How to Create Distressed Black Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen is the heart of the home. More time is spent in this room than any other part of the house, so it is important that it shows off your personality. For those who enjoy an antique, old-fashioned look, distressing black kitchen cabinets is a simple task that any homeowner can undertake.

What You'll Need:

• Paint (outer color and secondary color)


• Paintbrush


• Paint roller


• Sandpaper


• Screwdriver


• Keys, chains, padlock


• Varnish

1. Remove the cabinet doors, and use the screwdriver to take off any hardware. This protects the hardware from the painting process. Store the hardware in one location, to make it easy to find later.


2. Sand down the cabinets to make them ready to paint. Medium-grade sandpaper is the best option. Avoid using an electric sander, as it may be too rough on the surface. The cabinets should have a dull finish when the sanding is complete.


3. Choose a secondary paint color. This is the color that will show through the distressed areas. For black cabinets, white and gray are popular choices. For a bolder look, choose a bright color, such as red. Take the paintbrush and paint a thin coat on the cabinets. This layer does not need to be even. Allow the paint to dry for 12 hours.


4. Paint the cabinets with the black outer color. A roller works best on large, flat surfaces, while a paintbrush is more ideal for molding and small areas. Be sure to use long, even strokes. This layer needs 12 hours to dry.


5. Choose several distressing tools. Sandpaper is great for wearing down areas around knobs. Keys work well for adding scratches. A padlock creates dents and dings. A few chains add more wear and tear. Add as much or as little distressing as you like. The under color will begin to show through, creating an antiqued look.


6. Cover the finished product with a protective varnish to seal the distressed cabinets. The varnish should be applied evenly to the surface. Allow 24 for hours for the varnish to fully dry. It should not be tacky to the touch.


7. Screw the hardware back on the cabinet doors, and reassembly the cabinets. The black distressed cabinets are now ready to fill with antique dishes.