Vintage Entryway Furniture: Distressing a Wood Table

Apr 9, 2014 by adminway

Distressing a wood table gives the look and patina of a vintage piece without having to wait for years and spending too much for an actual antique piece. Dings and nicks, chipped finishes, and layers of color are what will make people think that your table has been handed down for generations. You can add all that character and create a piece of vintage entryway furniture all in an afternoon.

1. Sand the table with medium-grit sandpaper to remove any glossy finish. Thoroughly rub along the edges to soften if desired. Wipe with damp rag to remove dust. You can do this step by hand or with an electric sander.

2. Distress the table legs and top. Make marks on the wood with metal objects to simulate nicks and cuffs that would usually happen overtime. Use a hammer to tap a nail or awl to make pits. A nail set will make small circles. Directly hit the table with the hammer head or claw. Thread a ring of keys into a string and swing it to strike the table and create random marks. Use a utility knife or file to shave the edges of the table top and legs here and there. rub areas with a steel wool or wire brush. Try to work without making obvious patterns and focus on areas that would naturally show wear on an old table.

3. Wear disposable gloves and dip a rag in watered down latex paint or undiluted dark wood stain. Rub the rag all over the surface of the table and legs. Work color into the markings and along all edges especially where any raw wood was exposed during the distressing process. Wipe off any excess with clean rag.

4. If desired, seal the table with polyurethane applied with a brush after the paint or stain has dried. Unless you want to go on distressing the table with normal use, the polyurethane will protect the table top from scratches and water marks. More than a single coat can be applied for stronger protection.

You can do the steps above, or just live with your wood table. After all, wood tables already look great and make an impact on their own. Below are some great examples.

• Round Drawer Side Table by All Things Cedar. Made with Birch veneer, this small foyer table features a Cherry finish with solid wood legs. This piece of wooden furniture is designed to delight in functionality and value.

• Merge Foyer Table in Espresso Finish by Ave-Six. Add a touch of contemporary with this foyer table. It features wood veneers over composite wood top and sturdy wood legs. It comes in a gorgeous Espresso finish.

Sascha Console Table by Uttermost. Beautifully finished in English burl walnut, this table comes  with dark distressing on the turned legs, curved apron, and sculpted edges. This updated style features a forged metal stretcher and gold accent band.