Old and Improved

finish is not supposed to look new. And remember that you'll be removing some of the paint anyway, so don't make your work any harder. Allow the paint to dry at least 24 hours.

6. Now, look at the piece and see if you can tell what areas would be worn the most under normal use -- as if it has actually been in someone's kitchen for a hundred years. Carefully remove the paint from the areas you think would have received the most abuse -- around knobs and handles of drawers and cabinets, for example, or the edges of tables and shelves that would have been battered from human traffic. In other spots, remove some paint to indicate the simple deterioration of a finish over the years, the fading that comes with time and exposure.

7. You may want a variety of sandpapers for removing the paint, but go easy with all of them since the paint will probably turn loose fairly easily. On my bookcase, I used a heavy 60 grit on the edges and a finer 240 grit on the top of the shelves and the sides. I also used some medium grade steel wool along the edges of the shelves. It's harder work than the sandpaper, but it gives a more finely distressed look.

8. If you can, leave the piece without any type of sealer -- just let the paint wear more with normal use. But if you do feel you have to protect it, choose something with a matte finish. Again, with any kind of gloss or shine, the whole effect is lost.

9. Remember, this is a piece to be used, so let it work for you. Give it plenty of room somewhere indoors or in a covered area outside (like my bookcase). Use it as it was originally intended, or bring a little bit of the past into the needs of the present. Have fun!

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