How to Antique New Wood

New wood has many admirable properties when you are looking to build or repair something, such as being strong, healthy and free of time damage. One feature it lacks, however, is the distinct look of an aged piece of antique wood. You can take a new piece of wood and transform its coloring to appear much more aged than it actually is. The process doesn't harm the wood in any way but will tone the shade down considerably for an antique-looking finish.

Ball of steel wool
Glass jars with lids
White vinegar
Boiling water
Tea bag
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Shred a ball of steel wool and place it into a glass jar. Fill the jar with white vinegar until the wool is covered and screw on the lid.
- 2
  Leave the vinegar solution to sit for at least 24 hours. The steel wool will start to dissolve, so the longer you leave it, the more the mixture will combine.
- 3
  Pour 1/3 cup of boiling water into another jar and place the tea bag into the water. Leave the bag to steep until it is as strong as possible.
- 4
  Paint the wood with the tea in long, even strokes and leave it to dry. Make sure the wood is completely covered in tea.
- 5
  Brush the vinegar mixture onto the wood once the tea has dried. Leave the vinegar to cure for 10 minutes to 1/2 hour to allow the antiqued color to come through.

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