How to Make Steel Wool and Vinegar Stain

Learn how to make Steel Wool and Vinegar stain to stain wood and give it an aged look. DIY Pete walks you through the steps in this video tutorial and there's more info, photos, and techniques on the blog.
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One of the most frequently asked questions that we have gotten is how to make the steel wool and vinegar solution that can be used as a wood stain. For this week’s video we wanted to walk you through this process, in real time, showing exactly what you need to make your own wood stain. This is very simple, doesn’t take long, and only costs a couple of dollars to make.
Add Steel Wool and Vinegar to a Mason Jar
The first step in making your DIY Steel Wool and Vinegar Stain is to add a pad of the 0000 super fine steel wool into a mason jar. Then add distilled white vinegar to the jar. You’ll want to fill it most of the way, do not screw the lid onto the jar. You’ll read why in the next step.
Let it Sit/React
Let the vinegar dissolve the steel wool for at least two to three days. With the vinegar solution you definitely want to leave the lid off, as it releases a gas that you’ll want to let escape from the jar. The mixture will get darker the longer you let it sit, but you can always dilute that dark concentrate with more vinegar later on.
Stir Together and Filter it
After it has been sitting and brewing for a couple of days, the steel wool should have risen to the top of the jar. We’ll want to stir everything in the jar together, with a stirring stick of some sort. Then we’ll filter out the bits of steel wool by pouring it through a paper towel or coffee filter into another, empty jar. It will be murky color, but after the next step we’ll achieve the nice amber tone we’re after. See the video for more information regarding filtering the mixture.
Let it Sit Again
You are so close to having made your very own batch of steel wool and vinegar stain, I can almost see the end result! :) We just need to be a little more patient and let the mixture sit for another few hours. Over the next waiting period, the mixture will continue to react or brew and will eventually become more of an amber color - that’s what we’re going for. Let the filtered steel wool and vinegar solution sit for another 6-24 hours, then move on to staining! Here’s a look at that nice amber color we’re going for.
Dilute if desired, then Apply to wood!
You can always dilute your mixture if it is too strong. Simply pour a little of the strong mixture or concentrate into a new jar and add distilled white vinegar to the jar. Grab some test scraps of wood to experiment with the staining. Oxidation will occur and the mixture reacts with the tannins in the wood to give it variations in color. The color you see when you initially brush it onto the wood is not the final color, let it react and do its thing for another few hours to see your final stain. It changes Fir wood to dark blues, greys, browns, and black. Pine, however will not darken much at all. After it’s been applied and has set in for a few hours, feel free to seal it all up with polyurethane.
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[@jeremyowens7560]

To make it darker, one can use a tea solution prier to the Iron Acetate (steel wool vinegar stain). The tea solution increases the tannin in the wood and it is what reacts with the Iron Acetate.

[@DIYPETE]

+Jeremy Owens Great tip Jeremy!

[@danabeeproductions6212]

I put the tea on a couple of days ago. Looking forward to the process. Thanks Jeremy.

[@Talletc]

Prior

[@jadelon1877]

I know I am kinda off topic but does anyone know of a good website to watch new movies online?

[@crewkarson9380]

@Jad Elon I watch on Flixzone. You can find it by googling =)

[@francesstevens8789]

I’m back getting this formula again. I tried it years ago and the results was amazing. Now I have forgotten everything!! I love KZbin for always being there with stored videos to help me when I need it!!❤️this works really well

[@viciousaubergine]

Would have been good to see more of the finished product.

[@bigpaul5528]

Pete, thanks for the great idea. I was worried about things falling into my jar but knew due to the gases you can close the jar. I came up with putting a latex glove over the top of the jar and cutting out the very ends of the fingers. If gas builds up it will inflate the glove until it gets to the ends of the fingers and release, and since deflated the glove hangs over the side, it prevents things from falling into the mix. I also am going to try a coffee filter secured with a rubber band to filter out the mix.

[@DIYPETE]

Great job Paul!

[@paulipip]

This was a real "life saver" Was restoring a basement with flood damage and had a singular wall which was covered in old barn style wood and has been since the house was built in the 70's....So the wood has definite age...I had to cover the transition between the sheetrock and that wall with a new pine quarter round (not sure what happened to the old one...may have been painted)...And after a couple of days making the vinegar and steel wool juice...I put it on the quarter round and in a few minutes it looked like a piece of wood which could have been there for generations. (well except for the tiny holes from the pneumatic brad nailer lol)

[@kirstenwikingazoulay]

My solution stayed clear for a lot longer and never turned that red color after filtering, BUT it definitely still worked to turn the wood grey. Just an FYI for anyone wondering if their solution is going to do the job even if it doesn't turn out exactly like in this video.

