Paint Tips: Aging new cedar to match old decking

We often replace rotten cedar decking on older decks. When replacing only a few boards on an older deck, they appear much lighter in color when finished with anything less than a solid finish. To give a weathered appearance on the new cedar we use a solution of vinegar with steel wool in it. Depending on how gray the board must appear, we can apply multiple coats a few hours apart. In no time your newly replaced boards will look like they have been there for years. This technique also works on any other unpainted cedar you would like to see with that nostalgic “weathered grey” Nantucket style patina.