How to Distress a Pine Table

If you are looking for a way to update your pine table or have an unfinished table you want to finish, consider using a distressing technique. Artificially distress your table by sanding and denting it to achieve the look of an old, well-worn piece of furniture. Pine is a wood from the Coniferous tree family and is softer than hardwoods such as cedar and oak. Because of its soft and porous structure, the pine table will absorb stain and can be easily distressed.

Palm sander
Tack cloth
Sock filled with nuts and bolts
Portable drill
1/16th drill bit
Water-based stain
Rag
Sandpaper
Paste wax
Polyurethane or varnish

Instructions

- 1
  Work on the pine table outside or in a garage where sawdust will not harm surrounding furniture and carpet.
- 2
  Sand the pine table with a palm sander until it has a smooth finish and any prior stain or varnish is removed. Wipe away the excess sawdust with a clean tack cloth.
- 3
  Hit the table in random areas with a sock filled with nuts and bolts. The dents will simulate years of wear and tear on the pine table.
- 4
  Drill small holes in groups of four or five in random areas of the table with a portable drill fitted with a 1/16 inch drill bit. The holes will simulate wormwood holes, adding character and age. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
- 5
  Apply a coat of water-based stain to the table with a rag. Rub the dents and holes with the stain to make those areas appear darker. Let the first coat of stain dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply a second coat of stain if you desire.
- 6
  Rub sandpaper along the edges and legs of the table until you expose the wood grain. Wipe away the sawdust.
- 7
  Apply a coat of paste wax, darker than your stain color, to the entire table with a rag. The wax will give the table an aged and slightly dingy look.
- 8
  Seal the table with a coat of polyurethane or varnish.

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