How to Weather Wood FAST (Barnwood Effect)

This Instructable and video will show you how to achieve a QUICK weathered wood effect to simulate what would otherwise take months and years of water and sunshine to accomplish.

Step 1: How to Weather Wood (Barnwood Effect)

This is an old method I use for achieving a gray "weathered" effect in wood. I also show you how to use a wire brush for an even more pronounced effect.

Things you will need:

• Steel Wool (#000 or #0000)
• Vinegar
• Wire Brush
• Board (I use Pine, but also show the effect on Poplar and Red Oak)
• Spare containers (small bucket, a couple of cups, etc.)

Steps:

• Place one of the steel wool pads in a container large enough to hold it.
• Pour vinegar into container until steel wool is fully submerged.
• Let this sit for at least 24 hours.
• (OPTIONAL: For best effect, use wire brush to prepare board. SEE VIDEO.)
• Pour the dissolved mixture into a new cup. (Pour through a coffee filter to catch any small steel wool bits.)
• Add water to dilute the mixture. (In the video I show 1-to-1 water-to-vinegar mix.)
• Apply to wood.
• Wait while the vinegar mixture reacts with the wood. It will gradually turn a grayish color.

Comments

[BeachsideHank]

This look was popular in the late '70's in the Chicago area, I wainscoted my kitchen with pine barnboard to good effect, it also provided some insulative value too.

[n0ukf]

I assume you meant the wainscoat added to insulation, not the weathering itself.

[TheCrafsMan]

I imagine that looks good! Especially with the barnwood wainscoat against drywall / solid background. I have used this on exterior cypress siding, to good effect. Vinegar is also a mild bug repellent. (Though only the carpenter bees seem to mess with cypress.)

[Treupp]

Hi there!
Do you think that soaking wood in the mixture would also produce the same effect? I'm asking because I would like to use your idea in a small project of mine, for a gift, but this project also involves polishing a piece of wood until very smooth, and I'd rather not just get rid of the weathered layer.

[BLASTFEMI]

I tried your formula and it worked fantastic! I used some pine stakes I wanted to age and made a sign post. Next time I will try aging it with a wire brush. I love that effect! Thank you for sharing!

[Mihsin]

Very nice indeed. I imagine if you can install the wire brush onto an oscillating saw you can finish a wide area easily. My elbows & shoulders would not bear the scrubbing punishment.

[cnathan]

Very cool!!! Definitely trying!! Thanks for sharing!

[noel.kuck]

How long does it normally take for the graying to begin and to end?

[TheCrafsMan]

I have seen it change the wood in a matter of minutes, when the sun is out and I use a fine mist, instead of soaking the wood. If you soak the wood, it can take a couple hours or so. Usually by the next day you see how it will really look, long-term.