Handhewn Oak Fireplace Finishing Question #2

[John Goodin]

So I cut a hand-hewn white oak beam into a fireplace and retained a lot of the original brown and gray patina. There is a freshly-sawn ledger board which has exposed a tone common with white oak. Is there anything besides adding a dye or stain to tone down the golden color? Would a couple of days in the sun darken white oak a little? I do not need a drastic change but enough to tone down some of the brightness.

[John TenEyck]

There is a product called "weathered" or something similar that is supposed to make new wood look like old wood. Rustoleum and others I think make it. You mght want to consider trying one of them on some scrap.

John

[Jim Becker]

I agree with John's recommendation. Sun isn't going to give you a material effect in any short length of time..."you need da chemicals buddy!"

[Phil Mueller]

In this video, The Wood Whisperer darkens wood with baking soda. Might be something to try...

https://youtu.be/JYH083c8dEw