How Do You Make Cabinets Look Distressed?

If you want to dramatically change the look of your kitchen, and can't afford expensive new cabinets, take the opposite approach and make your current cabinets look older by giving them a distressed finish. Distressing gives cabinets a quaint look that is particularly suitable for an older farmhouse or country-style kitchen. This procedure involves applying paint in a way that makes it looks as if it has naturally worn off over time. Don't worry if your cabinets have some dents, as this adds to the naturally-distressed appearance. Step 1 Unscrew the hardware and remove the cabinet doors. Remove all door handles. Step 2 Wipe down the doors and frames with hot, soapy water to remove any grease or food stains. Step 3 Apply a coat of primer to all surfaces and let it dry. Apply a coat of paint in your color of choice. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly. Step 4 Sand the doors with medium-grade sandpaper. Use an up-and-down motion to remove some of the paint and let the primer show through. ...  more