Trying to Color-Match Aged Wood | Engels Coach Shop

Choosing the right color tone on wood is such a subjective decision. I want this new wood to be old looking, but what is the right tone? Building and restoring horse drawn vehicles is influenced by each owner and their goal. Hopefully I can get this right for him. Thanks for coming along.
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[@roberteno5217]

The fact that I can maintain an interest in watching paint dry is a testament to your ability to engage and captivate your audience. Every episode is both informative and entertaining. Thank you Sir.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

I do stringed instrument repairs, and sometimes I need to match new wood to old wood, especially when it's a valuable piece. It is not easy, and each project is its own adventure of discovery. For aged/oxidized wood, the best stain I've found is stuff I make with 0000 steel wool and a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar. By varying the amounts of steel wool and the liquid (by weight in grams) I can achieve different levels of gray dye. The really difficult part of all this the fact that old wood has a lot of color contrast; staining new wood to match often can result in an appearance that's too uniform...across the board 😇 Cheers, Dave.

[@johnfoster3895]

All your different shades of gray brought a flash-back to my NAVY days and all the different shades we had to contend with. Deck gray, Haze gray (and underway), Bulkhead gray, Navy gray, Machinery gray just to name a few.

[@jonathanw4942]

Build a big wire brush planer to get the texture first. No matter what you do it will never look "weathered" old with a smooth surface.

[@willwipf7030]

Dave it looks great, the manure spreader looks almost the same, great job

[@richardsurber8226]

From California the stain looks Great! Thanks fer the video Dave. I like hoe you think out loud, whether we can do anything or not.

[@jonhaskell9630]

You've never experienced the faux "aging" of wood... until you've used a sandblaster to abrade the grain. A light hit would open the cells enough to accept your crystalline solution, which I think would look cool. If you stay on the wood a bit longer with the sandblasting process, you'll bring out the actual grain pattern itself, and then you can hit it with whatever colorant process you want to go with to finish it off. I'm just handing you another tool for your phenomenal toolbox of knowledge. Keep doing the great work!

[@davidlegay9813]

So many color variations in the world ! Could make you lose your brain 😂 Looks good to me. Thanks again for sharing your experience 😊 waiting to see the results in next videos.

[@BigTruck27]

To match the weathered texture, some wire brushing or a light pass with a wire wheel will get you there, and the stain will settle darker within the scratches, which matches the old wood, too.

[@jefferyyoung6836]

I learned that technique in school in drama working on sets.

[@billk8780]

Weathered wood in my mind tends toward the grays... and away from browns.

[@bitjockey6265]

I agree with the use of wire wheel. Here is one link to the technique. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3PJY5isiN94sK8si=GqaUsWHgGsX61Ba0 Wire brush method is around 15:00 - 20:00

[@mabloodhound]

I was going to suggest the same thing.

[@218philip]

I have a porter cable tool that resembles belt sander or power planer, it has a 5” wire wheel that is excellent for distressing wood.

[@curtisanderson1830]

I like the idea of putting masking tape on the edge of the paint can. 👍

[@stevewiller8949]

Dave you're right, leave well enough alone. I liked the metal shavings. True and tried.

[@jeffreymartin1892]

I like what you did on the floor. It looks good and will be easy to match the sides. Just my .02

[@andrewjones1649]

Hi from Spilsby, Lincolnshire, UK. Dave, what you do I think is amazing. You're my favourite KZbin channel. I only restore old triumph motorcycles, but what you do humbles me. My wife's family were the original wheelwrights and blacksmiths in our tiny town of Spilsby. The business is long gone, but she has the original account books. They did a lot more than just wheels and wagons. They even made the local vicar's coffin. Thank you.

[@richardclifton4120]

My first MC was a Triumph.

[@andrewjones1649]

@richardclifton4120 like a lot of us, the years are beginning to catch up with us. When I pop me clogs, my son will have a gigantic yard sale I reckon. 😆

[@Electric-Bob]

Small World... I know a guy here in So Cal that Restors old Triumph Motorcycles! They look brand spanking new when is done!

[@davidbamford4721]

I think that you have nailed it!

[@domingomassot]

I liked very much the way you keep clean the borders can. Congratulations!

[@scottgodfrey221]

I have used Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator it turned my barn oak gray after I made some cuts. Worked well for me.

