2. Resist Distressing
In this method, beeswax acts as a resist layer between two coats of paint. The areas where beeswax is applied won’t absorb the top coat of paint, allowing you to easily sand it away to reveal the lower paint layer.
Materials Needed:
100% natural beeswax bar
Sandpaper or sandblock
Damp cloth
Steps:
Apply the beeswax to areas where natural wear would occur on the piece. This is done over the first layer of paint, which should be completely dry.
Paint over the beeswax with a second layer of paint and let it dry fully.
Use sandpaper or a sandblock to distress the second layer, revealing the first coat in the areas where you applied the beeswax.
3. Wet Distressing
This method is faster and requires no sanding. You’ll distress the paint while it’s still wet, creating a soft, natural worn effect.
Materials Needed:
Damp cloth
Scouring pad (optional)
Steps:
Wait about 20 minutes after painting the surface.
Use a damp cloth (and scouring pad if needed) to scrub off some of the paint in areas where you want a distressed look. Since the paint is still wet, it’s easy to wipe away, leaving you with a beautiful, soft worn effect.
4. Vaseline and Wood
This technique is similar to beeswax distressing but much simpler and faster. The Vaseline acts as a resist, allowing the top coat of paint to be wiped away in areas you want distressed.
Materials Needed:
Vaseline
Damp cloth
Paint (base coat and top coat)
Steps:
Allow the base coat of paint to dry completely.
Apply Vaseline to areas where you want the paint to chip or look distressed. You can use your fingers to apply the Vaseline—perfection is not necessary.
Paint over the entire piece with your top coat of paint, as if the Vaseline isn’t there.
Once the top coat is completely dry, use a damp cloth to wipe away the top layer in the areas where you applied Vaseline, revealing the base coat underneath.
Tip: The more you wipe away, the more distressed the piece will look. This method creates a beautifully aged effect without the need for sanding!
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