How to Make a Weathered Looking Table

Weathered wood, or distressed wood, is a common component to country and primitive decorating styles. The purpose of distressing wood is to make new wood look older without compromising the structural integrity of the wood. Making a table look weathered is a simple technique, the results of which will add a new conversation piece to your kitchen or dining room.

Wire brush
220-grit sandpaper
Vinegar
Steel wool pad
Sponge brush
Ice pick

Instructions

- 1
  Rub the top, sides and legs of the table with a wire brush to fray the wood grain and add scratches.
- 2
  Sand the scratched wood with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any jagged pieces that were brought up by the scratching.
- 3
  Soak a steel wool pad in vinegar overnight. The steel wool will rust and produce a dark-colored stain that you can use to stain and oxidize the wood, giving the wood a dark, weathered color.
- 4
  Sponge the mixture onto the wood with a sponge brush and let the wood sit for 24 hours. You’ll notice the wood slowly looking older and older.
- 5
  Poke termite trails through the wood using an ice pick. Use a variety of sizes of holes, but do not poke more than 1/4 inch into the wood.
- 6
  Sand the wood down lightly with 220-grit sandpaper and wipe clean with a tack cloth.
- 7
  Finish off the table with a polish made from beeswax and mineral oil. This will seal the wood without making it look glossy.

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