Formica bedroom furniture can be aged, distressed and antiqued much like any other piece of furniture. The main difference is the appearance of the technique. Formica has a flat surface with no wood grain present, and this will influence the end result of antiquing efforts. Most supplies for this project can be found at your local home improvement store. Allow a couple of hours for completion of this project.
Instructions
1. Put on your goggles and cover surfaces with newspaper if you are not painting them. Remove any hardware from the furniture. Lightly sand the formica furniture with fine-grade sandpaper. Remove dust with a clean cloth.
2. Apply one coat of the primer paint with a paintbrush or roller. Allow to completely dry.
3. Apply two to three coats of different-colored paints to the surface of the formica. Sand in between each coat. Allow to dry in between each coat.
4. Sand down the piece with a palm sander. Vary the pressure exerted and reveal different layers of colors throughout the piece of furniture. Sand lightly with fine-grade sandpaper in other areas for another effect.
5. Pour a small amount of paint stripper on the furniture to remove the paint. Tilt the piece to one side and allow the stripper to drip off. Let it pool in some areas for another effect. Remove any residue with a sponge.
6. Further distress the formica by hitting it with a hammer and gouging with nails and a screwdriver.
7. Apply one coat of clear polyurethane sealer to the piece and allow to dry.
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