Distressing Design Techniques

However, if the old-fashioned, antiqued, weathered, look is what you're going for, then there is a host of finishes with which to choose from. 'Aged' finishes are applied mostly to furniture and ornamental items, however, many finishes can be applied to full walls as well. Some popular aging finishes include crackling, antiquing, verdigris patina/rust, and lime washing.

Crackling (Porcelain, China, etc)
Crackling produces 'aged' effects by imitating the look of old cracked paint. Weathered Crackle imitates the look of cracked paint, and is easily achieved when a 'flat' paint topcoat crackles on top of a special-crackle basecoat. Porcelain/China Crackle imitates cracked varnish found on old paintings or ceramics, and is achieved when a transparent special-topcoat crackles and antiquing glaze is then rubbed onto the surface to make the cracks apparent. These finishes are not recommended for full wall application.

Antiquing
Antiquing any surface makes it look very old, and distressed thru the application of an enhancer glaze, stippling it out, and eventually carefully wiping it off according to the look one wants to achieve. This is a very popular choice, as it provides a very subtle aged look.

Verdigris
Verdigris metallic patina and rust finishes have a beautiful blend of colors and textures reminding us of the passing of time. Striking green rust and crumbly appearance are the result of natural corrosion of copper, brass, and bronze after being exposed to air and water for long periods of time. This look can be imitated two ways, one of which is the use of completely safe and resilient paint-based products. This finish may also be used on full wall applications.

Lime Wash
Lime wash finishes are typically achieved using colorwashing tools and strokes to produce a variety of old-world finishes, like the Tuscan charm of natural colors such as terra cotta reds, browns, and yellows, and light blues and greens. Outdated plaster and stucco walls can receive a much-needed makeover simply by adding sandstone to lime-wash, rolling it on, and using a hand-trowel to knock down heavily stippled areas on lightly textured walls.