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How to Glaze & Distress Furniture

Glazing or distressing furniture gives old fixtures a fresh look at a fraction of the price it would cost to purchase a new set. Supplies are available at most home improvement stores and no special skills or experience are required. Amateurs should practice various techniques on discarded furniture to master the look you prefer before applying it to the furniture you want to remodel. Purchasing inexpensive furniture at garage sales or thrift stores and revitalizing it with glaze or a distressed surface is a hobby many artisans find relaxing and fulfilling.

Things You'll Need

Towel
Spray sealer
Polyurethane
Paintbrushes
Dishwashing gloves
60-grit sandpaper
220-grit sandpaper
Orbital sander
Screws or nails

Instructions

Glazing Furniture
- 1
  Place furniture outside to prevent drips on the floor and allow for proper ventilation. Choose a flat surface and put a towel under the piece to catch polyurethane drips.
- 2
  Apply a spray sealer and primer to the furniture to even out any cracks or splits.
- 3
  Open the polyurethane can and put on rubber gloves. Dip the paintbrush in the polyurethane and apply a thin, even coat over the entire surface and allow to dry according to package instructions.
- 4
  Apply a heavy, even coat over the entire piece of furniture. Allow to dry overnight.
- 5
  Apply additional coats of polyurethane as desired to achieve an even, glossy appearance.
Distressing Furniture
- 6
  Rub coarse grit sandpaper vigorously over the surface of the furniture with an orbital sander. This process will camouflage paint chips from wear and tear appear as deliberate artwork.
- 7
  Gouge the furniture using sharp implements, such as screws, nails and keys until you achieve your desired look.
- 8
  Complete the distressed look by applying fine grit sandpaper by hand over the entire surface. Leave the furniture in direct sunlight to fade.

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