Do you have a difficult time trying to figure out how to distress wood? It can be a very challenging skill for the novice woodworker. Shabby chic is an exciting new trend in home decorating, but it can be complicated to master. If you want to bring shabby chic home decor into your home, you have to learn the tricks of the trade. We are going to take a look at some simple tips that can help you achieve this beautiful decor. Let’s get started.
One of the easiest ways to create distressed wood color is to paint the wood with a very light color. This gives the wood a very light tone and will contrast sharply against the darker color that is distressed. For shabby chic cabinets and furniture, you want to choose dark wood colors, such as mahogany or dark walnut, and keep light colors, such as pale cherry or bamboo, to a minimum. This contrast is essential if you want to create a shabby chic style.
If you are dealing with cabinets, choose light toned cabinets. Do not opt for bright bold colors, such as red or orange. Instead, choose a few different colors that compliment each other. For shabby chic furniture, choose a color that ties the whole thing together. You could choose a medium toned wood color and then choose one or two contrasting bright colors to really make a dramatic statement. Of course you may also choose a dark wood color for the cabinets, and a lighter wood color for the headboards and the doors.
In addition to the color, you also have to consider the texture. If you are working with a very large piece of furniture, you will want to soften it up a bit. A great way to do this is to sand it down. Even if you aren’t doing shabby chic furniture, sanding down large pieces is an option. This can be done before or after you finish working on the piece.
How do you distress wood? Sanding down wood items, or working on them using chemicals, poses some risks. Make sure you do your homework before choosing chemicals or sanding equipment, and you should be able to find the answers to the question, “How do you distress wood?”
The second question you may have is, “What do you need to start? How do you get the wood?” Most importantly, you’ll need an orbital sander. This is a power tool that sands down the wood to a fine dust, removing the rough spots from the wood. It can also smooth the wood, making it more polished. You’ll want to rent or purchase sanding equipment if you don’t already have it.
When using an orbital sander, always start at the bottom, sanding slowly as you go. When you’re done, use a finishing substance to seal the sanding marks and coat the wood with polyurethane. Polyurethane will protect the wood from the elements and prevent cracking. When finishing, be careful to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is usually recommended that you let it cure for at least four months before applying the coating to your wood. Once fully cured, you’ll be able to apply the stains to your wood in a couple of hours.
For those who are building their first furniture piece, and have little experience with woodworking, it can be difficult to know how do you distress wood? That’s why it’s best to buy quality unfinished wood furniture. Unfinished furniture is finished with oils that give it a smooth, uniform look. It won’t have that worn or cracked appearance that unfinished wood has when it has been exposed to the elements over time. Buying good unfinished furniture from a well-known company like IKEA is your best option for how do you distress wood?