How to Make Wood Look Weathered

New wood can be given that rustic, old look with an easy and simple technique.

Things Needed:

1^st Step

Using a stiff wire brush and making sure to go with the grain of the wood, move the brush over the wood. This is to remove small amounts of cellulose located in the center of the grain. As a result the grain will stand out and be more noticeable.

2^nd Step

Using a paint brush, apply a dark or gray stain onto the brushed piece of wood.

3^rd Step

While the stain is still wet and wearing a pair of latex gloves, wipe the stain off the wood with a clean, dry tack cloth. Doing this makes the grain in the wood stand out more and gives it the appearance of being weathered.

4^th Step

Once the texture is as desired, use a clean dry paint brush, apply a preservative onto the wood to protect it.

Painting Wood

DIY Faux Weathered Barn Wall

A Wood Worker’s Bench Notes

Tips:

How to Make a Weathered Wood Bench

#1: Shoe Polish

To give wood that slightly aged look, apply a coat of brown shoe polish then rub the polish along the wood grain. The polish will seep down into the grain making it stand out. This is works great on small bird houses or other small wood projects.

#2: Blowtorch

Using a blowtorch to burn small areas of the wood is a good way to age wood. The heat darkens the wood giving it a worn down look.

#3: Hammer Time

Another way to give an aged appearance to a piece of wood is to beat it with a hammer and other household items such as; a hammer, heavy chain, or nuts and bolts in a cloth bag. The amount of force used depends on the type of wood. For softwoods use less force and for hardwoods use more force.

#4: Oven Cleaner

If an old, gray look is wanted, use an oven cleaner with a lye-base. Be sure to wear gloves and a protective mask for safety.

1. In a well-ventilated area, such as out doors, spray the wood with the oven cleaner.

2. Wipe any extra oven cleaner off the wood.

3. Using a paint brush apply white vinegar to the wood. (The white vinegar neutralizes the lye-based cleaner.

#5: Paste Wax, Candle Wax, and Petroleum Jelly

Locate areas that would be naturally worn over time.

1. Using a paper towel rub paste wax, candle wax, and petroleum jelly into these areas.

2. Using a paint brush cover the entire piece of wood with latex paint.

3. Once the paint is completely dry use a paper towel in a side-to-side motion to wipe over the wax and jelly areas to remove the paint.

4. Once satisfied with the look of the project, use a paint brush to apply mineral spirits. (Mineral spirits will naturally dewax the wood.)