Soak some steel wool in white vinegar for a few hours or a few days – the longer it steeps, the darker the aged effect will be. … Use 0000 steel wool (shown here) so it breaks down even faster in the vinegar.

Does cedar get darker?

If left in its natural state, some darkening of the wood can be expected as it ages and the color variation will become less pronounced. Application of transparent finishes will also darken western red cedar to some degree but they form a protective surface that is easier to maintain.

What is a good stain for cedar?

• Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Stain.
• Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Stain.
• Defy Extreme Transparent Exterior Wood Stain.
• Olympic Stain Elite Woodland Oil Stain.
• Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Stain.