Apply a decent coat of white primer - this can add later to a distressed finish, especially when painted on to dark wood.

Furniture pieces that are not genuine antiques are usually selected for their resemblance to older furniture styles, and may be reproduction furniture with a distressed finish.

If you like traditional styles but want to avoid the slightly heavy, ponderous look that too much wood can achieve, then distressed finishes offer a less domineering alternative.

Ordinarily, therefore, our financially distressed dealer would simply choose to sign up with one of the rival clubs to pay off the bill.

Many of the landlords are themselves financially distressed and the taxpayer-owned banks are seeking solutions.

Wood has come across relatively few financially distressed sellers needing to clinch a deal at any price.

But it can be hard to admit to yourself that you have crossed the line between financially embarrassed and financially distressed.

They are reported to be 'extremely financially distressed'.