[@Mxyme]

Beautiful

[@juliancripps1580]

Opening up the grain a little will help with the texture. It also will allow variations of tone in the grain to show. I have used ‘scotch bright’ disks in a drill arbour to distress or ‘age’ new wood. Oil after treatment soaks in better too. All the best in your deliberations, thanks for showing your work and thinking.

[@1pcfred]

I agree. It's more than just the color that contributes to the appearance of weather beaten wood. Texture plays a critical role too. Now maybe it can be simulated with a dry brush technique? But you're probably best off just distressing the surface some.

[@martin_mue]

Yes, without the texture it will always look very artificial. I would also get some very fine prairie dust from the farm and brush that into the grain and all the gaps in the boards, that will make the weathering much more realistic.

[@julesm1382]

And there's also sandblasting. I've seen pretty good results mimicking weathered wood using that.

[@petrvobecky3532]

Hi! The color of Cabot is very good. Beter, than others. Thanks for this file. Is very interesting.

[@terryhooper7249]

Love your pouring spout

[@davidbishop4015]

You've done a great job at matching the "overall look" of the wagon. Your choice of color, after all the decisions, is spot on. Those wheels really were stubborn. Stay safe.

[@dennisstephens7777]

Years ago, I used Cabot Bleaching Oil on cedar shingles and it looked great on the side of my barn. That product has been replaced by Cabot Bleaching Stain. Users report similar appearance without the smell to get that Cape Cod look. It is an acrylic product that inhibits mildew. It behaves like a semi-transparent stain with water cleanup. Good luck.

[@corrydolbeer1464]

My opinion, I think it's a winner!

[@jjohnson2553]

Dave I can't help with the color but here's a tip for you. Instead of doing the two strips of tape on your paint can and then cutting the excess away from the inside rim, try this. Put two strips of tape on the can in the shape of a V. Where the inside bottom of the V meets just at the inside edge of the can. Then when you pour, the paint is forced to the center of the V making a narrow stream and it still protects from paint getting into the channel where the lid seals. It doesn't end up running down the side of the can either. Very helpful when pouring into a smaller container.

[@nigelheffernan3857]

Hi Dave normally when I want to grey furniture I will soak it in white vinegar leave it out in the sun and just re coat once or twice a week for 2 to 3 weeks and the timber will turn grey

[@jeffsawdon5186]

Dave, I think you're overthinking it. All the colors you've come up with would work, so I hope you come up with something that will work for your vision for this project. So far it's excellent work. I truly enjoy every one of your videos.

[@farleyd]

I built and stained a lot of fence and I used Sherwin William stain. They will custom mix outdoor stains like a barn wood gray. they come in clear, semi clear and solid stains. might be worth a look

[@johnking8679]

I like the way your mind works, Dave !! You certainly think things through to come to a conclusion ! I'm a bit like that, too !!

[@johnwright6706]

I want to say at Ace, they have a cheap flexible pouring lip that attaches directly to the paint cans. Or maybe it was one of the paint stores I picked it up at. Does the job your taping does. Only a couple bucks, lasts until you lose it 😅

[@patrickwilson3403]

Dave I think the Brownish tone of the Cabot is the closer look to the older wood.

[@mikeandpaulaclay6605]

Just got back from visiting a friend who's building a house. He wanted a weathered gray look to the siding, so he dissolved steel wool in vinegar. He showed me the results and it looked authentically weathered and gray to me. I thought of you right away. Thanks for your great videos!

[@mpojr]

l believe you nailed it,,,and any slight inperfections just adds to it

[@jillatherton4660]

"In the ball park". You took the words out of my mouth. 👍

[@ericanderson636]

Dave, Cabot and some other stain companies make a bleaching oil that is meant to accelerate the aging and graying out of wood. Mostly I’ve used it on cedar shingles out here in New Hampshire. Works well but takes time to darken in the sun and weather. I use the crystals mixed with water on my bee hives and it greys out quicker than the bleaching oil. Hope this helps, Eric

[@warlockborn1031]

Coming together nicely! Maybe distress a few areas with a few nicks or dents with a old chain or old tools and darker stain the distresses areas with a darker stain to simulate wear?

[@bob-the-Millwright]

I like the color of the boards that you laid on the manure spreader. The overall tone was spot on. Just so you know your videos get a like before I even watch them.

[@simonrickard6179]

I'm a big fan of your channel, love the way you bring so many skills to bear on your projects and your customised tools. In this case I agree with some of the other comments that the aging is as much to do with texture as colour. Smooth planed wood won't really look aged, it needs to be sand blasted or wire brushed to mimic the effect of erosion by the elements then add some stain or pigment to grey it down. Good luck!