[@kirstenwikingazoulay]

Also, I tried brushing on both the filtered and unfiltered solutions and got the exact same results. Filtering was pretty messy, so I might recommend skipping that step.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for sharing!

[@philipdonovan6510]

Thanks man, informative video to help along with a swamp ash celtic themed electric guitar build I started. I'm trying to make it look a thousand years old so this technique obviously will be a great way to get it there. Now I'm interested in mixing the solution with varying degrees of tea coffee or both. and also doing those separately to see it there is a difference. thanks1 Nice video!

[@usefullsw]

I used the same method as you, except I used #000 steel wool. It took almost ten day to get the same dark amber liquid.

[@DIYPETE]

I've heard many variations in time and length. Glad it turned eventually for ya.

[@usefullsw]

@@DIYPETE I am amazed on some woods how the fast the treatment takes effect. Sort of follows the brush across the wood. Does raise the grain substantially however. Thanks for sharing. Good trick to have in my bag of woodworking tricks.

[@owenelves]

Hi, liked you video a lot and refreshing,simple instructions and well put together - i enjoyed the watch, i just like to add that i tried on different woods and one i was shocked about was white European oak (so much tannin in that wood) the area i covered with this concoction went totally the blackest black i'd ever seen, just wanted to share that with you as when did it i went mad and gathered so much different materials together and coated, it was a long time ago now but the oak had stuck in my head because of the drastic result. oh im also envious of your work shop too bud (lol) take care good vid

[@DIYPETE]

Hey Owen! Thanks for the info man, it is crazy how different wood species can change so much with the solution! Thanks for saying hi and for subscribing :) Cheers!

[@cdizzle1231]

So cool! Always amazes me how people come up with these sorta things

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@heidihathaway9021]

I know this is an older video but this is so amazing and helpful. Would you have or know of examples of how the color would come out on hemlock, or pine? Desperately seeking help my daughter first time homeowner and we have no confidence in what we are doing.

[@bill-zy6dg]

Jeremy Owens, yup there was a diy show I think 'the furniture guys' did this mix using rust. They explained that the mix reacts with tannins in the wood, hence your use of tea esp on low tannin stock, and also the use of peroxide to rust the steel wool (a1930ford). I've used it on diff woods, results vary. Also in the sun you will get fading, I've never topcoated, could block UV.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for chiming in!

[@missmary2121]

@@DIYPETE Hi Pete! I just used this steel wool/vinegar mix to stain some cedar wood for a mini deck project. My son just got some buttercream frosting on it, and i tried to wash the wood with soap and a brush and hot water but it's looking like oil stain. I'm so bummed because this project too me such a long time to complete. Do you any recommendations on how I can get this stain off? Should I sand the wood and restain? Please let me know if you have any ideas. Thank you so much!

[@missmary2121]

@@DIYPETE ps. Thank you!!!

[@a1930ford]

If you want a darker stain than just vinegar and steel wool, add a dropper filled with hydrogen peroxide to the mixture. There is no real formula to it, so try it out and experiment. I use large mason jars as you did to mix up batches that are easier to use than putting it all into a pail. Leave the lid off while it is reacting as it does make a gas. Don't mix in a cold garage or cold area as the reaction takes forever when the mixture is cold. The mix of stainless steel, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide is best used within a day or two after the mix has reacted. You will get a pretty brown stain that looks very, very good. If you do it several days later and have done one board on one day and a few more days later, the color can become different between the boards. Pretty brown on the first done and a deeper reddish color on the later ones done. I am not sure how well this stain holds up in UV direct sunlight as I have not tried that yet, but I do plan to. Also, they make 3-4 different strengths of vinegar. Pickling vinegar. cleaning vinegar, apple cider vinegar and white vinegar. The white vinegar is the least acidic, but any of the different strengths will work with this mixture. I have only used 0000 stainless steel in the mixture combinations I have used so far. Not sure if it really matters on the type stainless steel used. I don't bother to strain the mixture, myself. It can stain your hands and it is not a pleasant smell when you get it on them. Dove works well to remove stain from your hands. I have not covered the stain with any varnish or protective seal. Show less

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@diamondbracelette]

Great advice

[@danabeeproductions6212]

Thank you for doing this. I had the general idea, but not the details. Building a coffee table from pallets and this answered my question as to WHY the steel wool was not leeching out. I had totally sealed it.

