As a homeowner, you may be looking for ways to stain or finish your wood furniture or surfaces without using harsh chemicals. Many people prefer to use natural and non-toxic products, especially if there are children or pets in the home. The good news is that there are several options for natural wood stains made from ingredients found in nature.
What is a Natural Wood Stain?
A natural wood stain uses plant-based pigments, oils, and waxes to add color and protection to wood. Common natural staining ingredients include:
- Plant pigments – From sources like turmeric, beet juice, black tea, coffee, blueberries, etc.
- Plant oils – Such as linseed, tung, olive, coconut, and walnut oils
- Beeswax
- Carnauba wax
- Tree resins
- Clays
- Mineral pigments like iron oxides
These ingredients soak into the wood fibers to add rich, natural color while allowing the wood grain to show through. The oils nourish and protect the wood, while the beeswax and carnauba wax add sheen and water resistance.
Benefits of Natural Wood Stains
There are many benefits to choosing a natural wood stain over conventional stains:
- Non-toxic – Made from food-safe ingredients, natural stains are free of harmful VOCs, fumes, and chemicals like formaldehyde.
- Eco-friendly – Natural stains are biodegradable and better for the environment.
- Safe for humans – Free of irritating chemicals, natural stains are safer for DIYers and children/pets in the home.
- Nourishing for wood – The oils hydrate wood while protecting from moisture damage.
- Enhance natural look – Natural pigments accentuate the wood’s beauty.
- Easy to apply – Many natural stains can be brushed, wiped or sprayed on.
- Gentle odor – Natural stains smell like vegetable oils instead of chemicals.
With the many advantages, it’s no wonder many consumers look for natural options when staining wood surfaces in their home.
Making Your Own Natural Wood Stain
You can easily make your own custom natural wood stain at home using common ingredients. Here is a simple recipe to try:
Natural Wood Stain Recipe
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boiled linseed oil | 1 cup |
| Olive oil or other plant oil | 1⁄4 cup |
| Natural plant pigment like turmeric or beet powder | 1-2 tsp |
| Beeswax, grated | 1 Tbsp |
- Simmer linseed oil on low heat for 10 minutes (do not overheat). Let cool.
- Mix in olive oil and pigment powder to achieve desired stain color.
- Gently melt beeswax in the oil mixture over low heat. Stir and remove from heat.
- Apply stain with a clean cloth directly onto wood. Test on scrap wood first.
- Allow to dry 24 hours. Buff or topcoat if desired.
This simple recipe allows you to create your own custom stain color. Adjust the pigment amount to make different wood stain shades. Use turmeric for a golden yellow tone, beet powder for reddish-brown, coffee grounds for brown, blueberries for greyish blue, etc. Experiment with different color combinations.
Purchasing Natural Wood Stains
While you can make your own all-natural wood stain, there are also many pre-made options available to purchase online and in stores. Here are some top brands to look for:
Popular Natural Wood Stain Brands
| Brand | Notable Features |
|---|---|
| General Finishes | – Milk paint and gel stain colors |
| Eco-House | – Low VOC options |
| Pure & Original | – Handmade with natural oils and waxes |
| Vermont Natural Coatings | – PolyWhey technology for durability |
| Emmets Good | – Non-toxic and eco-friendly |
When purchasing a pre-made natural wood stain, check that it contains food-safe plant oils and waxes, without any chemical solvents or VOCs. Read product reviews and check with the manufacturer if you have any concerns about toxicity.
How to Apply Natural Wood Stain
Applying a natural wood stain is similar to using a conventional stain. Here are some tips for best results:
- Use a clean lint-free cloth or foam applicator. Pour stain into a plastic tray or bowl.
- Sand and prepare bare wood properly – remove any old finishes completely.
- Test stain in an inconspicuous spot first and let dry fully to confirm color.
- Apply an even coat across full length of boards to avoid lap marks.
- Wipe off any excess for lighter color. Leave stain sit for darker tones.
- Maintain wet edge and work quickly to blend sections.
- Work in direction of wood grain and avoid drips.
- Allow to dry 24-48 hours before adding topcoat if desired.
The natural oils will soak into the wood and dry slower than chemical stains. Taking your time leads to best results. The color will appear lighter at first and darken over 24 hours as it cures.
Sealing and Topcoating Natural Wood Stains
While natural wood stains add color and moderate protection, a topcoat is recommended for extra durability:
- Natural oil topcoats like tung oil help seal in the stain while allowing the wood to breathe. Reapply occasionally for upkeep.
- Wax topcoats like carnauba provide a protective layer and sheen. Buff to shine. Reapply wax yearly.
- Sealer and varnish offer a tougher barrier for heavy use surfaces. Use water-based options for easier cleanup and low odor.
- Polyurethane is a durable plastic-like coating. Look for low VOC water-based versions.
Choose the topcoat appropriately for the wood surface use. Reclaimed dining tables may only need an application of oil, while kitchen counters and floors need extra moisture protection. Check manufacturer instructions for the best pairings with your natural wood stain.
Conclusion
Natural wood stains made from plant oils, waxes, and pigments provide a safer, non-toxic way to enhance and color wooden surfaces. There are many benefits to choosing these eco-friendly stains over conventional options when working on DIY projects or staining furniture at home. You can easily make your own custom stain with ingredients from your kitchen or purchase quality pre-made stains from green brands online. With the right application techniques, natural stains bring out the depth and beauty in wood while avoiding harsh chemicals.