How to Pickle Wood Trim

Preparation

• 1

  Place a plastic or canvas dropcloth on the floor underneath the work area to catch dust or chemicals.

• 2

  Sand the wood trim, in the direction of the grain, with 280-grit sandpaper. Wipe the trim clean with a lint-free cloth. Sand the trim with 320-grit sandpaper. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Sand a final time with 400-grit sandpaper and wipe clean with the cloth.

• 3

  Fill a bucket with clean, warm water. Dip a sponge into the water and squeeze lightly to remove excess liquid. Wipe down the trim to remove any remaining dust.

• 4

  Pour 1 cup of ammonia into a small container. Dip the bristles of a synthetic paintbrush into the ammonia and brush the ammonia onto the wood trim. Allow a resting period of 10 to 20 minutes for the ammonia to lighten the wood.

• 5

  Pour 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide in a small container. Dip the bristles of a clean synthetic brush into the peroxide and brush the liquid on the trim. A reaction will occur between the ammonia and hydrogen peroxide that will bleach the wood. Allow between 30 minutes and one hour to achieve the full effects.

• 6

  Rinse the wood trim with clean sponges saturated with water. Dry with lint-free towels. Wait 20 minutes and repeat the rinsing process to remove all traces of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. Allow the wood to dry for 24 hours in a well-ventilated area.

Pickling

• 7

  Rinse the wood with a clean sponge saturated with water. Dry the wood with a lint-free towel. Allow the wood to dry completely to the touch for at least two hours.

• 8

  Sand the surface of the wood trim, in the direction of the grain, with 150-grit sandpaper. Wipe away excess dust with a clean, lint-free cloth.

• 9

  Brush lightly-tinted oil-based wood stain onto the trim with a synthetic brush. Wipe excess stain off immediately with a lint-free cloth for a lighter effect, or allow the stain to remain for approximately five minutes before wiping off excess for a darker effect. Allow a 12-hour drying period.

• 10

  Brush a coat of gloss, semi-gloss or satin non-yellowing polyurethane onto the trim with a synthetic brush. Allow to dry 12 hours or overnight. Apply another coat of polyurethane to the wood with the synthetic brush.

• 11

  Sand the wood trim with 150-grit sandpaper. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Repeat as many times as necessary to achieve the look you want.