Wood stain. A necessity for finishing touches as an alternative to paint when you're wanting to obtain a beautiful wood grain finish on projects.
What if you're trying to obtain a beautiful color with wood stain but want to avoid all the chemicals? That was the case with me when I was three and a half months pregnant with my daughter. Preparing the nursery upstairs, turned into updating the whole upper level of our home. Nesting was in full swing when I decided to stain our vaulted wood ceiling in our bedroom. Howevwr, I didn't like the idea of sleeping underneath a ceiling that I had just stained, especially with heightened senses. So, began my search for an alternative.od stain. A necessity for finishing touches as n alternative to paint when you're wanting to obtain a beautiful wood grain finish on projects. What if you're trying to obtain a beautiful color with wood stain but want to avoid all the chemicals? That was the case with me when I was three and a half months pregnant with my daughter. Preparing the nursery upstairs, turned into updating the whole upper level of our home. Nesting was in full swing when I decided to stain our vaulted wood ceiling in our bedroom. However, I didn't like the idea of sleeping underneath a ceiling that I had just stained, especially with heightened senses. So, began my search for an alternative stain. A necessity for finishing touches as n alternative to paint when you're wanting to obtain a beautiful wood grain finish on projects. What if you're trying to obtain a beautiful color with wood stain but want to avoid all the chemicals? That was the case with me when I was three and a half months pregnant with my daughter. Preparing the nursery upstairs, turned into updating the whole upper level of our home. Nesting was in full swing when I decided to stain our vaulted wood ceiling in our bedroom. I didn't like the idea of sleeping underneath a ceiling that I had just stained, especially with heightened senses. So, began my search for an alternative.
The method I used was nothing new. As a matter of fact, this is the method used before the current status quo of stains. Super simple and loaded with convenience.
Steel wool and vinegar stain.
There are multiple combinations you can try with this and each one will have different effects on different kinds of wood. So far, the wood I have used in all of my projects with my homemade stain has been Pine.
Note: This method only works on untreated, bare wood. There is a reaction that occurs between the bare wood and stain.
I tried two different combinations for my stain. The first was steel wool and white vinegar. The second
I tried two different combinations for my stain. The first was steel wool and white vinegar. The second was steel wool and balsamic vinegar. You can also try with apple cider vinegar.
The hardest part about this DIY project a the waiting game. The longer the steel wool sits in the vinegar, the difference it will make in the end result.
Ok...so to make the stain, simply place a steel wool pad in a jar, and cover it with the vinegar of your choice.
Let the steel wool soak for at least 24hrs then test on wood. Continue to do this every 24hrs until you obtain the look that you like.
After testing my mixtures, balsamic vinegar after 5 days was the winner. I liked the classic look and feel it gave the Pinewood.
Here is my ceiling before and after.
The best part about it: No bad and strong chemical fumes. Plus! Super easy clean-up!
I love having this stain on hand now too for future projects.
Happy making!
❤ Christina