As usual, necessity is the mother of invention. This last weekend I was at my parents house with my brother who wanted to build a display stand for his 20 gallon aquarium. My dad has a plethora of home milled lumber and some fun power tools so there was no way I could pass on such a project.
Together a good friend of mine, my brother and I got to work build the aquarium stand. The picture below shows how the aquarium stand turned out (you can see the DIY Stain in the bottom left corner):
Together a good friend of mine, my brother and I got to work build the aquarium stand. The picture below shows how the aquarium stand turned out (you can see the DIY Stain in the bottom left corner):
 |
| DIY Aquarium Stand for 20 gallon Fish Tank |
Now that we had a finished project, we realized we needed some wood stain. So I improvised (using some of the knowledge from this post about making natural dyes) and I quickly whipped up a stain using beets, spinach, vinegar and flour. We went ahead and applied the stain with an old rag and this is how it turned out!
 |
| DIY Aquarium Stand with Beet and Spinach Wood Stain |
I didn't end up with too many pictures as I wasn't really sure that this was going to work out. However, given the success of this stain, I plan on doing further experiments with these natural dyes. When I create more DIY Natural Stains I will post more detailed recipes.
Read below for directions on how to make your own wood stain from natural dyes!
Read below for directions on how to make your own wood stain from natural dyes!
Recipe for Wood Stain for Natural Dyes
In reality I was just making this stain up as I went, but it turned out really well. That said, feel free to get creative if you think you can improve upon this recipe, and then let me know. :)
 |
| Beet & Spinach Wood Stain |
- One 8 oz Can of Beets
- One 8 oz Can of Spinach
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup white flour
The first thing I did was dump out all of the water from each can. Then I added each can to a blender and made a puree. Next, I put it in a saucepan and added 1/4 cup of vinegar and let it all simmer for about 15 minutes. I added a little bit of flour to thicken the consistency. My hope was that the vinegar and flour would help with the penetration and adhesion of the stain. Also the vinegar would help keep the stain more shelf stable. After it simmered for 15 minutes I removed it from the saucepan and let it cool.
To apply the stain to the wood we used an old rag and just lathered it on really thick. We let it sit for about 5-10 minutes and then we wiped off any excess stain. The result was pretty exciting! To seal in this stain I would add a varnish or shellac. Ideally you would use my DIY Beeswax Wood Sealant to keep you project all natural!
To apply the stain to the wood we used an old rag and just lathered it on really thick. We let it sit for about 5-10 minutes and then we wiped off any excess stain. The result was pretty exciting! To seal in this stain I would add a varnish or shellac. Ideally you would use my DIY Beeswax Wood Sealant to keep you project all natural!
Hey There, What do you think of using well water iron sediment as a pine wood floor stain? When I change the "Whole house water filter",the stuff is caked on to filter.It stains my hands.Do you see any "Cons" to this? It's the Pumpkin pine shade we want too!!
ReplyDeleteYou have the best posts. I was looking for wood straining and found you. Wow. You totally rock and I cannot believe how extensive and easy you make these posts. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you could tell me the best way to remove a finish on a piece of furniture without using harsh chemicals. Is sanding the only way???
ReplyDeleteJohanne
Nice, I really like the color of your finished product! A couple of days ago I juiced some beets, tested that two ways : 1. straight, and 2. after boiling a bit..The boiled beet juice gave a more red color but still quite light. I also tried Cabernet Sauvignon...That could get bit expensive though and was not as nice a color! Maybe I will get some red grapes and try that with the beets.
ReplyDeleteI want a really dark, rich, reddish color...so if anyone has more ideas please let me know.
Stephanie
I would try fresh beet juice...I just googled staining wood with beets and a post about a very red-stained table (too red for my taste) came up. It almost looked like cherry wood.
ReplyDeleteI would say coffee would work as well as maybe walnut husks if boiled. it may not be what you want but its bound to work.
ReplyDeleteWow, This is awesome, I came across this and I'm going to try some today! Question though, what is the purpose of the spinach in this particular recipe? I assume it's not for the green color. To build up the consistancy of the stain?
ReplyDeleteThanks for this (and the natural varnish) great info. My wife and I will use it in our veggie juice bar in Lima, Peru... keeps us in our minimalist, natural vibe!
ReplyDeleteWe made a dark olive juice (just the juice that comes with the olives) stain but wonder if the water content (even though I boiled it down) means I have to dry it before varnish/installation? Using nice and dry old pallet wood.
Great tips, thanks for posting. I've used coffee grounds to stain wood, as well as left over tea. I know some people also use shoe polish on wood, makes a nice dark stain...
ReplyDeleteDownload 16,000 Woodworking Plans & Projects
ReplyDeletehttp://woodworkingplanspro.weebly.com
Woodworking guide offers anyone of any skill level the ability to build amazing projects. The guide is extra helpful because it offers more detailed explanations, videos and blueprints then your typical woodworker magazine.
Hope it will help you next time !
If you'd like an easy way to earn part-time
ReplyDeleteincome by doing something FUN, go check this out now:
http://www.woodprofits.com?vhbshygdf398432
Fantastic!Very nice information for viewer and this post surely give some useful tips to the readers. Wooden floor maintenance in Canyon TX
ReplyDeleteProfessional cleaning in Canyon
I'M NOW FULFILL FINANCIALLY BECAUSE OF THE LOAN I GOT FROM LFDS .I would like to bring this to the notice of the public about how i came in contact with LFDS after i lost my job and being denied loan by my bank and other financial institution due to my credit score. I could not pay my children's fees. I was behind on bills, about to be thrown out of the house due to my inability to pay my rent, It was during this period my kids were taken from me by foster care. Then i set out to seek for funds online where i lost $3,670 that i borrowed from friends which i was rip off by two online loan companies. Until i read about:Le_Meridian Funding Service (lfdsloans@outlook.com / lfdsloans@lemeridianfds.com) somewhere on the internet, Still wasn't convince because of what i have been through until a relative of mine who is a clergy also told me about the ongoing loan scheme of LFDS at a very low interest rate of 1.9%% and lovely repayment terms without penalty for default of payment. I have no choice than to also contact them which i did through text +1-989-394-3740 and Mr Benjamin responded back to me That day was the I'M best and greatest day of my life which can never be forgotten when i receive a credit alert of $400,000.00 Usd loan amount i applied for. I utilized the loan effectively to pay up my debts and to start up a business and today i and my kids are so happy and fulfill. You can as well contact them through email: (lfdsloans@outlook.com / lfdsloans@lemeridianfds.com) WhatsApptext helpline: +1-989-394-3740 Why am i doing this? I am doing this to save as many that are in need of a loan not to be victim of scams on the internet. Thanks and God bless you all, I'm Oleksander Artem from Horizon Park BC , Ukrain.
ReplyDeleteYour article is great. Take a look at mine. onlinebet
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind that potholes are far less likely in concrete. Best paving company
ReplyDeleteI will be looking forward to your next post. Thank you
ReplyDeleteเฟิร์น ณัฐฌา เน็ตไอดอลสาวสวย นางฟ้าแห่งวงการฟุตบอลไทย
I will be looking forward to your next post. Thank you
ReplyDeleteแทงหวยออนไลน์ คือสิ่งที่น่าสนใจที่สุด "
สูตรแทงบอลสูงต่ํา
ReplyDeleteวิธีแทงบอลออนไลน์
ตารางบาคาร่า
บอลสเต็ปออนไลน์
ufajom.xyz
คาสิโนสด