A Distressed Wall

This is a custom wall system. It is built similar to an entertainment center, but this one will be used for just storage. A few thing to note that I did on this project. The first is the pocket doors and adjustable shelves combination. Normally the recess movement pocket doors interfere with having any adjustable shelves. This was overcome by adding a false side over the doors when pushed into the cabinet. This does two things; it allows the shelves to be used, and it hides the door when recessed into the cabinet. One note when building the false sides must be made removable for the ease of finishing and hardware installation.

I also used a lot of beadboard on this project. The doors were 5 piece doors with beadboard centers, I used ¼” bead board on the backs, and for the sides I cut small grooves 3” apart.

Another feature on this project was the distressed finish. I made some worm hole by banding together different size nails. I Drove them into the wood concentrating on one area about 2” in diameter, then kind of feather them away from the center (make lighter or less frequent) along the grain. Almost making an oval pattern I also used a chisel to make gouges in the wood on the flat surfaces and on some edges. Another distressing technique used was to take a very course file pull down the edge. I’ll do one pass to file down the edges to break the edge and a second pass with the file backward at a lower angle. This puts a roll of line parallel to each other at about a 45 degree angle. And the last step is to sand the distress spots and all edges. Remember it is made to look old and warn.

The finish was a dye coat (very thin) followed by Dark Walnut stain by Minwax. On places where people would normally touch and also on the worm holes, I’d try to wipe the stain off a little more than other places. This gave it an even a more warn look. It was then followed by two coats of pre-cat Lacquer.

I don’t do distressing very much, but it seams like I pick up something new each time. I used to hate distressing, but now I look forward to it.

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