Post #433500 by woofmutt on Tue, Feb 10, 2009 11:40 AM

It would seem from the high level of detail and creativity you're capable of that you of all people would be able to figure out how to get what you want. But here's my 15 cent's worth...

I've used all sorts of different things to age carvings, paintings, furniture, and natural mat like Lahala. Experimentation is best.

Ralph Lauren Paint has several different aging materials. I've used the Smoke one and like the effect. Home Depot carries the Ralph paint line.

Paint and wipe techniques generally work well: Apply a stain or thinned paint (I've also mixed water based stain and paint)and wipe off excess with a cloth. Whether the cloth is dry or damp or soaked in the material you're applying all depends on what sort of look you're going for.

The surface of some natural materials can be resistant to taking stain so finishes have to sit on the surface. A full wipe will often remove everything applied but a patting technique will work.

When I age something I don't want it to look like a piece of made in China "rustic" decor. Avoiding signs of brush strokes and wiping is important.

Many surfaces in a bar that have acquired a genuine patina of age have often been cleaned over time so broad flat surface areas might be essentially clean with all the "age" showing in the cracks and edges.