There’s just something about reclaimed or aged wood that brings a rustic or casual feel to any space. Perfect for creating a more homey environment in what could feel like an otherwise cold space, distressed wood has a way of softening any room. But if your furniture still has that straight-out-the-store glow and you’re wondering how to distress wood, fortunately, there are several ways to achieve a beautifully worn look, none of which include having to wait for years to get it. Once you learn how to make wood look old, you can transform pristine pieces into items with character. Below, learn two ways to cheat time and make your wood furniture and decor look like it’s been around for years instead of fresh from the store.
Vinegar/Tea Method
White vinegar
Steel wool
Glass jars
Paintbrush
Black tea
Hot or room-temperature water
Sandpaper
Paste wax or polyurethane
Plastic gloves
Rags
Make the Vinegar Solution
The easiest way to age wood is with things you probably already have in your kitchen. 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. (Letting it sit for longer will create a darker look—just don’t allow rust to form, or you’ll end up with an orange stain.) The vinegar will cause the steel wool to dissolve.
Mix the Tea
Once your solution is ready, mix hot water and tea in another glass jar. The tannins in the tea will react with the steel-wool-and-vinegar solution to create a darker finish.
Sand the Wood
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.
Paint on the Tea
Use the paintbrush to apply the tea to the wood. Allow the tea to dry and then apply the solution to the wood. The aging process will continue as it dries, so you may want to wait before applying a second coat of the solution.
Protect the Finish
When you’re happy with your newly aged wood, protect the finish with a paste wax or polyurethane.
Commercial Stain Method
Sandpaper
Paintbrush
Hot or room-temperature water
Paste wax or polyurethane
Plastic gloves
Wood stain
Rags
Sand the Wood
Begin by sanding the wood to get rid of any coatings and to create a smooth surface. If you’re using a stain specifically designed to create a weathered look, such as Rust-Oleum’s Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Brush With Water
If you’re using regular wood stain to DIY the look, start by brushing water on the wood. This allows less of the stain to be absorbed into the wood.
Add the Stain
Let the wood dry a few seconds and then brush on the stain. Immediately wipe off any excess stain with a rag. Let the wood dry and repeat if necessary. Finish with paste wax or polyurethane.
Courtesy of The Shade StoreMechanical Techniques
When it comes to aged wood, a few dents and dings are a good thing. These tricks can be used before using either staining method above. You’ll need:
Hammer
Metal chain
Nails
Awl
Drill
Wire brush drill attachment
Sandpaper
Attack the Wood
Use tools and other objects to distress the wood. Try hitting it with a hammer, mallet, or metal chain to create small divots. You can also press the side of a large screw into the wood or hammer the side of an awl to create a long scratch. A sock or cloth bag filled with nails will create an irregular pattern. Test the methods on a piece of scrap wood before you start beating up your furniture—you can always add more damage, but once you get started, it’s hard to subtract dents.
Create Texture With a Drill
A wire brush attachment will remove soft areas of wood and let the grain shine. Fit the attachment into the drill and run the brush back and forth over the wood, going with the grain. Repeat until the wood is textured. Finish by lightly sanding the surface.
Add Insect Damage
Wormholes are a trademark of reclaimed wood. To create the look—minus the bugs—drive an awl into the wood, creating a random pattern. You can also drill screws through a two-by-four and use it to create small holes in your piece.
- 转载自:Architectural Digest
- 语言:English
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