rscrane Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I am currently working on a "whole house" renovation of a dollhouse from my wife's childhood. It has four rooms and an attic. We are Christmas enthusiasts, and live in an 18th century home, and so decided to make each room a holiday setting from four eras: colonial, Jeffersonian, Victorian and 1950's. We are still in the structural phase -- I am getting ready to start putting in the wiring. For that, my current challenge is learning how to "age" wood. I want to have switchable and/or dimmable circuits, and so am using a portion of the unfinished attic, behind a partition, for the hookups. So, I'm trying to figure out how to make the wood look old, but not necessarily weathered, as this is the inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Day Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 That sounds great Richard! Welcome! You can put up an album after 5 posts - and we LOVE pictures! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Val Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Hello and Welcome to the forum. What a great idea you have for the house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PATBIDLACK Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monica_the_haunted Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Hi and to the group! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfie Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Hello and welcome Richard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilovecats Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Hello and welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gayle Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 Hello and welcome to the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesterfieldzoo Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 Welcome!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audra Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 Welcome!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shy Spirit Posted August 31, 2008 Share Posted August 31, 2008 Hi Richard, welcome to the group! Aging wood that's indoors - well, I would stain it darker to begin with. Then, I'd lightly sand certain areas of "traffic" - stair treads (if stairs aren't carpeted), edges of doorways (where hands have rubbed the wood), stair banisters (hands again), entryways; that sort of thing. Not sure if I would stain the worn areas a lighter colour - or darker. I think where hands have touched the wood, it should be darker - because of the skin oils that penetrate the grain. Where boots and shoes have worn it, maybe it should be lighter. If the wood is painted, I'd use the same idea, and sand off a light layer of the paint in places, maybe showing a different colour or two underneath - those being the previous owner's colours. Maybe you could visit a heritage home or museum in your area to observe the wood! I see that you live in a lovely old home - that will be a wonderful research tool itself. I'm no expert, but that's how I would go about it. I'd play around until it looked "right" to me! :yes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 Welcome to the forum family, Richard. Which house are you renovating? For aging the interior, in addition to sanding and darker stain you might grate some black chalk pastel or drawing charcoal and rub a little into damp stain for high-traffic areas on your floors. Crackle glazes for painted surfaces like trim around doors and windows would be quite effective. For all out shabby wear & tear you can sponge strong tea or coffee on the wallpaper to age it and take your fingernail to make tiny tears or rub small worn spots with your finger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judithfa Posted September 1, 2008 Share Posted September 1, 2008 Hi and . What great ideas you have for dollhouse! Post pictures of your progress. This sounds like a great project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shakyshaky Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Hi and welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynette Smith Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 Welcome to the neighborhhod, Richard! :wub: Sounds like a fun and original theme. You ought to choose a theme for the attic too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdeer96 Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 Welcome to the group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heidiiiii Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Welcome fellow Nutmegger! Glad you found us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treedydi Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 Have you experimented with "Crackle" and then staining? Using very small strokes might get you the look you are trying for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THmini2 Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 Hi and welcome. Your idea sounds very interesting. Can't wait for pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zappur Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 Hi and welcome. Your idea sounds wonderful. I can't wait to see pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minis On The Edge Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 Hi there And Welcome to the neighborhood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hallowell Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 :monkeydance: Welcome :popcorn: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corwin Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 Hello and and i apologize for the late welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueUni47 Posted October 4, 2008 Share Posted October 4, 2008 Hello and welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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