The Druid Sustainability Resource Forum

[PanIdaho]

I've been wondering if anyone knows of any natural wood stains? I've been experimenting a bit, but haven't found anything so far with enough staying power to actually "stain" raw wood. My "beet and rowanberry stain" was a total flop. Don't even ask. lol

I understand that woad will stain wood, so I plan to try that some time this summer, and I've heard walnut hulls can stain wood, but other than that, I don't know what else to even try. Anyone have any good ideas?

Teresa

[gaelan]

Yes, walnut hulls are excellent for this. They'll even stain metal.

I once used poke berries to stain some wood. They gave it a reddish-purple color that lasted for several years.
_________________
Only when the last tree has been cut down
Only when the last river has been poisoned
Only after the last fish has been caught
Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten

[PanIdaho]

[PanIdaho]

Well, I did some research and unfortunately pokeweed is out of our range. Our USDA Zone here is 4b-5a, and it's only hardy to USDA Zone 6a. Too bad, as it's also a good wildlife forage, wild edible food for humans and some folks use it as a magical herb as well.

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/576/index.html

But it's a great idea for folks in slightly milder climes.

Teresa

[Forest Cat Burning]

Wood can also be beautiful without a stain. You can rub an oil into it, which will darken it slightly, and lead to interesting aging effects. Essentially, you keep rubbing dust and oil into the wood, every week for years, and you get a lovely patina. Citrus and mineral oils are best; you don't want anything that will go rancid.

jmm

[Seannachaidh]

Coffee was my most successful stain for wood. You can build up the colour by letting it dry and adding another soaking.

Here's a link that might help.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/homemade-wood-stain.html

[PanIdaho]