The finish needs to fit the house. Faux aging and finishing of a brand new Sapele banister and posts.
Here's where we start, a blank canvas if you will and a beautiful example of timber ready to go.
Water stain was generously (but carefully) applied and allowed to dry completely, looks bleak, gets better...
This stage is where the magic happens. All the high and wear points were rubbed back to give the illusion of a couple generations worth of use.
Gradually building up the shine with a fad or two of polish
Aged down, subtle shine, looks like it's always been there!