How to Make a Natural Wood Stain

If you are thinking of renovating your house by giving your old wooden furniture a new look, then it would be a great idea to make your own woodstain It is cheap, affordable, eco-friendly and you get a sense of pride and achievement with the results you will obtain.

To make your own woodstains, there are a few methods that you could use. Remember, for each and every single wood stain recipe you make, ensure that you take note of the ingredients you use and their quantities, so as to make it easier for you to repeat the recipe if needed. Also, wear gloves for every procedure, as these stains are very tenacious and would color anything!

Nails and Vinegar

This method will produce a dark, ebony-like wood stain. What you need to do is soak some iron nails in a jar of vinegar and let it sit for a few days (2 or 3). When the vinegar has completely turned to black, remove the iron nails and apply the mixture to your wooden surfaces. Initially, you will not notice any change, but as your home made wood stain dries, the wooden surface will assume a completely dark, ebony like color.

Chewing Tobacco

This is possibly one of the “healthiest ways” to use tobacco! Add some of your chewing tobacco in a jar containing ammonia and water, in equal amounts. When the mixture has changed color, apply the liquid to your wooden surface and let it dry.

Use Walnut Husks

The procedure here is the same as the previously described procedures. Soak your walnut husks in a jar with water, for several days. Remove the nut husks when the liquid has turned to dark brown, and apply the mixture as desired.

Roofing Tar

Roofing tar can also be used to make wood stains. Add a small amount of roofing tar to a cup of turpentine, and let the mixture sit for two or three days. Then, apply to your wooden surfaces, and enjoy the renewal effect!

Steel Wool

Steel wool could also be an option for homemade wood stains. Tear one pad of steel wool and put it in a jar of vinegar. Let it soak overnight. If you wish to achieve a darker coloration, you should let it sit for longer (about 5 days, when the steel starts to completely dissolve).

Play With the Colors

It is also possible to get a wood stain of colors other than black and brown. Fill a jar with white vinegar; then add some water-based ink (of any color) and then mix. It is important to use an ink that is water-based, since you are mixing it in an aqueous solution (vinegar). The vinegar serves to stabilize the wood stain color and make it more durable.

Specific Flavors

You could also obtain some specific colors for your wood stains such as coffee, hot chocolate, red wine or tomato sauce. In that case, you will actually need to use the real ingredients. For instance, for a coffee wood stain, you will need to mix up two cups of coffee with half a cup of blended coffee grounds; and for a hot chocolate stain you will need to add half a cup of cocoa to some vinegar. Be creative, and most importantly enjoy!