| For a unique look, many homeowners are mixing | | | | then now is the time to be creative. You can apply a |
| distressed furniture with current modern styles. | | | | different base coat which will show behind the top |
| Before you go throwing away your old dining room | | | | coat when the crackle takes effect.c. Apply crackle |
| or bedroom sets, reconsider by refinishing it. | | | | glaze where you want the top coat to crackle. Allow |
| Distressed furniture can be very expensive to buy so | | | | to dry according to directions on package. This is |
| why not create it yourself with a little imagination and | | | | usually a clear glaze sold at your local home center.d. |
| some TLC. This step by step guide will give you | | | | Top Coat: Apply top coat evenly (try not to over |
| some helpful tips that the pros use when distressing | | | | brush which may cause paint to drag). This top coat |
| furniture. | | | | should be a different shade then the primer/base |
| 1. Sand: Sand down the finish on your piece so the | | | | coat to make the crackle stand out.e. Continue the |
| primer/paint has something to adhere to. Use medium | | | | follow steps below. |
| fine grit sandpaper for this. | | | | 5. Optional Glaze coat: After the piece has thoroughly |
| 2. Rough up surface: Take a few tools (hammer, | | | | dried, apply a glaze over the entire piece. This step is |
| screw driver, chain, etc.) and rough up the surface of | | | | optional but recommended. This glaze (usually dark |
| the piece. This is left up to your discretion of how | | | | brown/grey) when applied, highlights all of the |
| distressed you want to make the furniture. The | | | | roughed up areas (step 2) and really brings out the |
| more you rough up the surface the more aged the | | | | details in the piece. The best way to apply the glaze, |
| piece appears. | | | | is with a brush and then wipe off the excess with a |
| 3.Prime: Use a good quality white primer and give the | | | | rag. Wipe with even pressure (in one direction). |
| piece of furniture a thin coat. After the piece has | | | | 6. Apply a seal coat: Water based Poly works good |
| dried, follow up with a light sanding. | | | | for this. Apply 2-3 thin coats of this product |
| 4. Top coat: Pick a top coat that complements the | | | | according to the manufacturer's recommendation and |
| room. If you want to stay neutral, then go with | | | | do not forget to sand in between coats. This step |
| whites/off whites. Apply two even coats of this top | | | | will protect all of your hard work. |
| coat. Sometimes, homeowners will request a crackle | | | | Now step back and enjoy your newly antiqued |
| finish in which the top coat appears as if the paint | | | | furniture. You will be amazed at the results and how |
| has dried and is starting to chip away. For a crackle | | | | quick and easy you have changed the look of your |
| finish read the steps below:a. Follow steps 1-3.b. | | | | room. Take your time & most importantly be |
| Optional Base coat: Get Creative!! If you do not want | | | | creative with this!! |
| the piece to show white crackle from primer coat, | | | | |