How to Create a Pickled or Ceruse Finish

I have discussed in the past what I called "today's white wash". In this discussion I had several readers ask me how to create it. To which I reply- I am not that kind of designer- I am not a "Martha Stewart" do it yourselfer. Instead- I am the kind of designer that knows where to purchase wonderful pieces.

However- this morning I was reading my August Martha Stewart magazine- and read an article that I thought some of you might appreciate- on creating a "pickled" or "ceruse" finish. I thought I would go over the 7 step process.

1. Strip the original finish.
2. Fill in small holes and chips with wood filler.
3. A light torching begins to open the filaments inside the grain. (be careful :)
4. Before staining- go over the furniture with a wire brush to further open the grain.
5. Apply a black alcohol based stain with a bristle brush- and use a rag to smooth it out. The number of coats will depend on the wood.
6. When the stain is dry- rub in a transparent water based sealer that locks in the color.
7. Rub on a white wax by hand and then force it into the grain with a bristle brush and terry cloth. Rub off excess with steel wool.
8. Remove the white from the surface- but it stays in the grain- so the wood pattern remains.

Compare these nice step by step directions with these or these. I especially like the response that begins, "I'm guessing." Who would write in if they have to guess? Anyway- I am inspired to try it myself. If any of you do- take some pictures and let us know how it goes! Now- where do I get a torch? Do you think my creme brulee one would work?

I'm sure if we wait a month- there would have been a nice link to Martha's site for this info- but I wasn't able to find one today- I think you are all supposed to go buy her magazine. ;)