How is a "paintbrushed" distressed texture created?

Question

Today at a bar we sat at a table that looked like this:

enter image description here

Some of the darkened areas looked like darkening related to the wood grain while others resembled brush strokes, but only if you looked closely.

I am wondering how one might be able to create a look like this

score 6 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 28 '15 at 03:40

6

I did a similar look for a neighbor. Basically you apply a finish (or use reclaimed wood). After it dries, add another layer. Repeat until you have a few layers. Then sand it off. Sand deeper on some parts, lighter on others.

If you want, apply a clear coat after you have achieved the look you want to protect it.

answered Apr 28 '15 at 03:40

LeeG

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Thanks. When you say "apply a finish" do you have in mind "stain" or something else? – angelatlarge Apr 28 '15 at 16:46
It depends on what you want it to loo like, Paint and stain can both be considered a finish. I would probably put a wiping gel stain on intentionally missing some areas, then sand it down as the first step. – LeeG Apr 28 '15 at 17:31

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 28 '15 at 08:37

To concur with LeeG's response, that does look like it was done by colouring the wood and then sanding through in some areas and not in others. Where the colour is removed most can be a little hard to control especially if the wood is not completely flat to begin with.

Even for a furniture piece I would strongly recommend applying a clear topcoat for protection. If used on a floor I think this is mandatory, otherwise the wood will begin to look grubby very quickly with even light foot traffic.

For a similar look with more control over the lighter and darker areas you can irregularly brush or wipe on on a coloured varnish or gel stain (gel stains are basically slightly thicker coloured varnish). You can do this directly on bare wood, or over wood that has been lightly sealed with thinned shellac or varnish, or with a commercial sanding sealer (which are often primarily thinned shellac or varnish). If you seal the wood the effect is slightly more controllable, as you will more easily be able to wipe colour away from areas of your choice.

Here also I would apply a clear finish for an overall protective coating.

Polyurethane varnish is a good choice for the topcoat. Oil-based poly tends to have a slightly yellow cast (quite possibly this was used on the project in the posted photo), the waterbase version goes on milky but dries completely clear. Use at least two full-strength coats.

How is a "paintbrushed" distressed texture created?

2 Answers2