Chris H Posted June 4, 2013 Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 I am trying to give oak an aged/weather look. I have found a vinegar with dissolved steel wool combo that gets me the color and look I want. However I can't find a top coat that works. The vinegar mix gives a beautiful gray color, and lets the grain / age shine through. However every topcoat I have tested turns the coloring to more of a black than a gray. I am really driving for a weathered look. Any recommendations? I can say that GF Topcoat, mineral oil, and Minwax poly have all left it black. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted June 4, 2013 Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 Have you tried shellac? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris H Posted June 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 I only had amber shellac in the shop (ran out of clear on the last project). The amber did the same thing, blackening the vinegar mix, but I don't know if that was the tint or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBaker Posted June 4, 2013 Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 Try some Red Devil Lye drain cleaner on a sample instead of your steel wool/vinegar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tkf530 Posted June 4, 2013 Report Share Posted June 4, 2013 Don't you have to stop the reaction? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBaker Posted June 5, 2013 Report Share Posted June 5, 2013 I've never done it myself, but all I've ever seen finishers do with it is wipe it down with wet rags. I assumed it was just water, but not sure. The results were really cool though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris H Posted June 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2013 I just wiped it down and let it dry. I could not find Red Devil at the local market, but I will try wiping it down with water to stop the reaction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AceHoleInOne Posted June 5, 2013 Report Share Posted June 5, 2013 Just a thought...after the vinegar and steel wool, have you washed the wood with a scrub brush and water (neve done this before but maybe the solution is still in grain pockets giving you issues)? Is the grain pockets what are turning black? -Ace- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris H Posted June 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2013 Ace, I believe it is the grain pockets that are blackening. I will try that wiping down with water first to see if that helps. Thanks everyone for the help, it is much appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.