This month’s Mailbag question comes from Caryl in Orlando, FL.  Here is what she wrote to us:

My interest is in antiquing & distressing furniture. I bought a book and one of the supplies that it recommends is rottenstone.  The book says it is a fine, light brown powder which is used as a mild abrasive to give texture to some antiquing techniques.  I have not been able to find it, however.  Have you heard of it? And do you know where to get it? Thank you!

From Regina: Hi, Caryl!  I have heard of rottenstone and have used it sparingly throughout the years.  It’s a kind of fine crusty textured rock dust with some coloration to it — but it will just age nicely and not scratch your surface.  When I’ve used it, I’ve experimented with both mixing it with dead flat vanish and Liberon furniture wax, separately.  (I’m sure you can even use a tinted glaze, although I haven’t tried that. You can see that rottenstone is very versatile in its use.)  It gives it a nice crusty aged look by gathering in the crevices and lines so it looks like the piece has been weathering for years.  Just so you know, I use the dead flat varnish with it to give it a fully flat appearance — something that’s been weathering for ages doesn’t have much of a sheen to it.  If you use the Liberon wax, it will leave some sheen (esp. if you buff it) but it gives is a more elegant edge than just a flat surface.  It really depends on the look you are going for.

Refinish Furniture is a cool website for those who are interested in learning more about working on furniture.  They have some great information and tips.  Please note that Woodworker’s Supply sells rottenstone online, among many other good products.  Hope this has helped!

For our blog readers, here’s a pic what rottenstone looks like and what it does:

            rottenstone.jpg

If you have any questions about faux and such, please feel free to write in.  I’m here to help…and we may just pick it to be in the Mailbag!  Have a great day!