How Do You Make Cabinets Look Old?

You've decided that you want to make your new kitchen cabinets look old. Antiquing is a popular technique used to give new wood surfaces a worn, rustic look. It adds character to a newly built or renovated kitchen. If you don't mind putting in time and effort, there are techniques that will help you give a kitchen that warm, lived-in feel. Use these methods to give new life, and a new look, to existing kitchen cabinets as well. Step 1 Rough up a smooth cabinet surface with coarse sandpaper. You can also scuff up the edges of cabinet doors and drawers once they have been painted to give them a well-used look. Step 2 Hammer a heavy chain lightly on the wood to create indentations giving cabinets an age-worn appearance. Be careful not to overdo the job. The goal of distressing wood is to replicate the effects of time. Step 3 Paint the cabinets to look old. Begin with a coat of oil-based primer. Allow the paint to dry. Brush on a second coat of primer, using a different color. Give the ...  more