Using multiple colors could also change a basic distressed look into something ... For example, you can refurbish the current wood with similar material from a sentimental source — perhaps ...

Researchers at the University of British Columbia leveraged an unusual discovery into ultra-black material made from wood. The deep, dark black is not the result of any sort of dye or surface ...

Learn how to paint a picture frame with a distressed look ... or even steel wool. You want a material that the paint won't soak into and will give harsh lines while painting with it.