Staining Wood for Trestle Kit

[davefoxx]

I have a wood trestle kit, which recommends staining the wood before gluing the pieces together.  Good idea, but it suggests a Minwax stain like Dark Walnut, which doesn't look like it represents creosoted wood, judging by the photo on the front of the box.  Looks too new and untreated.  Suggestions for stain or paint to represent creosoted wood?

Thanks,
DFF

[Philip H]

Good old fashioned India ink diluted 1 teaspoon to one pint 70% isopropyl. Brush on, wipe off with a paper tOwel, repeat until you get your desired color.

[davefoxx]

Too easy and cheap.  Love it!  Thanks, Philip.

[DKS]

The Minwax Dark Walnut stain does a good job of simulating fresh creosoted lumber. You can simulate wood that has been in the elements for a little while by applying the Minwax stain sparingly, and then rubbing it down with alcohol on a rag. Philip's recommendation for India ink does a good job representing wood that has been around for a good long while.

For different effects, I have also used generic brown powdered concrete dye mixed with water and rubbed into the wood, as well as brown Sharpies (for smaller projects).

[davefoxx]

DKS,

Thanks for responding. I think the very aged look is what I should be going for, since this is supposed to be a short line's bridge surviving into the 1980s.  Wouldn't you agree?  Although I doubt the A&R used many wood trestles, it will help provide a contrast between the Class 1 SBD line and the cash-starved short line.  Hmm, guess I better reconsider handlaying code 40 on the A&R sooner rather than later.  Rats.

DFF

[Philip H]

Dave,
I think you can hold off track laying - just put a bunch of static grass and foliage clumps on your bridge and call it good.

[tom mann]

Use this stain from MicroMark.  It comes in a grey or brown:

http://www.micromark.com/SearchResult.aspx?deptIdFilter=0&searchPhrase=age-it+easy+gray%2c+3-1%2f2+fl.+oz.

 

[Ian MacMillan]

Good old fashioned India ink diluted 1 teaspoon to one pint 70% isopropyl. Brush on, wipe off with a paper tOwel, repeat until you get your desired color.

+1

[sizemore]

Testors "Rubber" is fond to my eye.

The S.