We love DIY projects, but they can sometimes take more time, money, and effort than we might initially expect. So, when we find a DIY project that’s truly easy, effective, and affordable–we can’t help but show it off. Break out your paintbrushes and smocks: We’re going to learn how to make wood stain from natural ingredients and bring your color coordination dreams to life.

Medium Stain Solution: Green Tea

You’ll need:

• 4 rooibos tea bags
• 16 ounces water
• 16-ounce canning jar
• 1 thick paintbrush

Boil 16 ounces of water, then add 4 rooibos tea bags. After the water has cooled, transfer it – bags included – to a canning jar. Let the combination sit for at least 24 hours. Apply the stain with a thick paintbrush. The first layer will be subtle, and further layers will continue to enhance the unique texture of your wood.

Medium Stain Solution: Coffee

You’ll need:

• ½ cup coffee grounds
• 1 ½ cup distilled white vinegar
• 16-ounce canning jar
• 1 steel wool pad

Coffee offers a great solution if you don’t want to detract from the unique grain patterns of your wood, yet want to make the surface pop a bit more. After you make your morning coffee, transfer the used grounds into a 16-ounce canning jar. Combine this with 1 ½ cup of water and shake the combination well. Place the steel wool pad in the jar before capping it, then let the wood staining mixture sit overnight. The next day, remove the steel wool pad and rub it over the wood surface.

Dark Stain Solution: Steel Wool and Vinegar

You’ll need:

• 1 fine-grade steel wool pad
• 16-ounces of distilled white vinegar
• 16-ounce canning jar

Create a rich, deep color at home with a few simple supplies. Purchase a pad of fine-grade steel wool and tear it into small pieces. Next, put the deconstructed steel wool into a 16-ounce canning jar and fill the jar with distilled white vinegar. Cap the jar and let the combination sit for at least 48 hours. The longer you let it sit, the darker the stain! After the combination has settled, simply apply it to the wood surface with a foam sponge or brush. Apply as many coats as you need until you achieve the desired darkness, and enjoy the result.

Do you have your own natural solutions to create beautiful wood stain colors? We want to hear about it! Get your reclaimed or FSC-certified materials from Altrufir and let the DIY projects commence.