How To Distress Kitchen Cabinets With Chalk Paint

How to Distress Kitchen Cabinets With Chalk Paint

Distressing kitchen cabinets with chalk paint can add a touch of rustic charm to your space. The process is relatively simple and can be completed in a few hours. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Materials:

Chalk paint in your desired color
Sandpaper in various grits (120, 220, 400)
Tack cloth
Clear wax or polyurethane

Instructions:

1. Clean the cabinets: Remove all hardware and thoroughly clean the cabinets with a degreaser to remove any dirt or grease. Allow the cabinets to dry completely.

2. Apply the first coat of chalk paint: Use a brush or roller to apply a thin, even coat of chalk paint to the cabinets. Allow the paint to dry for at least 4 hours.

3. Sand the paint: Once the first coat of paint is dry, lightly sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper. This will create a smooth surface for the next coat of paint.

4. Apply the second coat of chalk paint: Apply a second coat of chalk paint and allow it to dry completely.

5. Distress the paint: Use sandpaper in various grits (120, 220, 400) to distress the paint. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper to remove large areas of paint. Then, use finer grits to smooth out the edges and create a more natural distressed look.

6. Wipe off the dust: Once you are satisfied with the distressed look, wipe away any dust or debris with a tack cloth.

7. Seal the cabinets: To protect the distressed finish, apply a clear wax or polyurethane to the cabinets. Use a brush or roller to apply a thin, even coat and allow it to dry completely.

Tips:

Use a light touch when sanding to avoid removing too much paint.
Experiment with different sanding grits to create different levels of distress.
If you want a more rustic look, you can use a darker color of chalk paint for the base coat.
To create a more subtle distressed look, apply a thin coat of clear wax or polyurethane before sanding.