Quote:
Originally Posted by TheGrimm
Anyone here have any experience finishing barn wood furniture? I am working on a table from some reclaimed wood off the family farm, most of these pieces are from the turn of the last century so I want to retain as much character as possible.
I would like a matte finish if possible and would like to have a faded or grey patina if possible. I've read about vinegar and steel wool techniques etc, but wanted to see if others have attempted a project like this before and had any input before I dive in?
It also would need to be well sealed as I have a family with young children, and the idea of grape juice stains makes me cry inside a bit.
Here is a picture (it's been sanded down a bit further since but is fairly similar in appearance still):
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Hey Grimm - the rumors are true that steel wool and vinegar will give you the oxidized patina you are after. That said any of the barn wood tables Ive made I have sanded to edges and joints to smooth those out so that there are no hard joints. When doing that you end up getting back to the original bare wood (no patina left).
Personally I find that the wood will turn darker no matter you end up putting on for a finish - the result can look very nice with a mottled colored top that ranges from bare wood to grey patina.
Finish - I would get it lacquered professionally (in a satin finish). Not super expensive and the result will be better than you can achieve on your own. Ive screwed around with finishes so many times and I just cannot replicate the look. You can go with a Danish oil/beeswax combo as well and that will give you a bit more of a satin look but it will difficult to get a nice polish as the texture of the barn wood will not allow you to buff off all the wax.
I can get more into the minutia of it all but it may be best if you have more questions to send me a PM or call me(details in sig) as there are many factors at play. I've built a few of them and I am more than willing to help you based on my experiences.
What kind of wood is it? Where was the farm at? Always curious about these projects - thanks for sharing.