Distressed effect

[gillyg]

When making my plaques I am wanting to give some a shabby chic distressed look - whats the best way to achieve it - have tried going round the edges dabbing a brush but it doesn't give me the look I am after.

Thanks

Gillian

[emmat123]

Hi Gillian, I'm after the same advice!

Have found a couple of articles that might help!

http://www.ehow.com/how_2134215_distressed-finish-furniture.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/872109/how_to_create_a_distressed_look_by.html?cat=30

http://www.kitchen-cabinets-design.com/blog/cabinet-refacing/2009/10/02/creating-distressed-wood-cabinets/

Let me know how you get on.

Looking to start my dining table and chairs in a couple of weeks. I want to do the chairs all in cream and the table with a polished wooden top and cream legs! I know exactly how I want it but it's just knowing how to get it like that!

A bit like this but not quite so distressed! http://mademoiselle-rose.typepad.com/shabbychiccom/1152_shabby_grey_c.jpg

Emma.

[nettie]

If you do the 1st layer one colour and the 2nd another then sand back until you see the 1st colour or sand a bit more until you see the bare wood. Or only put 1 layer of colour on and sand back to the bare wood. You could also rub a candle along the edges before you start painting and this will resist the paint, although you'll need to sand it down a bit to take the waxy paint bits off completely. Or you can do the sanding back method and then rub in some gold/silver paste or brown to highlight the edges. Or do a crackle glaze effect. I'm sure there are some other methods too, but these are the ones I can think of atm...Good luck, have fun :) Just thought of another, if you're covering your piece with paper you could rip/tear it before pasting it on, or you could sand it back once it's on and then go over it with a diluted brown paint to make it look old :)

[gillyg]

Thanks Emma will have a look at those links and get back to you.

Thanks Nettie some great ideas will give them a try.

Will let you know how I get on