How to age/weather freshly cut old timber fence palings?

**lesterz** · 30th July 2013, 01:53 PM

I am making a mailbox out of old hardwood fence palings. It will be a miniature house which will hopefully look something like the one pictured. As I am always in a hurry, I want to know if anyone knows a method of making the fresh cuts that I make in the old palings & boards age quickly. I had heard that milk creates a mould/lichen effect but there may be other methods.
Also any ideas on how to make new mini orb roofing take on an aged look? I am trying hydrochloric acid at the moment & that shows some promise.

Thanks in advance.

**BobL** · 30th July 2013, 05:31 PM

A dilute caustic solution will do it.

**lesterz** · 30th July 2013, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by BobL

A dilute caustic solution will do it.

Thanks Bob. I assume you mean ordinary caustic soda (drain cleaner)?

**BobL** · 30th July 2013, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by lesterz

Thanks Bob. I assume you mean ordinary caustic soda (drain cleaner)?

Yep - if you want it to look really drab let it soak for a week or so.

**John.G** · 30th July 2013, 10:39 PM

Bit of a hit with a sandblaster running very coarse grit can help give the "rough old railway sleeper" look.
Fuming with ammonia will give a grey patina.

**lesterz** · 31st July 2013, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by John.G

Bit of a hit with a sandblaster running very coarse grit can help give the "rough old railway sleeper" look.
Fuming with ammonia will give a grey patina.

Thanks John, I will investigate ammonia fuming as well.

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