A
- Antiquing: A technique used to give furniture an aged appearance by applying a glaze or stain to highlight details and crevices.
B
- Base Coat: The initial layer of paint or stain applied to furniture, which will be partially revealed through the distressing process.
- Brush Marks: Visible strokes left by a paintbrush, which can be intentionally created to add texture to a distressed finish.
C
- Chalk Paint: A type of paint commonly used in distressing due to its matte finish and ease of sanding to achieve a weathered look.
- Crackle Finish: A technique that creates a cracked, aged appearance on the surface of furniture by using a crackle medium between paint layers.
D
- Dry Brushing: A painting technique where a dry brush is lightly dipped in paint and then brushed off, leaving minimal paint on the brush to create a streaky, worn effect.
F
- Finishing Coat: The final protective layer applied to the distressed furniture to seal and protect the surface, often a wax, lacquer, or polyurethane.
G
- Glazing: Applying a thin, translucent layer of paint or stain over a base coat to add depth and highlight details.
L
- Layering: The process of applying multiple coats of paint or stain in different colours to create depth and dimension in the distressed finish.
P
- Patina: The natural ageing process that gives furniture and other surfaces a distinctive character over time. Distressing techniques often mimic this look.
- Polyurethane: A durable finish applied to distressed furniture to protect the surface and enhance its longevity.
S
- Sanding: A technique used to wear away areas of paint or finish, exposing the layers beneath and creating a weathered look.
- Scraping: Using tools to scrape off areas of paint, adding to the distressed appearance by revealing the base coat or raw wood underneath.
- Sealing: The process of applying a protective topcoat to distressed furniture to preserve the finish and protect it from wear and tear.
- Stain: A type of finish that penetrates the wood, enhancing its natural grain and adding colour. Stains can be used as a base or top coat in distressed finishes.
T
- Top Coat: The final layer of paint or stain applied over the base coat, which will be partially removed or altered during the distressing process.
U
- Upcycling: The process of transforming old or discarded furniture into something new and valuable through techniques like distressing.
V
- Vintage: Refers to furniture and décor that are reminiscent of a past era. Distressed finishes often aim to replicate the look of vintage pieces.
W
- Wax Finish: A protective coating is applied to distressed furniture to seal the surface and add a soft sheen. Wax finishes can be clear or tinted to add depth.
- Weathered Look: A style that mimics the natural wear and tear of furniture exposed to the elements over time. Distressing techniques often aim to achieve this appearance.