[@DIYPETE]

Good deal! Glad ya got it figured out. Cheers

[@shock80ey]

That looks nice on the cedar

[@johnmitchell1614]

Hi Pete, tried it on oak, and horse chestnut, wow! Best regards.

[@TrangNguyen-ch3fp]

I have Bamboo wood cabinet and going to try this, I hope it work on bamboo

[@axeltheredpanda]

Thanks for the tutorial! I make and sell wands and I want to make one with an aged look and blood red runes lol this is perfect!

[@notetoself5474]

I use the same process . If it's too dark you can dilute with water also until you get your desired color.

[@DIYPETE]

You bet!

[@edumouchel1567]

Water will raise the grain, you will not get a smooth finish.

[@notetoself5474]

John hardware I guess if you're going for a old rustic look raising the grain can be a good thing?

[@cookiecrutcher312]

Thank you. I love it

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@jokerjules]

I've tried this before and it didn't work, but seeing this I now see the reasons why. I closed it and didn't leave it cracked open. I also never strained it. Thanks for the info on it!

[@DIYPETE]

+Julian Martinez You bet Julian! Good luck!

[@benfordguitars]

+Julian Martinez Try washing the steel wool before hand. Some steel wool has oils in it which protect the steel wool from breaking down. A drop of dishwashing liquid and a good rinse should do it.

[@jokerjules]

benfordguitars thanks for the info. I will try that too.

[@squarelevelplumb]

this is the third video I have watched for three different products and all that any of them do is color the wood. Not do anything to affect the grain to really make them look weathered

[@DIYPETE]

Hi! This video was just on the steel wool process, but I use strong wire brush to bring out the grain sometimes when trying to make the look more weathered --- and will hit the wood with heavy chains, run a circular saw, use a small drill bit and hammer it a bunch to make it look like work holes, etc. Lots of options, hope you are able to find some videos to better describe that process. Cheers!

[@squarelevelplumb]

@@DIYPETE Thanks for replying. Good stuff. I have used ball peen hammers and screw lieing onn there sides and smacked with a hammer.

[@jennyhansen4100]

you can also use apple cider vinegar also or add perioxide or muranic acid

[@DIYPETE]

+Jenny Hansen Thanks!

[@frd3fadi]

thank you . I use it and it's really nice

[@DIYPETE]

+Mohammad Juma Thanks!

[@sethrockz420]

i tried the solution. its a bit tart but like some in the comments i added tea to it and it tastes just fine…

[@falfas55bgas]

Best effect is when used on interior doug fir. That is Doug fir from Idaho, Oregon etc. with small knots and a combination of sapwood and heartwood. You get really cool colors that look natural. minerals in the wood also affect the color I think.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for the info!

[@falfas55bgas]

@@DIYPETEI let the steel wool/vinegar steep for 1 day, but 2 days is ok usually too. I also recommend diluting the concentrate with water. I wish I could send you pic of what it looks like on interior doug fir. I'm on facebook as Brad Baber in Joliet, IL.

[@mstreech]

Great video, thanks 🙏🏻 😊

[@laurataylor7103]

Would work to stain sanded bamboo? And, what do you think about mixing it with cabbage or beet dye? Will water mess it up? What happens if baking soda is added?

[@mchume65]

I found that adding 1 to 3 drops of hydrogen peroxide after 2 or 3 days of brewing, will turn it a darker brown.

[@leionheart4392]

great job keep it up

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks Leion!

[@michaelnowak4078]

GREAT CHANNEL!!! GOING TO TRY THE STAIN ON A TABLE. THANKS!!!

[@DIYPETE]

Cool! Good luck and have fun with the table project Michael!

[@scotyfilms]

I don't know. I used it to silver grey up my whole Cedar cabin. It was amazing!! One gallon of vinegar to say, two regular fine steel wool pads Stir and set over night. Try it. Not siver enough. add more steel wool. If you get it right ; which is quite easy, you will get a color exactly like the natural sun bleached cedar color you are looking for. And, it will only get better with age. Too much wool and the Cedar goes Black. on Coastal BC that is.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for chiming in Scot!

[@vancehamilton1934]

I used this solution for the first time on the farmhouse coffee table and it turned out great. Now I'm building a farmhouse dining table and I find my solution has turned a redish color. Is this normal? Does it affect the tannins differently?

