Instructions
- : Lye is a hazardous chemical. Never mix lye with aluminum. Wear safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and a vapor-resistant mask when using lye.
- Step 1: Distress the wood Distress the wood by beating the surface with a chain, rock, keys, or other implement that will scar the surface.
- TIP: Lye will also change wood’s color, texture, and appearance, but is caustic and can cause chemical burns.
- Step 2: Sand wood Sand the wood lightly to smooth any rough spots.
- Step 3: Brush on coffee or tea Brush on coffee or tea with a paintbrush to add a patina to the wood surface. Aged wood typically has dark spots from handling and air exposure.
- Step 4: Rub in dirt or coffee grounds Rub dirt or coffee grounds into the wood surface once it has dried completely. This further accentuates the distressed areas in the wood.
- Step 5: Brush on stain Brush on wood stain with a clean paintbrush.
- Step 6: Brush on lacquer Apply a coat of lacquer using a clean paintbrush after allowing stain to dry completely. The lacquer seals the wood and gives a finished look.
- FACT: Did you know? In 2008, Scientists in Sweden identified a 9,500-year-old spruce as the world’s oldest living tree.
You Will Need
- A solid piece of quality wood
- A chain
- a rock
- or keys
- Sandpaper
- Paintbrushes
- Strong
- cold coffee or tea
- Dirt or coffee grounds
- Wood stain
- Lacquer
- Lye (optional)
- Safety gear (optional)
