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I am equal parts frugal and lazy. Or at least that’s how I see it. I don’t like to spend more if I don’t need to, and I don’t like running random errands to gather things/supplies. Especially now that I have a toddler and preschooler in tow. That means that if I can find a way to make due with the supplies that I have on hand, that’s exactly what I do.
Enter DIY wood stain.
Years ago, while pregnant with my first, I wanted to make some picture shelves for our new house. I bought brackets online, and I bought a couple of boards, but I didn’t really want to buy stain. It was stormy outside, and I didn’t really have a place to stain in the new house. I wanted to be able to stain inside, but I didn’t want fumes, and I wanted something simple and easy. I’m sure there are many people out there that think staining is super easy, but I just knew that I could make due with something in the house.
I started researching various DIY wood stain methods and eventually fell in love with the vinegar and steel wool method. I ALWAYS have vinegar on hand, due to my crunchy ways. There was also some steel wool in the garage from a previous project.
How to Create Wood Stain with Vinegar and Steel Wool
Ingredients:
- Vinegar (white or apple cider are both fine, they give slightly different colors)
- 0000 steel wool
- Jar or bucket
- Gloves
- Bowl
- Rag, washcloth, or brush
- Coffee (optional)
- Tea (optional)
- Red wine (optional)
Directions:
- Rinse and pull apart steel wool. Place pieces in large jar or bucket.
- Cover steel wool with vinegar type of choice. Lightly cover or close, and place in a safe space to “brew.”
- Leave it alone for at least 24 hours. The longer you go, the darker it will become.
NOTE: I always go at least a week, personally. - Once brewed, remove any steel wool still left if you don’t want it to get any darker in color.
- Add any color helpers that you might want. I often add strongly brewed coffee, black tea, or even red wine. Some times I add all three. Mix well.
How to Use:
- Pour some of the stain in a bowl or holder of your choice. Choose something that works well with the brush or rag you use for application.
NOTE: I always use a rag, so I use a glass bowl, or old yogurt tub. Things that I can reach in easily, as well as clean easily. - Dip your rag or brush into the stain and spread all across the surface of the wood. Pay attention to corners and hard to reach spots.
- After one coat, let sit for at least 20 minutes to dry. The color change will be minimal when first applied, but will then “develop” as it dries.
- An additional coat can be applied to slightly darken the wood, but it won’t build a lot in color.
- Allow to dry and then steal with beeswax if desired.
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