I am working in very old house (1700) and I need to replace some of the timbers. I cannot match the very dark color of the existing timbers. I am looking for a process to age my timbers. Somebody told me to use vinegar????? Any other idea. Also I would like to seal the timbers, should I use a solid wax? What would be the best?

chiotasso.l@comcast.net

You might want to research using amonia (spelling?) vapors. I have seen this done with furniture.

Joel

Hi laurent,

There are many ways to change wood colour. Very common practise is using wood stain and sometimes is used very fine brass powder.

However, there is one more answer - aggressive chemical substance, such as acid or base.

In your case I would rather suggest some sort of acid (vinegar, formic acid, 5% hydrochloric acid solution, and acid of lemons) because you will naturally speed-up the wood staining process (since many acids are present in atmosphere).

Good Luck,
Michal

A readily available oxidizing agent often used to simulate the patina of times passing is potassium permanganate. It may not be winter work in that it requires the heavy use of water to control the depth and darkness of oxidation.

Even with an available hose, it is somewhat hard to control and you may have better luck matching the existing timber by experimenting with commercially available stains.

I cannot agree more

Hi Laurent:
Just food for thought--I worked on location for a major movie production which required aging new sawn pine siding which would be used for 1700 vintage Massachusets homes. The method they used was quite simple and the result quite striking. They simply laid out about 10000 bd feet of new pine side by side and sprayed it with water mixed with latex paint. They experimented somewhat to produce the effect needed, and in a vary short time came up with a lovely old colour that seemed to penetrate well into the surface. I hope this helps,
NH

Laurent:

If your are planning to seal the timbers anyway, I suggest you find a dye to mix with whatever sealer you were planning to use, to tint it to the desired color. That will save you the additional step of staining the timbers. Both water-based and oil-based dyes are available. I've used these: http://www.woodfinishingsupplies.com/Dyes.htm

Good luck on your project! CB.

Laurent,

You did not mention what species of wood you are trying to darken.