Creating A Distressed Look On Antique Dressers

Giving antique dressers a distressed look is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can add character and style to your decor. The process is relatively simple and involves painting and sanding techniques to create a beautifully aged finish. This can be achieved by selecting the right tools and materials, such as latex paint, wood stain, sandpaper, and wax, and following a step-by-step process to achieve the desired distressed effect. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can transform an old dresser into a unique and charming piece of furniture.

Prepping the dresser: lay a drop cloth, remove hardware, and strip/sand the finish

Prepping your work area and the dresser itself is a crucial step in achieving a professional-looking paint job. Here is a step-by-step guide to prepping a dresser for painting:

Lay a drop cloth:

Start by laying out a drop cloth to protect your floors and surrounding surfaces from paint drips and spills. A drop cloth is essential, especially when working with messy painting materials. It will also provide a smooth surface for your paint tray.

Remove hardware:

Next, remove all the hardware from the dresser, such as knobs, pulls, and decorative pieces. Carefully unscrew and store these pieces in a safe place. Removing the hardware will ensure an even paint job and prevent paint from getting into unwanted areas.

Empty the drawers:

Before proceeding, it is advisable to empty the contents of the drawers. Working on a dresser without the weight of its contents will be much easier and more convenient.

Clean the dresser:

Wipe down the dresser with a damp, lint-free cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. This step is crucial, as dust can compromise the finish if it gets stuck in the paint. For tougher stains, use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Allow the dresser to dry completely before proceeding.

Strip or sand the finish:

If your dresser has paint or finish on it, you have the option to either strip the finish or sand it down. If you choose to strip the finish, follow the directions for your chosen product, ensuring you don't go down to the bare wood. Alternatively, you can sand the dresser with medium-grit sandpaper (150-grit) to smooth out any rough edges and create a surface to which paint can easily adhere. Sanding can be especially useful if you want to create grooves in the furniture for better paint adhesion.

After completing these steps, your antique dresser will be ready for painting!

Painting techniques: use a base coat, top coat, and wax for an authentic look

Painting techniques are an essential part of achieving an authentic distressed look on antique dressers. Here's a step-by-step guide to using a base coat, top coat, and wax for a professional finish:

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Before painting, ensure the dresser is thoroughly cleaned and prepared. Remove any hardware, such as knobs or handles, and take out the drawers. If the dresser has an existing finish or paint, strip or sand it down to the bare wood. This step ensures a smooth and even surface for your new paint. Once sanded, wipe down the dresser with a cloth to remove any dust or dirt.

Step 2: Apply the Base Coat

Select a base coat colour that complements your desired top coat. It is recommended to use a brighter colour for the base coat so that it subtly shows through the top coat, adding depth and interest. Paint the entire dresser with the base coat, ensuring even coverage. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Distressing and Waxing

To create a distressed look, lightly sand areas that would naturally experience wear and tear, such as edges, corners, and surfaces that would be frequently touched. Start with light sanding and gradually increase the intensity until you achieve the desired level of distressing. Remember, you can always sand more but can't easily add paint back, so it's best to start conservatively.

After sanding, apply a thin coat of wax to the entire piece. Candle wax or specialised furniture wax can be used. The wax will protect the finish and add a subtle sheen. If you're aiming for a darker, more antiqued look, consider using a dark wax. Buff the wax with a lint-free cloth until it is no longer sticky.

Step 4: Apply the Top Coat

Choose a colour for your top coat that contrasts with the base coat. Paint over the waxed surface with the top coat, ensuring complete coverage. Allow the top coat to dry thoroughly.

Step 5: Final Distressing

Once the top coat is dry, use sandpaper or steel wool to distress the piece further. Focus on the areas you want to appear more worn, such as edges and corners. Sand until the base coat begins to show through, creating a pleasing distressed effect.

Optional Step: Staining

If you wish to add a stained effect, apply wood stain to the desired areas using a paintbrush. Follow the instructions on your chosen stain for the best results. Allow the stain to dry completely before handling the dresser.

