How to Stain Wood With Steel Wool and Vinegar

Stained wood furniture has an appealing look and is easier to maintain than painted wood. However, some people don't like to use store-bought chemicals to stain and refinish their furniture. Using steel wool and vinegar is an inexpensive alternative. The acid in the vinegar and the iron in the steel wool react to deliver a beautiful finish.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Steel wool
• Paint brush
• Rag
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Oil or natural wax sealer

Instructions

1. Prepare the wood for staining. If it has a finish on it already, strip and remove all traces of the finish. If it is unfinished, make sure it's clean by wiping the entire surface with a damp cloth. Allow all wood to dry completely before applying the stain.

2. Experiment with different vinegars since different vinegars produce different stains. Apple cider vinegar makes a slate gray stain and balsamic vinegar makes a brownish green color.

3. Make a solution of half vinegar and half water. Soak the steel wool in the vinegar solution overnight. Test your stain on a scrap piece of wood. Make sure the scrap wood is the same type of wood that you are staining since different woods take the stain differently. Let the steel wool soak in the stain a little longer to darken the color if desired.

4. Brush the stain onto the wood in long, even strokes.

5. Wipe off the excess stain with a rag and allow the wood to dry completely.

6. Sand the wood lightly with 220-grit sandpaper and seal with an oil or natural wax finish to protect the wood.

Tips & Warnings

• This process is great to use for any project where you don't want your wood to look new. This vinegar and steel wool stain gives the wood a somewhat distressed and antique look.

• Don't use this mixture on precious antiques or heirlooms. The mixture is too acidic and may cause unwanted damage to your piece.