Craft Help Needed re: Paper Mache Boxes

I've done an internet search several times, and can't come up with a definitive answer for my problem.
I want to paint/distress/antique a set of stacking paper mache boxes. When I've done this in the past, I've tried sanding the edges to give the boxes a nice worn look. The paper mache doesn't take to sanding very well, at least not for me. It ended up looking shredded, even tho' I used a fine sanding sponge.
Do I need to coat the boxes with gesso first? Is the paint not thoroughly dry when I'm sanding (even tho' I think it is)? Am I simply sanding too hard?
I don't want to put a lot of work into something and then not be happy with the finished product.
If anyone can give me some tips on doing this right, I'd really appreciate it.

Try these. You might try buying some crackle paint. It automatically cracks as it dries.

http://www.helium.com/items/125996-t...ng-paper-mache

http://www.thefind.com/crafts/info-r...-crackle-paint

http://www.rangerink.com/products/pr...esscrackle.htm

http://store.scrapbook.com/pp-tdc23760.html

http://www.sandcmemories.com/distresscracklepaint.html

http://www.catscraftcupboard.com/p-1...tim-holtz.aspx

Wow, thanks for all the links. I've used crackle paint many times before, especially when painting wooden items for Halloween. That isn't the look I'm going for with the paper mache boxes, tho. I want the boxes to have the look of old painted furniture, where the paint is worn off the edges.
Thanks anyway.

Hmm What about this technique...

http://designsbymarnieperry.blogspot...mache-box.html

Says here http://www.papiermache.co.uk/tutoria...n-decorations/

and other places that you should sand before painting. Not sure that helps any but all I could find.

Hey, that first link (showing the use of wax) might be just the look I'm going for.
The second link, showing the actual wet paper mache, was interesting, but not what I'm doing. Altho', I've always wondered about trying the wet stuff.
Thanks so much for searching for me; I'm going to try that wax procedure.

Yay! Glad to help