What's the best way to distress an outdoor table?
by
Liz Shelley
+4
I'm building a trestle table I found plans for on Pinterest. Instead of just painting or staining, I'd like an old world look. Think al fresco via Tuscany!
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Liz, you could beat it up with all sorts of objects and then put a gray type stain on? Or what about a stain and then whitewash over it? That's a very Tuscan look.
Many have used vinegar and steel wool
This is the FUN part of doing furniture! Gather together a small boxful to hard objects lie, pliers, screw driver, hammer, various sized blocks of wood; place the table where the objects won't damage or break anything else...sit a short distance away from the table & throw the objects at the table top, legs & under skirting {SERIOUSLY!!! I'm NOT JOKING} until you get the 'damaged look' you desire. THEN take the edge of the handle of the hammer & run it along the edges [in various places] of the table to soften the corner like edges. Apply a stain you desire, let it dry then sand all the surfaces to take off an edges that might cause slivers; THEN apply a 2nd coat of stain, let it dry & apply a seal or tung oil [as directed on the can]. I used to work in a wood shop & when we got requests for 'antiqued/distressed furniture' that's what we did!
Be sure you send a picture in when ou're finished, Liz. I'd love to see it!
Have fun...but watch out for flying debris !!! LOL