Aging Wood: Make the New Look Old | DoItYourself.com

Here are some great techniques for "aging" wood for your crafts, signs, etc.  There are lots of ideas out there and I've used some of the ones listed here.  I'll feature other techniques in time.... FREE!  Here at Cappy's Cottage!  :^)


Aging Wood: Make the New Look Old | DoItYourself.com

Are you looking to give your new wood that aging wood look? You can treat new wood and give it that vintage aging look. All you need are the right materials and this guide to help you get started. All the materials can be picked up from the local hardware store.

Step 1 – Prepare the Work

Get the wood to be treated to a place where you can work easily, something like your work room or garage.

Step 2 - Safety

Protect yourself with gloves, overalls and other protective gears.

Step 3 – Instructions for Using Tools

Make sure to read the direction before using any tools or substance.

Step 4- The Natural Technique

The easiest way to make a new piece of wood look old is to place it under direct sunlight on a slab. It should not have direct contact with the ground. If it does, the dampness will hinder the aging. This technique is extremely simple, but takes weeks to get the desired effect.

Step 5 – The Graying Effect

Here, the wood almost turns gray with traces of the original wood peeking out. Get this look by spraying the wood with an oven cleaner. Make sure it is lye based. Lye is a corrosive substance. Spray the wood with a layer of white vinegar. The result is a perfectly aged gray wood.

Step 6 – The Blow Torch Method

Some wood have either black or dark brown patches, this is achieved by using a blow torch on the surface of the wood. You can use a blow torch, but exercise caution while using it.

Step 7 – The Easy Way

Shoe polish will give the wood a natural aged look. Get a brown polish. Apply the shoe polish with the brush and polish the wood. Keep rubbing so that it seeps into the wood.

Step 8 – Petroleum Jelly

Examine and mark the areas that have to be aged. Apply petroleum jelly to the marked areas. Now, paint the wood completely. Take a towel to lightly scrub over the marked areas. As you scrub the grains of the wood will be visible. This will create the distressed look.

Step 9 – The Barn Look

Do you desire the weathered look with dents, nicks or scratches? If yes, then beat the wood surface with a hammer and sand it to get the old barn look.

Step 10 – The Good Old Coffee

Another way to age wood is to sand the wood and pour coffee over it and rub in mud. Wipe the dirt and apply several coats of Briwax.

Step 11 – The Inexpensive Method

In a  jar, mix white vinegar with fine steel wool and tea bags, close the lid and let it sit for 2 days. Sand the wood surface and scrub with the fine steel wool. Use rags to wipe the wood. You will notice the wood changing its color.

Step 12 – Effects on Different Wood

The above method has a different effect based on the type of wood you are using. Oak will show a blackening effect, light pine will turn golden red and red cedar will show gray or pink textured effect.


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