Antique wood is useful for artistic projects if you have only recently cut wood available, as is mostly found on the market. The baking process with baking soda removes tannins from the surface of the wood, giving a whitened-looking result, as if it has been exposed to the elements, similar to the appearance of country cottages or wood found on the beach.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: Choosing the Wood
Step 1. Choose a wood that contains tannins
Some suitable woods are cedar, cypress, pine, fir, red oak, mahogany. Tannins are polyphenolic compounds found in wood and in particular in the bark of plant species, including trees.
Harder, darker colored types of wood contain higher amounts of tannin. Leaving the wood exposed to the elements or water results in the removal of tannins from the surface, with consequent loss of color
Step 2. Get wood that has an uneven surface
Unless you want to get a totally uniform result, you can try to get second grade wood, which is cheaper. The aging process will enhance the imperfections of the wood.
If you want to use wood that has no imperfections, you can make it look like old wood by hammering or beating it with a bag full of metal objects, which can also be rubbed into the surface for an even more worn effect
Step 3. Choose wood that has not been treated
The method of antiquing wood with baking soda works best if the wood hasn't been treated, or at least, hasn't been painted yet.
Step 4. Remove the top layer if the wood has undergone treatment
If the wood has a coat of paint, you can remove this layer with sandpaper or a grinder. If multiple layers of paint and other products have been applied to the wood, it is best to use chemical solvents to remove them.
- Wear protective eyewear, long-sleeved work clothes, and gloves when using solvents or grinders.
- Perform these operations in well-ventilated areas, or outdoors.
- Take the necessary care to achieve the desired result. If you want to get a very old and damaged wood effect, you can let the paint stay in some areas.
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: Antique Wood
Step 1. Place the work surface or easel in the sun
Exposure to the sun during the antiquing process makes everything faster.
Step 2. Arrange the wood on the easel
Try to work on the entire top surface of the wood, you can focus on the other surface later.
Step 3. Dissolve the baking soda in water, mixing the two elements in equal parts
The amount to use depends on how much wood you need to treat.
Step 4. Mix thoroughly and then apply the solution with a brush
Make sure the wood is covered in a good amount of water and baking soda.
Step 5. Let the mixture work in sunlight for a full day
Leave to act for at least 6 hours so that the tannins are removed from the surface of the wood.
If you don't have time to wait 6 hours, or if you don't have direct sunlight, you can sprinkle some vinegar on the surface already coated with baking soda, and leave it on for 10 minutes
Step 6. Brush the surface with a metal brush
As you brush, you should remove some of the tannins, baking soda solution, and bits of wood.
Step 7. Rinse the wood in water and dry it
Repeat the process the next day if you feel the color hasn't faded enough.
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: Finishing the Wood
Step 1. Apply a wood stain to the wood
Smear the liquid with a brush. Keep a wet rag handy to clean up any drops of impregnating agent.
For an even lighter final effect, you can wet the wood slightly, apply the primer and then immediately remove it partially with a rag
Step 2. Use furniture polish to protect the final result
Wax gives a shiny look, although not as shiny as paint, in fact too shiny would ruin the desired aged effect you are trying to achieve.
Step 3. Smear a coat or two of wax with a soft cloth, and let it soak the wood overnight
If you have to work wood or install it, you should wait and wax only when the job is done.
