How to Naturally Dye Wood
Herbs, plants and berries have been used for generations to dye woods. Naturally dyeing wood is not only good for the environment but also good for the wood itself. Woods that are naturally dyed achieve a more natural look after the dyeing process.
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Things You'll Need
- Herbs, plants and berries
- Stainless steel pot
- White vinegar
- Alum
- Mixing spoons
- Paintbrush
- Sealant
Instructions
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1
Gather the herbs, plants and berries needed for the color you desire. For a pink, rose or lavender color, use elderberries, blackberries, rose hips or sorrel. For yellow, use turmeric powder, saffron, apple tree bark or pear tree bark. For an orange dye, use onion skins, beet root, heather, marigolds or pear leaves. Red onion skins, shrub clippings, lily of valley or nettles create green. Deep brown dyes are created with gypsy wart, sassafras or walnut hulls. Blackberries, blueberries or indigo plants create blue dyes.
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2
Prepare the natural dyes. For berries, add 1 tsp. alum to the mix to help the color stay. When making pink, rose or lavender dyes, cook the herbs in a pot with a small amount of water while adding white vinegar 1 tbs. at a time until the desired color is achieved. Yellow dye is made by boiling the herbs until you reach the desired yellow. To make orange and green dyes, use 3 to 4 handfuls of the herb and boil it until it reaches the desired color. More may be added for a richer shade. When making deep brown or blue, soak the ingredients overnight and then boil the water in the morning.
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3
Paint the wood with the natural dye you created. Apply as many coats as necessary. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next coat.
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4
Apply a sealant generously on the wood so the colors stay for a longer amount of time. Allow the sealant to dry before using the wood.
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