[@DebbieRogers-j3t]

We’re about the same age so maybe it came with the day age we were born in, but I’m with you I’m an analytical thinker. When I need abstract input I ask my wife. She can hold a paint sample up to the wall and say won’t that look nice. I tell I don’t know paint the wall and then let me look at it and decide! Love your channel. A visit to your shop is high on my bucket list; maybe someday!

[@bobogilvie4472]

I think YOU made the right choice.

[@suzisaintjames]

I agree... Choose one of the darker shades as you are adding pigments. And pigments often lighten over the years. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@mayforddavis9291]

The MASTER is in charge! Don't over analyze it. Really enjoy watching your videos. God Bless Mrs. Engels and you!

[@Jimmy-c4u]

I think the board you layed on the manure spreader will look good when it gets a little weather on it looks great to me

[@nowayjerk8064]

LOOKS LIKE THE RIGHT CHOICE TO ME ,THANKS FOR SHARING

[@tyomysh]

Comparing to all those old wood the new ones look more red on the TV. I guess adding green will do. And maybe some brushing with synthetic brush for the new wood to look older. And thank you for antastic channel! Looking forward for the new episodes!

[@davidpeck3087]

You nailed it! The tone is right in the middle of the wood pieces aged outdoors.

[@GerbenPolder456]

Gerby from the Netherlands here. Love your work and really like that the old trades and skills are kept alive. As for the tone of colour for the wood. Really there is no ‘right’. Out in the sun and drying easily, it will turn a light grey. But when in the shade it will remain darker and turn a bit green due to algae. Then, when not in the sun and not too humid, it might stay nice and brownish. Meaning to say that mimicking the colour is just a matter of taste. You could make the seats a bit lighter grey, add some green to the underside of it and the tops of the side boards?

[@silentferret1049]

Given how this all is, you still have more boards to do so you can fudge around with them on the stain and help skew the ones already done. Boards a little lighter can make other boards a little darker than what they really are.

[@randyhughes5160]

I know what ever you decide will look wonderful

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

I think you have it right Dave, when you're satisfied then that's what you'll go with. It does look good and hopefully the customer is Happy with it. Stay safe and keep having fun while you are working. Fred.

[@phillipsmith7081]

Dave, each specie stains differently as you know. The Cabot transparent stain leaves a satin or light gloss which needs to be sanded off lightly. Using 80 or 100 grit sandpaper to sand with the wood grain as we say "Give it a lick and a promise" to rough up the texture and cut the gloss gives a more natural ageing process I think you are looking for. Nothing stains new wood like nature; sun and weather. Look at the wagn after being out a few warm months with the stain process you have and you will be amazed. God Bless!!😊😊

[@BOBPortlandOr]

Possibly Wire brush

[@twistedupright8697]

scotchbrite works well@@BOBPortlandOr

[@anonplayer8529]

Yeah, more layers of Cabot would probably just need more work to regain the surface closer to the weathered, aged texture. Without resurfacing it gives sort of painted look.

[@Electric-Bob]

Dave... take the Boards outside in the Natural Sunlight before making a Final Decision.

[@cc3434sc]

January 19, 2024. Dave, I think you're on the right track with the metal filings.I use Fine steel wool though instead of metal filings. The steel wool will be completely desolved overnight, and the wood, depending on the species, will be black. I use apple cider vinegar.

[@tolbaszy8067]

I have used metal filings, or steel wool, and vinegar to "ebonize" walnut and cherry. This makes the wood black with just a little brown tint. I also use pulverized charcoal, right from the wood stove, to tint epoxy. This makes the epoxy deep black and polishes nicely. Maybe some charcoal in your vinegar solution will make that grey color you want. Thanks for sharing your work!

[@JayHova4x4]

Best advice I could give: don't overthink it; go with your gut. Trying to second-guess yourself almost never ends well.

[@jimlong527]

Dave looks great, you are the biggest critic but I think you did well.

[@ronaldfarmer1208]

looks good to me

[@flywayhome8903]

Once again thanks for the video.

[@silviosouza7694]

I've also been trying to get this tone on the wood for a while now. I am, thank God, almost finished in terms of the proportion of the ingredients....Wait! Abs from Brazil!

[@DavidSmith-zr3nd]

I think it's a pretty match.

[@spunas1]

had me laughing with the Pyrex measure cup! Missing spots drove me crazy! lol Keep it up buddy! You fill my addiction for perfection!

