How To "Distress" Without The Stress!

Hey there!

Today, is all about how to distress your furniture painted with Mango Paint—a topic we get asked about all the time at the studio!

We use the term “distressing” to refer to adding dimension and character to your Mango Painted pieces by exposing the original wood underneath using the Mango Paint Sanding Sponges —And if you’ve painted with Mango Paint before, you know just how lovely it distresses!

The level of distressing you add to your painted pieces is completely up to you! I am going to share examples of pieces which showcase mild, medium & heavy distressing and some helpful tips for achieving these looks.

Let’s get into it!

First up, we have this adorable mildly distressed dresser painted in Evelyn from the Mango Paint line—isn’t she a cutie!?

Mild distressing using a Mango Paint Ultra Fine Sanding Sponge is the best way to add a bit of dimension to your painted piece without giving it a “shabby chic” look. We tend to just focus on distressing the edges and details that would have been distressed naturally over time.

From a far, you won’t even be able to tell it’s been distressed, but it will trick your eye into giving the piece some dimension.

Next, we have another beautiful sideboard painted in Yvonne from the Mango Paint line that is a perfect example of medium distressing!

By sanding a little bit heavier around all the edges and details on your piece with a Mango Paint Fine Sanding Sponge, you will achieve a gorgeous shabby chic look!

And now it’s time to showcase heavy distressing on this stunning buffet painted in Noah from the Mango Paint line . . . What a beauty!!!

If you want to give your piece a rustic and worn look, distressing all the edges & details along with some flat areas with a Mango Paint Medium Sanding Sponge will do the trick!

Whether it’s a little or a lot, distressing makes a world of difference and is the easiest way to add a touch of dimension and character to your painted pieces!

As always, I am here to help and provide you with guidance through your furniture restyling journey!

Email any and all project questions you have to [email protected]

Happy Painting!

~Allie