Rustic furniture can be tarred with a light pine tar finish when it is intended for outdoor, workshop, or display use and the dark weathered appearance is part of the design.
Tar works best on rustic furniture that does not need to behave like polished indoor furniture. Benches, stools, log seats, garden tables, camp furniture, and rough shelves can all take on a strong traditional character from pine tar. Smooth chairs, indoor tables, and upholstered pieces are usually poor candidates.
Apply the finish after shaping and sanding, because tar will clog abrasives and darken every mark left in the wood. Use a brush or cloth to work a thin coat into the surface. Feet, lower rails, underside parts, and end grain can take more treatment than seats, backs, and hand-contact areas.
The finished furniture should be allowed to settle before use. Fresh tar can stain clothing and skin, especially on warm days. If the furniture will be sat on regularly, keep the seat surface as clean and lightly treated as possible, or use tar only on the frame and legs.