Tips, advice and techniques on how to Discolor Wood

Paint or Ink

Dilute brown or black ink or paint until all you have is a dirty water. Soak a sponge in it and generously apply to your item.

Steel Wool, Coffee and Vinegar

Here is a video tutorial showing how these 3 combined can create a nice aged color on your item.

Ferrous Sulfate

Used at Disneyland to age wood, ferrous sulfate is also known as Copperas or Green Vitriol. Dissolve 2 ounces into 16 oz of water and apply to your wood surface and it will turn aged and silver by the following morning.

Create General Wear

Wood with high contrast grain can be sandblasted to remove some of the soft grain. The result will be a rippled look that simulates the effect of many years and weather wearing down the flat surface of the wood.