The rustic look has been around for a few years, and while it shows no signs of abating, homeowners are now turning to DIY and reclaimed furniture to create more effect.
But the question is: how can you get wood to have that aged look?
Architectural Digest have come up with a few hacks to distress wood – to make your furniture look like they’ve aged gracefully through the years…
How to distress new wood by B&O Craftsman
Here’s how to make wood appear old naturally.
What you’ll need:
White vinegar
Steel wool
Glass jars
Paintbrush
Black tea
Hot water
Sandpaper
Paste wax or polyurethane
Plastic gloves
Technique
Pour vinegar into the glass jar, filling it about halfway. Shred the steel wool and add it to the jar. Let the steel wool and vinegar sit in the jar uncovered for at least 24 hours.
The vinegar will cause the steel wool to dissolve. If your piece is already painted or finished you’ll need to sand it before applying the stain—otherwise, the solution won’t adhere to the wood.
Once your solution is ready, mix hot water and tea in another glass jar. Use the paintbrush to apply the tea to the wood. The tannins in the tea will react with the steel-wool-and-vinegar solution to create a darker finish. Allow the tea to dry and then apply the solution to the wood. The ageing process will continue as it dries, so you may want to wait before applying a second coat of the solution.
When you’re happy with your newly aged wood, you’ll want to protect the finish with a paste wax or polyurethane.
Photograph
Pixabay
Ageing Wood How-To by You Can Build That