[@bigun447]

A good artist is one who knows when to stop.

[@Daniel-gi3jo]

The Cabot looks good, over time may even be better. Sunlight, outside and you'll see. Thanks Dave for the science of your concrete process.

[@hanswahlstrom9822]

Use iron vitriol (järnvitriol in Swedish) it’s an old way of protecting wood in the Nordic countries. Stains the wood gray more or less instantly and gives it an aged look directly. I think it would give you the look you want.

[@jonathanniska623]

the more you mess with it the better chance of screwing it up. my thinker works the same as yours. Don't overthink it. The only way you get closer than you are right now is by putting it outside and letting nature and time help you. Looks good as it is.

[@oc2phish07]

Oh dear! What is Mrs Dave going to say when she sees what you used her best Pyrex measuring jug for? Great video again Dave, a real pleasure to be following along.

[@philhunt9297]

Ms Diane is probably going to say "I've got 3/4 similar jugs all hardly used because I prefer this old 1870's version although it's not as clear or accurate............but who needs accuracy" Sorry Diane - I guess I've been watching too many of Dave's videos to guess the answer.

[@scottbarrett6754]

Haha! I thought the same thing!😂

[@paulstanding7267]

Hi Dave I think for all the variations on the woods colours I think the thinners and steel fillings look much better in time it will get darker as time passes. 👍

[@jonmchugh657]

Dave all your work is amazing to me ! Thanks for sharing so much with everyone ! I am sure whatever decision you make will be good. God bless !

[@chuckotto7021]

I have used a propane torch to blacken oak to match the original color of an old clock case to replace a missing component.. When the torch is first applied, the wood grain lifts a little. If you keep going, the sood turns black and is surprisingly stable. I wonder id a light application of heat might turn the surface of your wagon wood a little closer to your target.

[@eastcoastwatch672]

Charming driftwood gray hue is use to weather cedar shakes siding on Cap Cod .

[@russellwall1964]

Dave, while only you can decide if it’s right, the camera makes it look mighty decent to me. I like the results you got, but that’s just one man’s opinion and at the end of the day you have to be happy with your choice. :-). And I always enjoy following along!

[@peterjenne3552]

I think you nailed it !!!

[@gregwitkamp5583]

I used engine drain oil on my Barn to preserve the seal the wood as well as mimic weathered barn wood and it has done just that after a couple years.

[@glencrandall7051]

Wish I could help but I really suck when it comes to mix and match color. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@opendstudio7141]

It’s always a crapshoot distressing new lumber. I’m confident that no matter the results, the finish product will be fantastic. Personally, I’ve had good results using the 4ought steel wool and distilled vinegar. I do first distressed the wood using a weed torch and wire brush to bring out details before applying the vinegar solution to gray it out. The next day it looks relatively like old barn wood after the fuzz is knocked off.

[@WayneT51]

G'day Dave That finish has come up well.👍I'd leave it as is, no second coat, I think that'd be more for a traffic area eg a deck. Now the boss knows where Pyrex jug went.😋

[@vdsgw52]

You have done an amazing job.

[@donbell8187]

I have used Potassium Permanganate (1 table spoon per pint of water) to age wood. Like everything else, it is kind of trial and error. It does work well to age paint. You could see what it does to one of your stain samples. It will oxidize it to a more subdued color.

[@repairrestoreandrebuild8974]

I was thinking the same, the more you mess with it, the more chance you have to mess it up. I think it looks good. The only thing telling you it's not old wood is smooth surfaces and square edges. It has a weathered color without a weathered texture. I say it matches the floor well and will age nicely.

[@george-b3i-d2d]

i used the Cabot semi transparent on my cedar fence boards, worked well, after 7 years now time to put on another coat, we live in northern Nevada with wind snow and sun

[@rclifford8708]

Every day is a learning experience

[@wijmakenalles]

There is more green in the manure speader wood. You could try Mohawk Toner to add more variation. You could also look up how furniture restorers match new to old on YT like John's Furniture Repair. Good Luck!

[@annnnonnymous]

First time seeing the masking tape trick. Im using that next time I do some painting, very clever.

[@heartland96a]

Another method is to put a couple drain holes spaced around the can in the recess where the lid goes in so the liquid can drain back to the bottom

[@1pcfred]

I bought a plastic paint can spout at the big box store. It's a game changer. Just wipe it off and it's reusable. It snaps on the inner lip. $1.79 at Ace Hardware. It kind of looks like the brim of a ball cap cut off a little?

