Pickling Wood Techniques

Try to create a pickled finish using a traditional technique. Traditional techniques involve soaking galvanized nails in vinegar for 2 to 3 days. The nails are then taken out of the liquid and discarded. The remaining vinegar solution is applied to the wood with a rag as a varnish to give it an aged look. This method is still popular today, however, advances in technology mean that this method is relatively outdated. Modern techniques achieve the same results without the 2 to 3-day wait.

Purchase an oil based pickling stain. Most hardware stores stock special paint that is designed for pickling. The paints usually come in an off-white or white stain and are applied directly to the wood in circular motions with an old rag. Oil based products offer great control over the finished look because they dry slowly which allows you to build up the product until you reach the desired look.

An alternative technique to oil based pickling paint is water based latex paint. This type of paint has lesser fumes than oil-based, however it dries quickly which means that you have to work quickly to get the look that you want. This type of product suits users who are experienced in pickling.

Make a homemade pickling solution. Thin down a tub of standard oil based paint with paint thinner, or turpentine. Mix the paint with 1 part paint to 3 parts water. Apply the solution directly to the wood, or after a prier. The results vary depending on technique, however, with practice, homemade products can achieve the same results as store bought products.