Techniques to Make New Wood Look Like Barn Wood

Old Barn Wood Features

• Old barn wood offers a distinctly unique appearance for each wood plank piece. In fact, no wood pieces will look exactly the same since weathering occurs differently along each length. Some wood faces the sun and wind, whereas others are exposed to harsh rainfall or hail. As time passes, wood will oxidate, or react with surrounding oxygen molecules, as well as exhibit damage from past storms. The resulting old wood appears gray and dull with unique gouges and cracks.

Household Product Aging

• Common white vinegar and basic tea combine to form a simple technique for aging wood. Specifically, these two liquids effectively oxidize new wood faster than natural elements. Fill a small jar with white vinegar. Place a piece of steel wool within the vinegar and tighten the jar's lid on top. Allow the steel wool and vinegar mixture to sit at room temperature for one day. Steep any type of tea bag within 1/3 cup of boiling water. Brush the steeped tea onto the wood and allow to dry. The tea releases tannic acid into the wood, effectively accelerating the aging process. Apply the steel wool and vinegar mixture over the dried tea water area. Allow 30 minutes to pass for drying the wood piece. However, the wood may appear darker than desired after drying. Lightly sanding the wood will help lighten the appearance.

Distressing Techniques

• An old-fashioned technique for creating a weathered barn wood appearance is accomplished by using nuts and bolts. Place the nut and bolt mixture into a sturdy bag, such as canvas. Hit the wood with the bagged items for generating natural-looking cracks and dents. Afterward, a water-based stain liquid can cover the wood piece, followed by a sealant for retaining the stained look.

Dirt Technique

• There is a technique for creating a dirt stain appearance against the wood surface. Mix pigment, French polish and alcohol together. Brush this mixture onto the wood surface. After thorough drying, apply a clear polish for retaining the stained appearance. Buff the polish until it is almost producing a glossy sheen.