[@heartland96a]

@@1pcfred yes there are a number of clever items to make painting less messy

[@1pcfred]

@@heartland96a I do try to be a neat painter. A lot of it is just being careful. But there are adherents to the slob approach too. Which with the right techniques can work. You can't be afraid of the paint.

[@harpintn]

My suggestion is that you take one of your test pieces and give it a light hand sanding along the wood grain with some 50 grit paper and see what you think of the results. it should vary the colors some by removing part of the Cabot stain and allowing the older coats to show through. I think that will give you a less consistent color and make it look more like it was naturally aged.

[@davidchisham]

I think you have a great choice in a color

[@marcpescosolido163]

Agreed. It’s going to change slowly with age and that’s a good thing.

[@1950Argee]

It's a great match! Don't verklempt about it. Let it fly.

[@sharpshooter470]

You are on the right track. There is no replacement for what nature did over many years. This wood will also change. Bless it and move on. Thanks for sharing your work.

[@sanderkoster9680]

I’d say you are an artist in your own right Dave. Maybe not with paint but certainly with woodworking, metalworking and archeology that you do to (re)build these wagons. I’m very grateful that I stumbled upon your channels some years ago, it gives me so much inspiration and ideas, so thank you! Cheers from the northern part of the Netherlands, -Sander.

[@dwansbo]

Try a lime wash, works with oak. Don't know about other species.

[@MrBrucester]

You, sir, are an artist in three dimension. When I look at the things you build, they are art not pictorial but three ❤dimensional art! Thank you for posting your videos.

[@danmclean3384]

Hello again from Alberta, Canada (but I am originally from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada). I'm sure you heard of the old saying - "if it's not broke...don't fix it". And based on your experience, and trying to match the color tones to really old wood...please remember 'you're' new finish will have a chance to weather (should the wagon be placed into the elements) and will of course change it's tone overtime from natural effects should it be stored in a sun filled room. I think you would be happy with that Cabot stain that you are leaning towards - especially after re-applying it, as per direction, in a week or so. Cheers! Dan

[@Audion]

What you are talking about is a cool grey vs a warm grey. It's a standard discussion of us fine art painters.

[@grasshopper7760]

You have done a great job layering the colors to get it right! I say leave it be.

[@donwilliams3626]

Thanks for sharing the lengths you have explored to get it to look just right. That attention to detail is artistry. In our custom woodworking shop we used a burnished with a 6" wide white wheel to create a weathered texture before applying the finish. Maybe this technique will deliver the weathered look you are seeking.

[@ronboe6325]

It's a good rabbit hole. Plastic scale modelers, especially ones that do diorama's, folks that make props for movies and theater plays - all have their tricks for aging things. Kinda depends on just how deep you want to go. Some folks that build old style furniture like to put on an aged paint job (I "think" the process is an oil finish and base coat with a milk paint of a different colour on top. The milk paint refuses to lay down a nice thin film and instead crinkles up while drying, leaving a lot of the base coat showing through - just like a failed aged painted piece). It all depends on just how crazy you want to go.

[@TheVespap200e]

Leave it as is! Looks good to my eyes.😀👍

[@magomat6756]

Graying wood with soda Firstly, you can gray wood by using baking soda. Make sure you buy this type of soda and not washing soda. After completing the preparations, make a mixture of 50% baking soda and 50% water. Once everything is mixed well, you can apply this mix to the wood. It is advisable to do this job on a sunny day so that everything can dry faster. Let the wood dry for about 6 hours, after which you remove the last traces of baking soda with a wire brush. Rinse the wood one last time with water and dry it completely with a cloth. Graying wood with soda gives a wooden surface a beautiful gray tint

[@rexmasters1541]

The Cabot stain looks the best.

[@ariennelandry9207]

Shades of gray!😆

[@richardbirmingham1586]

More than a bit of artistic skill showing there Dave !

[@chuckkamp4146]

“Don’t put fine knives with wooden handles in the dishwasher.” A solvent that would cut and remove some of the natural oil from the wood might accelerate the aging. UV rays from the sun bleach and age pretty much anything. I wonder what effect liquid bleach would have on the appearance of the wood. UV light is used to sterilize medical devices. I have no idea how practical or expensive a UV light would be. At any rate, keep up your good work. You are an inspiration.

[@DougSamm]

I like experimenting ! I like things like that Japanese torch/ burn, the scrape or brush off the char is great old look plus it preserves. Also soaking bucket of black walnut fir stain.