How to Make a Homemade Wood Fence Stain

Having trouble finding the right shade of wood stain to match? Make your own shade.

Staining a wood fence is a rewarding process, but it can be difficult to find the correct shade of stain in the hardware store, especially if you are attempting to match the stain to something previously stained. In these instances, it is helpful to create your own stain at home. You can choose the exact color, or blend several colors to create a stain that will suit your project.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cup
• Bucket
• White vinegar
• Boiled linseed oil
• Linseed oil-based artists' paint in the desired color for the stain
• Gloves
• Paint stick

Instructions

1. Measure 4 cups of white vinegar in a bucket.

2. Add 7/8 cup (7 oz.) of boiled linseed oil to the white vinegar. Put gloves on to protect your hands.

3. Add 1/2 cup (4 oz.) of linseed, oil-based artists' paint in the shade you would like to stain the wood to the mixture in the bucket.

4. Stir the mixture with the stick until it is evenly blended.

5. Apply the wood stain to the wood as you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are blending several colors of artists' paint to achieve the color you desire for your wood stain, it is a good idea to mix them ahead of time, before beginning to mix your stain.

References

• "Colouring Techniques for Woodturners"; Jan Sanders; 1996
• "Great Wood Finishes"; Jeff Jewitt; 2000