Many conventional wood stains on the market today are made up of toxic and harmful chemicals, exception would be the water soluble dye stain. So why not and try making your own stains. The best part of making your own wood stain is that it is super easy and it will save you money. Look before for some recipes on homemade stains.

For a light brown stain

• 1 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup hot cocoa

or

• 2 cups of brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup of coffee grinds

For a red to orange color try

• 1/4 Cup Tomato Sauce
• 1 Cup Green Tea (2 Bags)
• 1/4 Cup Vinegar

or

• 1 cup red wine

For a dark brownish/grey color

• 1 roll of Steel wool (fine to super fine)
• Distilled White Vinegar enough to cover a dry goods
• 3 tablespoons of Instant Coffee
• Quart Size Mason Jar

Allow the mixture to completely dissolve the steel wool before using.

or

• handful of nails
• enough vinegar to cover nails.

Allow the nails to sit in the vinegar for several days. Once it starts becoming dark the stain is ready to use

or

• Handful of chewing tobacco
• 1 part water
• 1 part ammonia

Make sure chewing tobacco is fully submerged in solution. Wait for solution to become dark before using

or

• Walnut Husks
• Enough water to cover husks

Soak husks in water for several days until water almost turns black.

For a yellow stain try

• 2 teaspoons of tumeric
• 1 cup of water

You can also achieve a range of colors from using different types of fruits. The only problem with using fruits is the color sometimes does not last. To avoid this use Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate). About 1 teaspoon to a gallon of juice. You will be surprised at the colors of stain you can get with blueberries, beets, and raspberries.

The sky is the limit with this category, so try all you can and if you find something that works, please submit it on the feedback tab so I can post it to the site.