How to Make Wood Look Aged & Weathered

Smooth out the wood with sandpaper if you like, or leave it a little raw, as long as it is relatively clean.

Paint the wood. Be sure to use oil-based paint. You can use primer or not, but remember that the primer will show through in the end. The color choice is up to you, but darker colors such as red or brown tend to enhance the effect.

Burn the paint when the paint has dried for the amount of time directed by the manufacturer. Do this outside or in a well-ventilated area. Use your butane shop torch, and apply flame smoothly in a back-and-forth motion. Let the paint catch fire, so that it burns on its own without the torch blowing flame at it. The longer you let it burn, the more the paint will peel back and the more wood will show underneath. After a few moments, blow the flame out with the air compressor.

Let the finish cool to the touch and then sand it. It is important to remove the burnt edges which have frilled up and created prime chipping points. Sand the burned finish until it is smooth to the touch but not so much that you remove the color of the burn or too much of the paint.

Clean the surface with the air compressor and/or a tack cloth. Heat the finishing wax in an oven at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit and apply liberally to the surface with a disposable brush or applicator.

Allow the finishing wax to cool, and then buff. This is best done with an electric buffer machine as hand-buffing becomes very tiresome very quickly, though you can do it with a rag if necessary. Enjoy your aged, weathered finish.