Aging replacement parts for old furniture

Buying old furniture in need of serious repairs can be a bargain for the person willing to fix it up and refinish it. One major hurdle: making new parts match the color of the original parts.

Disassemble the piece of furniture and use wood that matches in species and grain for replacement parts. Reassemble the parts before stripping the varnish or other finish on them. Now, cover the replacement parts with dirty strippings and wipe off. About the third time you do this, you won't be able to distinguish the new part from the old ones.
—Bill Perkins, Roachdale, Ind.