{TUTORIAL} DIY Distressed Tabletop

Do you like the distressed look (at least on furniture)?   There are many methods for giving furniture a naturally aged appearance and I really enjoy the dry brush technique.  I recently distressed a tabletop and here's how ...

Supplies:

-- Table top
-- Light colored paint
-- Dark colored paint 
-- 2" foam brush
-- 2" paint brush
-- Sanding sponge - fine
-- Paper towels




Tabletop is a 36" unfinished pine round.




36" Pine Round

Typically I make my own chalk paint using Plaster of Paris, but discovered this Waverly Inspirations Chalk Paint in a shade called Plaster and wanted to give it a try. 



Light Colored Paint

Had the trial size container of Valspar Fired Earth paint on hand from previous projects.




Dark Colored Paint

This foam brush was in stock at our Lowe's.




2" Foam Brush

If you don't have disposable brushes on hand, be sure to stock up.  They're inexpensive, save lots of time and effort on cleanup, and can also be reused. 



2" Paint Brush

The last item needed (other than paper towels), is a fine grit sanding sponge.  The sanding sponge, for me, provides more control than a sanding block and it's especially helpful if you're sanding items with curves or detailing - the sponge conforms to the surface.  


Fine Sanding Sponge

To get started, I sanded the pine round with the sanding sponge to eliminate any splinters or rough areas.  The round is pre-sanded so this went quickly.  After sanding, wipe with a slightly damp paper towel.  You could also purchase tack cloths designed for this purpose but paper towels work just as well.

Using the foam brush, apply a coat of light colored chalk paint to the top and sides of the pine round.  Let dry. 

Sand any remaining rough areas after the paint has dried. Again, follow sanding by wiping with a slightly damp paper towel.

Using the bristle brush, dip only the tip of the brush into the dark paint and wipe bristles with a paper towel, leaving very little paint on the brush. 

Lightly stroke the brush across the pine round in the direction of the wood grain.  Repeat randomly across the entire pine round.  Let dry.

And, that's it!   This technique is very similar to the one I used on the wooden EAT sign and if you missed that post, you can find it *HERE*.

A few more pics of the completed tabletop:

Have you distressed furniture or décor?  Which technique did you use and were you pleased with the results? 

Shared with:

The Dedicated House * Oh My Heartsie Girl * Imparting Grace 

 A Stroll Thru Life * DIY ShowOff * Nifty Thrifty Things

Create with Joy * Chic on a Shoestring Decorating * Cozy Little House

Thoughts from Alice * Sand and Sisal * Lou Lou Girls
Karen's Up On The Hill
The Painted Drawer
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