How do I get the shabby chic/distressed paint effect?

I love the shabby chic/distressed paint effect, but dont seem to be able to get it right. Any tips please?How do I get the shabby chic/distressed paint effect?
Here is a step by step guide to how HGTV's ';Color Splash'; distressed a cabinet:


http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_faux_antique鈥?/a>





Here are heaps of other links for antiquing/distressing:


http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_faux_antique鈥?/a>How do I get the shabby chic/distressed paint effect?
Use a fine grade sandpaper and rub the edges and corners of the piece of furniture. Then rub holes in the paint on the flat surfaces. Try to achieve an effect where it looks like the furniture has been well used over years, so add the bald patches where people might have repeatedly used the item.
after painting, lightly wipe over with a piece of rag
i did my walls a while back with different shades of the same colour, i put the first layer on with a roller, then scrunched up some sheets of news paper to put on the second layer, lastly i got a large bath sponge ripped bits off it randomly and did the last layer with that it looked quite good when finished.
At art school... we used to use chlorine. We'd just put it on a paint brush... drain off most of the stuff and then flick it gently across the clothes. Don't get carried away though... and it takes a while for it to kill the dye.





That worked really well on jeans... if you're trying to rip, then i recommend getting a stanley knife and patiently rub the blade parrallel to your waist line. ie.. going down the length.