By following these painting techniques and utilising a base coat, top coat, and wax, you can achieve an authentic and charming distressed look on your antique dresser.

Distressing methods: sandpaper, steel wool, or a sanding block can create a distressed effect

Sandpaper, steel wool, and sanding blocks are all tools that can be used to create a distressed effect on antique dressers.

When using sandpaper, it is recommended to use medium-grade sandpaper to distress the surface to your liking. You can sand until you achieve the desired distressed effect, repeating the process of waxing, painting, and sanding for a third colour if desired. It is important to wipe the dresser with a tack cloth after sanding to remove any dust or residue.

Steel wool can be used in a similar manner to sandpaper, by rubbing it over areas that have been waxed. The steel wool will help remove the wax and create a distressed appearance without harming the rest of the paint.

Sanding blocks and hand sanders offer more precision and control over the distressing process, allowing you to determine exactly where the wear and tear will be visible. This method is ideal for creating a distressed look around edges and handles, where antique pieces often show the most wear. Remember to use a light touch when removing paint with a sanding block, as it is difficult to restore paint once it has been removed.

Two-tone effect: apply jelly to create areas where the base coat shows through

To achieve a distressed, two-tone effect on antique dressers, you can use the jelly application technique. This method involves applying jelly to specific areas of the dresser where you want the base coat to be visible underneath the top coat.

First, select a piece of furniture that is either painted or unfinished. If your dresser has an existing finish, such as paint or varnish, thoroughly sand all surfaces to create a smooth base. If your dresser is unfinished, simply sand and prime the surface.

Next, choose two complementary colours for your base coat and top coat. Apply the base coat colour to the entire piece of furniture, including the sides and back, and allow it to dry completely.

Once the base coat is dry, it's time to apply the jelly. Spread the jelly generously on the areas where you want the base coat to show through. Be strategic in your placement, considering the natural wear and tear patterns of the dresser. Allow the jelly sufficient time to set and dry.

Now, you can apply the top coat colour. Paint over both the base coat and the jellied areas with the contrasting top coat colour. Again, ensure that the top coat is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Finally, lightly sand the areas where you applied the jelly. The top coat will not adhere to the jelly, creating a two-tone distressed effect. Sand with a light touch until you achieve the desired level of distressing.

With this technique, you can easily create a unique, aged appearance on your antique dresser, blending the base coat and top coat colours to add character and charm to your furniture.

Finishing touches: seal the dresser with polyurethane for protection

Sealing your antique dresser with polyurethane is an important step to protect your paint finish. Polyurethane is a sealer that will protect and preserve the finish of your dresser. It is a common worry that painted furniture will be durable, and sealing with polyurethane will help to protect your work.

There are two types of polyurethane: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based polyurethane imparts an amber glow that many people find pleasing, while water-based polyurethane will not cause yellowing. Water-based polyurethane is also a good option for outdoor furniture. You can test if your polyurethane is truly water-resistant by leaving a glass of ice water on a test surface for a few hours or overnight. If a water ring appears, the surface is not sealed.

Before applying polyurethane, take care to properly sand the surface you are sealing. You should also remove all dust and debris with a tack cloth. Stir, do not shake, the can of polyurethane, as shaking creates air bubbles that will leave bumps on the surface. If you notice that the polyurethane is too thick, thin it out with mineral spirits.

Using a bristle brush, apply the first coat of polyurethane in long, broad strokes. Keep the application thin, so it goes on evenly. Coat the entire surface and then wait for it to dry. Allow 24 hours for oil-based polyurethane and 4 to 6 hours for water-based polyurethane. You can then test to see if the first coat is dry by lightly sanding an inconspicuous area. Once the second coat has dried, sand or shave off any imperfections. With many oil-based polyurethanes, two coats will be enough, but you can apply a third coat if necessary.

Frequently asked questions