Create nail stains and distressed wood.
![](https://images.finewoodworking.com/app/uploads/2016/09/14103459/n1412080848_127583_8418_sqm.jpg)
I am working with a piece of reclaimed wood that has some blackened nail holes.
Is there a way to create more holes that have the stain/rust look of the original holes from which nails were pulled? I would like to use these as a design element.
Thanks,
G
Replies
General question.. Is that the same as an old steamer trunk?
Sorry. I went to the wrong post!
Edited 8/29/2008 9:26 pm by WillGeorge
maybe drive in a few uncoated nails and give it a spray with some salt water?
welcome to Knots kungfujesus
yep I change my oil every 3000 miles or when I get bored...which ever comes first
This is all theoretical, but is how I would try to do it:
Stick a nail in it. Preferably rusty.
Dab a little distilled vinegar around the nail with, a q-tip. Out to the limit where you want the stain. The stain should be wicked in to where the vinegar ends.
The rust and acetic acid will form iron acetate. The iron acetate reacts with the tannins in the wood to make the stain. If you want a general look, you could mix vinegar and steel wool to form a stain.
Or, you could probably just punch the holes, and then use a q-tip to put the vinegar/steel wool stain around the holes. But, I'm not sure it would get the same look as using the nails as a rust source.
thanks!
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