Distress Paint with Petroleum Jelly

Earlier this week I showed you this vintage chest of drawers and promised you a makeover. I thought it would be fun to use this piece to show you how to easily distress paint to create texture and a feel of days gone by.

This chest of drawers had me drawn in when I first spied the legs, the height, and also the rose carved border along the bottom. It didn’t originally have casters, but I grabbed a few from my stash and stuck them on – already the chest improved. The drawers have damage and the previous owner had made some repairs that I was impressed with. The top was in great shape as well, but didn’t quite match the stain of the rest because it is a veneer with a different grain.

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You know me and my love for a wood and paint combination like I just recently did with the other chest, so I decided to give the wood a fresh look. Out comes my sander and away we go!

There’s nothing like seeing that grain come alive to make my heart happy. I typically go with a darker stain, but this time I wanted a warm feel to the wood. I used a Honey Maple stain by Minwax that I’ve used in years past.

Next up for a new look is the drawers and cabinet that got a light sanding too. I seriously was like a kid in the candy store to get started on this piece because of the vision I had for it with this color.

I’ve used it on this Rustic Chic set…

and also on this Mid Century Modern credenza. Isn’t it great how it suits all styles? If you want to know the color, I can’t tell you because it’s a seconds paint. But…I am putting together something fun with all of my secret paints! hee hee.

I am aiming for a rustic, very worn look, so to achieve that I whip out my petroleum jelly. Yup. Just like I used to distress paint on my radio turned sewing cabinet.

When I was about 18 years old (you can guess how long ago that was – ahem), I watched a lady on PBS use it to distress furniture. Funny, eh? So I am not the first to use it, but thought you may have not heard of it before.

It can work with any paint, as this I’m using today is a high gloss paint. (Yes, even a gloss can look rustic.) I started by smearing small amounts in places that would get normal wear, and then I dry brush one layer on the drawers and cabinet. Once the paint is dry (after about 2 hours), I take an old rag and rub the paint where I applied petroleum jelly.

The jelly resists the paint and allows for super-easy removal. Less mess and easier on the hands too. Did you know it was that easy to distress paint?

All that is left is the drawer pulls and I use a flat white paint by Rustoleum to give them a light coat. Then I distressed those with a bit of sandpaper.

Ready to see my method to distress paint in action? Woot!

I am ever falling in love with this color that just showcases life. I was able to pair it with my new favorite painting found at a garage sale for $1. The story behind the artist was that he was an electrical engineer who injured his hands so could no longer work. He took up painting to provide income. I would say he is one gifted man, wouldn’t you? I’m saving it for when we are done with our kitchen remodel and move onto our living room.

And how about them legs and carvings…swoon.

Now, I have to ask…Are you going to give this method to distress paint a try? You know you want to! For those of you that are not really not into painting or just love this chest, you can find it in my shop.

Do pin and share so others can learn a new trick too. Thank you for the love! ♥

Now, if that has whet your appetite for paint, I think you’re going to love this thrift store chest that gets a new look coming next week. How’s that for an 80’s flashback for ya?

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