How To Make Kitchen Cabinets Look Distressed

How to Make Kitchen Cabinets Look Distressed

Distressed cabinets can add a touch of rustic charm or vintage elegance to your kitchen. The process of distressing cabinets is relatively simple, but it does require some patience and care.

Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, you will need to gather the following materials:

Sandpaper or sanding sponge
Tack cloth
Primer
Paint
Clear finish
Glaze (optional)
Rags or sponges

Prepare the Cabinets

The first step is to prepare the cabinets for painting. This involves removing any hardware, such as knobs or handles, and cleaning the surfaces with a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris.

If the cabinets are already painted, you will need to sand them lightly to create a smooth surface for the primer.

Apply the Primer

Once the cabinets are prepared, you can apply the primer. Primer helps to create a smooth, even surface for the paint and prevents the wood from absorbing too much paint.

Use a brush or roller to apply the primer, and make sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies.

Apply the Paint

Once the primer has dried, you can apply the paint. You can use any type of paint, but latex paint is a good choice for kitchen cabinets because it is durable and easy to clean.

Apply the paint in thin, even coats, and let each coat dry completely before applying the next.

Distress the Cabinets

Once the paint has dried, you can begin distressing the cabinets. This can be done in a variety of ways, but some common methods include:

Sanding: Use sandpaper or a sanding sponge to sand the edges and corners of the cabinets. This will create a worn, aged look.
Chipping: Use a hammer or chisel to chip away at the paint in certain areas. This will create a more rustic look.
Glazing: Apply a glaze over the paint and then wipe it away with a rag. This will create a subtle distressed look.

You can experiment with different techniques to create the desired look.

Apply the Clear Finish

Once you are satisfied with the distressed look, you can apply a clear finish to protect the cabinets. This will help to prevent the paint from chipping or peeling.

Use a brush or roller to apply the clear finish, and make sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies.