How to Distress a Coffee Table
Distressing a coffee table can add a unique and rustic look to your furniture. This technique of aging or weathered look is quite simple and doesn’t require many labor-intensive tasks or tools.
Supplies you will need:
- Sandpaper
- Paint
- Wood Stain
- Gloves
Step 1: Preparing the coffee table for distressing
Before starting the process of distressing your coffee table, you need to prepare the surface. Use 150-grit sandpaper to sand down the entire surface of the coffee table. This will remove the existing finish. You can also use a sander or power sander, but sanding by hand will provide the most control.
Step 2: Paint the coffee table
Once the surface is sanded and prepared, you can begin painting. Choose either a latex or oil-based paint and be sure to stir and apply evenly. The color you choose will depend on the desired look for your table.
Step 3: Add wood stain
Once your paint is dried, use a brush, rag, or sponge to cover the coffee table in a thin layer of wood stain. Choose a shade lighter than the paint of your coffee table. Wipe off any excess stain, but leave some of it in places you wish to distress.
Step 4: Sand and distress
The final step is to sand the paint and wood stain a bit to reveal the bare wood underneath. Apply a more aggressive sandpaper to distress the painted areas and edges. To distress the wood stain, use a fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool to remove the stain while leaving the paint intact.
Final Tips
- Always wear gloves when handling stains and paints.
- Sand the table in linear motions instead of circular motions to avoid creating unwanted swirls or grooves.
- Be sure the surface of your table is sanded and clean before applying paint and wood stain.
- Have patience and take your time to achieve the best results.
Distressing a coffee table is a fun and creative way to make furniture look unique and rustic. With a few simple tools and supplies, you can easily transform your coffee table and achieve the desired look.
