How to Distress Furniture With Petroleum Jelly
Use this simple technique to add a shabby chic look on a piece of furniture.
![Easily Distress Furniture](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/video/0/02/027/0270/0270047.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.720.85.suffix/1661896928709.webp)
If you want to create a distressed look on a piece of furniture or home decor, you can get it done cheaply with a little effort using petroleum jelly. Transform any piece of wood furniture into a shabby chic mastetpiece in an afternoon.
Materials
- old bar cart or wood furniture
- petroleum jelly
- paint
- rags
- paint brushes
This wood cart is fine on its own but a little color and distressing will make it a one of a kind statement piece.
![Petroleum Jelly Distressed Furniture Before2 wood cart](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/8/29/1/Original_Loch-and-Key_EDI_600_7.1_before_old_cart.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1504288697425.webp)
Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions
Apply Petroleum Jelly
Dip the brush in petroleum jelly.
![Petroleum Jelly Distressed Furniture Jelly1 dipping brush in petroleum jelly](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/8/29/1/Original_Loch-and-Key_EDI_600_7.2a_add_petroleum_jelly.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1504287471960.webp)
Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions
Apply a generous coat of petroleum jelly on areas where you do not want the paint to adhere.
![Petroleum Jelly Distressed Furniture Paint on Jelly painting petroleum jelly on wood](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/8/29/1/Original_Loch-and-Key_EDI_600_7.2c_add_petroleum_jelly.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1504287355481.webp)
Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions
Paint
Apply two coats of paint onto the cart, letting the paint dry inbetween coats.
![Petroleum Jelly Distressed Furniture Paint4 painting](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/8/29/1/Original_Loch-and-Key_EDI_600_7.3_paint_cart_over_jelly.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1504287447569.webp)
Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions
Be sure to paint the edges and let it dry thoroughly.
![Petroleum Jelly Distressed Furniture Paint2 painting](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/8/29/1/Original_Loch-and-Key_EDI_600_7.3b_paint_cart_over_jelly.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1504287008081.webp)
Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions
Remove Petroleum Jelly
Once the paint is dry, wipe down the cart to remove the petroleum jelly.
![Petroleum Jelly Distressed Furniture Wipe wiping blue cart](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/8/29/1/Original_Loch-and-Key_EDI_600_7.4_wiping_away_jelly.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1504224471228.webp)
Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions
After the initial pass, go over the smaller areas with a clean, lint-free towel to make sure all of the petroleum jelly is removed.
![Petroleum Jelly Distressed Furniture Wipe3 wiping blue cart](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/8/29/1/Original_Loch-and-Key_EDI_600_7.4a_wiping_away_jelly.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1504287014756.webp)
Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions
The petroleum jelly will leave parts of the cart unpainted, giving it a trendy distressed look.
![Petroleum Jelly Distressed Furniture Beauty Detail corner of a cart](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/8/29/1/Original_Loch-and-Key_EDI_600_7.5b_beauty.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1504287012749.webp)
Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions
This technique adds character to any piece of furniture.
![Petroleum Jelly Distressed Furniture Beauty blue cart with plants and bottles](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/8/29/1/Original_Loch-and-Key_EDI_600_7.5a_beauty.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1504284986127.webp)
Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions