Techniques:
Sand
Sand item lightly, then paint several coats of paint to desired finish; allow to dry between coats. When last coat is almost dry, sand edges and architectural elements with sandpaper. Apply clear matte sealant, or paint two coats of satin varnish and allow to dry or leave untreated to encourage more peeling or chipping.
Mess Master (A Design Master Color Tool Product)
I found a great little trick that isn't my own, but one I learned from Design Master's head designer, Gretchen Sell. Spray paint your piece with desired color (by the way - they have just introduced a new gorgeous shabby chic white called Bridal Veil - BEAUTIFUL color). Spray a paper towel lightly with Design Master Color Tool's Mess Master. Rub edges or anywhere you want to mimic worn paint. It removes the paint beautifully. This is an especially good technique for distressing items like pottery, terra cotta, woven surfaces such as baskets, lattice, and chair caning. It also works well on rough hewn pieces where you just want to remove the paint from the upper most surface leaving paint in grooves and crevices. (Mess Master was originally designed to clean up/dissolve spray paint from oversprays, etc. Turns out it's a great design tool. And I've tested it on regular latex paint. Works well as long as you haven't passed the curing time.)
Petroleum Jelly
I used this technique when I painted our bedroom furniture and it seriously looks like the paint has been chipping away for years. Use cotton swabs, old rags, sponge brushes or even fingertips to apply a medium coat of petroleum jelly to edges and surfaces that you'd like to distress or mimic peeling or worn paint. Paint a heavy coat of latex paint onto surface; allow to dry overnight. Using a clean, soft cloth, rub the surfaces of the painted item to "peel" paint off on petroleum jelly coated areas. Make sure to clean the surface well and remove all petroleum jelly as this will act as a resist for any glaze, antiquing pigment or varnish you try to apply after using this technique.
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