Aged wood is necessary if you want a distressed style for a project, but you can only find newer wood. Aging the wood with baking soda melts the dark brown color. The result is a wilted, time-consuming appearance, similar to the appearance of a barn or driftwood.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing Wood
Step 1. Choose wood that contains tannins
These include cedar, pine, red oak, redwood and mahogany. Tannins are acidic compounds found in plants, including trees.
Harder, darker wood contains more tannins. Soaking ebony in water or weathering the wood will leach the tannins from the surface and brighten the wood surface
Step 2. Look for wood that has flaws
Unless your project requires a very uniform appearance, you can look for less expensive discarded wood. The aging process will make the beauty of the imperfections of the wood.
If you want to use real wood, you can cut it with a tool, such as a bag full of screws or a hammer. Hit repeatedly or pull the sharp end against the wood surface
Step 3. Look for unfinished wood
The baking soda method of aging wood will be most effective on bare wood, or at least unvarnished wood.
Step 4. Peel and sand the wood when the wood is finished
For wood that has been painted once, you will need to sand the top layer. For wood that has been painted more than once, you may need a chemical peeler.
- Wear safety glasses, long-sleeved work clothes and gloves when you use chemical abrasives or abrasives.
- Work in a ventilated area, such as an open-air store or garage.
- How hard you peel or sand the wood depends on the appearance of the wood you want to achieve. If you want your project to look more old and miserable, you can leave some paint on the wood parts.
Part 2 of 3: Aging Wood
Step 1. Put your desk or workhorse under the sun
Exposing the wood to direct sunlight during the aging process will speed up the leaching process.
Step 2. Place your wood on your workbench
Try to show the entire top surface of the wood, including the sides if you want them to be visible. You can always repeat this process on the other side of the wood
Step 3. Make a mixture of one part baking soda to one part water
The amount of baking soda you mix will depend on the size of your project. You need to grease your wood a non-stingy amount..
Step 4. Stir well and apply using a painting brush
Make sure the brush is covered with a thick layer of baking soda and water.
Step 5. Leave it in the sun all day
If possible, let it sit for 6 hours, so that it is possible to leach the tannins from the wood.
If you don't have direct access to sunlight or don't have enough 6 hours, spray the wood surface with vinegar after you've smeared it with baking soda. Leave it for 10 minutes
Step 6. Brush the wood surface with a wire brush
Tannins, extra cover and parts of the wood may be removed with a brush.
Step 7. Wash the wood with water and pat to dry
Repeat this process the next day if there is too much color in the wood.
Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Wood
Step 1. Apply stain to help finish the wood
Brush it using a painting brush. Then, have a damp cloth nearby to remove any excess stain.
For a brighter look, you can moisten the wood a little, smear the stain and blot the stain
Step 2. Use furniture polish to finish
This will give it a bit of shine, but won't be as bright as wood varnish. A bright finish will spoil the old-fashioned feel of the wood.
Step 3. Add 1 to 2 coats of furniture wax with a soft cloth and leave it on overnight before using
If you are going to use wood for a project, you will have to wait until the project is finished to coat it with furniture polish.
