As I mentioned in my post about barn signs using old wood I ran out of the really decrepit grayed old wood which gave it an authentic look, I found a stain that purports to artificially age wood rapidly. I promised to test it, so here are my results:
The stain (when you open the can it looks like solid black but the liquid is an incredibly dilute gray in reality (almost clear). No pigment to stir (I did try)
Put some steel wool into a container and pour distilled white vinegar over it. Let it sit for three to five days and then strain and apply to wood, red oak in this case. Initially, it makes the wood very dark. I sand it down until I get the finish I’m looking for. It’s a nice way to enhance the grain.
