How to Age Wood

It's easy to age wood with common household items.

: 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.