distressed_side_panel_tutorial

I can tell you are excited about this tutorial! I’ve had more comments and compliments on the side panel on my kitchen desk and on the range hood. Today we are going to talk about the painted Distressed Wood Panel Tutorial.

distressed_wood_range_hood

They are definitely the details in our kitchen that make it personal. I got the idea after seeing Sarah Richardson’s kitchen, where she actually used reclaimed lumber on the side of her cabinets.

Sarah_richardson_kitchen

But, I knew finding the right distressed wood would be tricky. Plus, I always worry about the presence of lead paint. Instead, I decided to make it and fake it. As promised, I’m sharing the tutorial with you.

Distressed Wood Panel Tutorial Materials:

  • 1″x4″ boards
  • Kreg Jig
  • Tape Measure
  • Finish Nails
  • Hammer
  • Nail set
  • Gorilla Glue
  • Wood putty
  • Putty Knife
  • Pencil
  • 45 degree triangle
  • Thin Plywood
  • Jigsaw
  • Palm sander
  • Chalk paint (or acrylic paint) gray, white, and light blue
  • Valspar Asphaltum Glaze
  • My Secret Rustic Glaze Formula
  • Rag
  • Paint brush
  • Gorilla glue
  • Coins to use as spacers

 

Instructions:

Create a frame for the side of your desk (or cabinet) using 1×4″ boards and a Kreg Jig. You can follow this tutorial for making open frames with a Kreg Jig.

build_frame_with_kreg_joinery

Attach the frame to the side of the desk using Gorilla Glue and finish nails.

glue_nail_frame_to_desk_side

Countersink the nails with the nail set. Fill nail holes and seams with wood putty. Let putty dry and sand smooth. Prime and paint the frame to match the rest of the desk.

putty_seams_and_nail_holes

Measure the inside of the frame. Transfer the measurements onto your thin plywood. Draw diagonal lines using the 45 degree triangle onto the plywood. (You may need to play with your panel sizes until you get even spacing and even corners.)

sketch_out_panels

Cut the plywood pieces with a jigsaw and sand the edges smooth.

jigsaw_sand_panels

Test fit the pieces into the side of the frame. Make any cuts or sand down edges now. (I actually sanded the edges until I had  a gap in between the panels.)

test_fit_panels

Lay boards onto a drop cloth and paint them different colors. I used a very watered down paint to allow the wood grain to show through. Add a white wash on top by using watered down white paint or dry brushing.

dry_brush_colors_on_panels

Use the Valspar Asphaltum and/or my Secret Rustic Glaze Formula to lightly dry brush the edges and select places to give the boards some “dirty age.”  Wipe off excess with a rag. You can also put a small amount of glaze on your paint brush and knock it on another paint brush to freckle the boards. (Read this great tutorial if you want more aging and distressing ideas.)

add_antiquing_stain_to_panels
Once you are happy with the distressed boards, get ready to glue them into the frame. Add Gorilla Glue to the back of the boards. Set them into the frame, use coins as spacers to hold the panels in place.

glue_distressed_panels_gorilla_glue

Once the glue has dried, remove the coins. And…admire!

side_view_distressed_panels

And that my good friends is the way to create distressed boards for the side of a desk, range hood, or wherever you want to add visual interest. Please feel free to pin and share the tutorial with others.

beauty_shot_side_panel

I’ll be back later this week with the tutorial for building a custom range hood!

PHGFancySign

P.s. Because I know you’ll ask: The desk color is Copen Blue by Sherwin Williams. And the floor is golden oak and natural nugget cork flooring by Globus Cork.

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26 replies
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  1. jb @BuildingMoxie
    jb @BuildingMoxie says:

    I never would have guessed it was Luann. and you are certainly the guru when it comes to distressing wood. I know right where to come if f I ever try one of these treatments. that and your willingness to share is amazing. as I have said – you rock Brittany. Thanks for putting it out. ~jb

    Reply
  2. Colleen Taylor
    Colleen Taylor says:

    Those side panels caught my eye awhile ago. Those are absolutely fabulous ideas. I never would have thought of that. A woman after my own heart with the distressing, glazing & antiquing. Pretty darn cool stuff you did there! Love the finishes as well as the colors too.

    Reply
  3. Lynn Perez
    Lynn Perez says:

    First of all, I have to say that I LOVE your site. I too, have a shop, and work wood. Although I can MAKE just about anything, sadly I lack the ability to come up with original ideas. 🙁 I’m remodeling my kitchen, and this idea is just perfect. I may “tinker” with it a bit, but it’s just the type of look I want. Thank you so much for posting. You have no idea how happy you have just made me! 🙂 Keep up your wonderful work!!

    Reply
  4. Laurie
    Laurie says:

    Sweet! What a simple way to add that extra-awesome detail. I will now have to look around the house for someplace I can implement this.

    Office, I’m looking at you…

    Reply

Trackbacks & Pingbacks

  1. […] ***UPDATE: I finally found the blog with the picture that inspired our range hood design. I looked for it forever. Pretty Handy Girl posted a tutorial on how to make painted, distressed wood panels and I was so excited to the see the range hood. Thanks for posting that!  If anyone would like to view the tutorial and the projects, visit: Pretty Handy Girl: Painted and Distressed Tutorial […]

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