Don't know if this is old news or not, but I learned this trick from a model railroader. When you want to weather wood, to give it that old faded look, take a gallon size container of vinegar and a piece of 0000 steel wool. Break the steel wool into small pieces and stuff into the container of vinegar. Place the container outside for a couple of days until the steel wool has dissolved. Once dissolved you can brush it onto the wood and it will give it the washed out greyish look of wood that has been out in the sun for years. I have tried it on balsa and bass wood, and was very happy with the results. If you don't like it your only out about 3 dollars. Just use caution on smaller strips of wood as it is easy to warp it if you use too much at one time. Hope this helps some of you.
Best Regards,
Robert Beebe