Natural Wood Stain Tutorial

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Since I designed the Vintage Wine Crate Coffee Table and used a natural stain I've had several questions regarding how to make certain color stains. So I thought I'd do an experiment on a few different concoctions. I used a couple of different combinations but what was most interesting was the timeframe.

I created each concoction by cutting up a steel wool pad {use 1/2 in each solution} and 1 cup of vinegar. I let them sit for one day then painted them on some sample wood. After a week I painted the solution onto another piece of sample wood. {Please note, all samples received one coat each.} I've listed below what I discovered!

Apple Cider Vinegar with Steel Wool ~ You can't even notice a difference on Day 1. But look at that color change after one week!

Apple Cider Vinegar with Steel Wool, precoat with brewed tea ~ Day 1 creates a grey weathered look while after a week you get a rich rusty brown color.

Distilled White Vinegar with Steel Wool, precoat with brewed tea ~ Not too much difference with these two.

Distilled White Vinegar with Steel Wool ~ Again, not too much difference after Day 1. But after letting the solution sit for a week you get a nice weathered grey

Distilled White Vinegar with Steel Wool and Coffee Grounds ~ This created more of a murky brown weathered look. {Add 1/4 cup of grounds to the vinegar, steel wool solution.}

Next I'm going to try out pennies and vinegar. I hear you get a nice blue stain. Any other ideas I need to try out? Maybe a red wine stain? Let me know! {Update: Check out penny post here! And wine post here!}

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***While I'm thrilled to share my step-by-step directions, the good and the bad, these are intended for your personal use. I'm always happy to hear and see what my bloggers have been working on. BUT a lot of work goes into these creations and while I have no issues sharing so you are able to create the work for your precious homes please understand that selling an exact duplication of my designs is highly frowned upon. :( Please always be considerate of another artists work. Thank you!***