primer is an excellent choice. It adheres well to wood surfaces and provides a durable base for your paint. Latex primers are widely available at any home improvement store.

Prepare the Surface

Before applying the primer, ensure that the surface of your dining room table is clean and free of any dirt, grease, or debris. If there are any existing finishes or coatings on the table, they must be removed. You can use a mild solvent to wipe down the surface, ensuring it is clean and ready for the primer.

Apply the Primer

Follow the directions on your chosen primer for dilution and application instructions. Typically, you will use a paintbrush or roller to apply the primer. Start by painting a thin, even coat onto the table's surface, ensuring you follow the direction of the wood grain. Pay attention to the edges and legs of the table, as these areas can be tricky. It is important to allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before moving on to the next step.

Lightly Sand the Primer (Optional)

Once the primer is dry, you can optionally use a fine-grit sandpaper (around 150-grit) to lightly sand the surface. This step helps create a smoother base for your paint and can slightly distress the primer coat, adding to the overall distressed look. Remember to sand in the direction of the wood grain and only apply light pressure.

Apply a Second Coat of Primer (if needed)

Depending on the coverage and smoothness of the first coat, you may decide to apply a second coat of primer. This step is especially important if you want a more opaque or even finish. Again, follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time before proceeding.

Prepare for Painting

With the primer coats applied and dried, your dining room table is now ready for the paint application. Refer to your chosen paint manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines on paint application and distressing techniques. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and use drop cloths or protective paper to catch any paint drips or spills.

Painting with a dry brush

Before you start, you may want to sand the table lightly with sandpaper or a brass-bristle scrub brush. This will give the paint something to grip onto and create a more textured look. If you want to avoid splinters, just sand the edges, as sanding the entire surface may make it too soft.

Now, you can start painting. Dip the edges of a dry brush into your paint, ensuring you don't overload the brush with too much paint. Then, lightly drag the brush across the tabletop in the same direction, following the grain of the wood. Focus on the edges and legs, and remember to re-dip and blot the brush several times. If you paint too much of one colour, simply add a layer of another colour with a dry brush to even it out.

Continue layering until you achieve the desired coverage and finish. Remember, there's no need for perfection with this technique. Once you're happy, let the paint dry for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably, leave it overnight.

Finally, when the paint is completely dry, you can sand your table again to enhance the distressed look. Use a piece of 60-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the edges and any raised surfaces. Then, remove any excess wood dust with a tack cloth and seal the entire piece with a coat of acrylic sealer, such as Polycrylic.

Applying wax

Choose the Right Wax

Select a wax product that is specifically designed for chalk painting or distressing furniture. Clear wax is a popular choice, as it allows the colour and texture of your paint to shine through. You can also opt for a dark wax if you want to enhance the antique appearance of your table.

Prepare the Wax

Follow the instructions on your chosen wax product. Typically, you will need to stir the wax thoroughly before use to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed. This is important, as some waxes tend to separate over time.

Apply the First Coat

Using a clean cloth, brush, or sponge, apply a thin and even coat of wax to the entire table surface, including the legs and any decorative elements. Work in small sections to ensure that you don't miss any spots. Allow the wax to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions, which may range from a few hours to a full day.

Sanding and Additional Coats

Once the first coat of wax is dry, you can assess the level of distressing. If you feel that more paint needs to be removed, use a fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand specific areas. Remember always to sand in the direction of the wood grain. After sanding, wipe away any dust with a tack cloth. You can now apply additional coats of wax, following the same process as the first coat. Two to three coats of wax are usually sufficient to protect your table.

Buffing

After the final coat of wax has dried, you may optionally want to buff the surface to create a smooth and slightly shiny finish. Use a soft cloth to gently buff the table, applying light pressure and circular motions.

By following these steps for applying wax, you will not only protect your distressed paint job but also add to the rustic and antiquated charm of your dining room table.

Sealing the paint

Prepare the Surface

Before sealing, it's essential to prepare the table surface. Ensure that the paint is completely dry. If you've used sandpaper to distress the table, wipe down the surface to remove any dust or debris. It's crucial to start with a clean and smooth surface before applying the sealer.

Choose the Right Sealer

Selecting an appropriate sealer is vital. For most paint types, an acrylic sealer like Polycrylic is an excellent choice. It provides a durable and protective finish. Alternatively, if you've used chalk paint, consider a clear chalk paint wax. This type of sealer will not only protect your paint job but also enhance the matte finish characteristic of chalk paint.

Apply the Sealer

Follow the directions on your chosen sealer's packaging. Typically, you'll use a brush or a cloth to apply the sealer evenly across the table's surface. Work in thin layers, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Two to three coats are usually sufficient, but follow the specific instructions on your sealer.

Sanding Between Coats (Optional)

Depending on the desired finish, you may opt to lightly sand the table between coats of sealer. This can help create a smoother finish and remove any imperfections. Use a fine-grit sandpaper and lightly sand in the direction of the wood grain. Remove any dust with a tack cloth before applying the next coat of sealer.

Drying and Curing

Once you've applied the final coat of sealer, allow it to dry thoroughly. Refer to the sealer's instructions for the recommended drying time. After it's dry to the touch, let it cure for a few days before using the table. This curing period ensures that the sealer fully hardens, providing maximum protection for your distressed paint finish.

Your dining room table with a distressed look is now ready to use and enjoy! Remember that sealing protects your paint job and makes it more durable, so it's an essential step in the process of refinishing your table.

Frequently asked questions