When a finish description says “distressed”, what does that mean?
Many manufacturers are offering finishes that are “distressed” or “slightly distressed”. A “distressed” finish is one that may have any or all of the following: rubbed edges (paint or finish is rubbed through), pin or nail holes, rasp-marks, cuts, paint spatters and specks, blackened areas, dents, gouges, splits, brush-marks, etc. Even some finishes not labeled “distressed” may have paint spatters or brush marks as part of the finish. Distressing is not damage nor a manufacturer defect. These are finishing techniques meant to give a weathered, antique look to the wood surface, as if it had been used or around for many years.