[@conradhusky9725]

The process is called "Ebonizing" the wood, the vinegar/wool solution (iron acetate), reacts with the tannins in the wood causing them to turn dark. Certain woods have more tannin than others, the more tannin in the wood the darker it will get. Woods like Oak, Walnut and a few others are higher in tannin than say Pine so they'll turn almost pitch black, where Pine has less tannin and will turn a more brownish color without adding more tannins. To add more tannins to darken the wood you can brew a strong tea solution, like 10 tea bags to a 1-1 1/2 cups of water. Apply the tea solution first, then when the wood is still damp (but not soaking wet), apply the vinegar/wool solution and it will darken the wood, and to get it even darker you can apply a second coat of the tea solution. Be sure to do a couple of tests on some scrap boards to get the color/consistency you're after, before applying to your project.

[@lucaslingelbach9207]

I appreciate this video. Very helpful.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks

[@erikiacopelli451]

How long will it last? Can I make a big batch of it n store it for months or yrs? Or should I mix it only a few days before I wanna use it?? Tu

[@SueStyles]

Can you make the solution in a plastic container or does it have to be glass to work?

[@Icanbacktrailers]

Plastic is fine

[@maziamini9604]

I unintentionally made my gun stock black, is there any way to remove this stain that resulted from vinegar and steel wool ? Thanks

[@FBMRR]

after straining the mixture i left it sit for 24 hrs.... something went wrong. it appears to have seperated. the bottom half of the jar was that clear green/grey color and the top of the water had a pinkish crust on it. when i stirred it up thinking it would blend, it didnt. it pink just flaked apart and settled at the bottom. did i let it sit too long?

[@MrFarnhammer]

Can I add red or blue hues to this? I've read "if using oil based stain, add oil paints to change the color, if using water based stain add water based paint" Where does vinegar fall on that spectrum?? Should I use water or oil based paint?

[@Moostery]

I have a big jar full of rust vinegar I use as a rust removal bath. I guess it has a second use now too, Staining wood.

[@DIYPETE]

Cool! Cheers

[@igorrozentul6262]

Hi, I lake your explanation and I am going to try this after winter also I subscribe to your chanal and I hope to see more suggestions for us. Thank you have a good day

[@DIYPETE]

+Igor Rozentul Thanks Igor, and I really appreciate you subscribing. Cheers!

[@Firstneko1]

You can just put some ground up charcoal in water. Vinegar is just diluted acid. It breaks down the steel wool and what your left with is just carbon and water.

[@DIYPETE]

I've never tried that but I'll have to experiment with it and see the effects and how it would react with the tannins in the wood. Thanks!

[@diamondbracelette]

But would this be durable for exterior use?

[@coppulor6500]

I doubt that would work. Without the acid, the tannins in the wood will not rise to the soiface

[@Firstneko1]

@@coppulor6500 I do not know what to make of your spelling lol. You could very well be right. However, I do not know how much acid would be left in the vinegar after reacting with the steel wool. Either way, I guess you can throw a little bit of vinegar in with the water and carbon to play it safe.

[@coppulor6500]

@@Firstneko1 meant "rise" not "tise". I corrected it. I left "soiface" alone - that was intentional because amuses me 😌

[@CynergyDiva]

I found I get a much darker stain with cleaning vinegar. It has 10% acid versus the 5% that regular white vinegar has.

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks for the info!

[@lindaa5393]

I followed your directions and after 4 days, nothing happened. I used distilled vinegar and 0000 steel wool. What did I do wrong?

[@coppulor6500]

Me too. Not only that, but I used 30% vinegar from home depot to speed things up and 0000 steel wool. Did NOTHING to the steel wool. So i guess its completely coated in oil etc and needs to be washed first. But then I added some old rusty nails etc and there was some reaction but not much. Definitely some bubbling going on and its getting darker but damn! Two weeks and I don't got no dark kooking iron acetate. Very annoying 🙄

[@vernonhenshaw3089]

You boil the vinegar on the stove and take it off the stove you take your steel wool put in the jar first the more steel wool the darker it will get so what do you want to gray stain put Les steel wool and take it outside horror the vinegar in the jar and you will get a lighter gray stain

[@SJ-gj7mx]

Good video

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@bill-zy6dg]

Lotta comments on the mix staying clear, you need iron oxide I guess, try using rusty steel.

[@Number4lead]

How does vinegar treated wood glue up? Does it weeken the glue joints?

[@DIYPETE]

Just fine in my experience

[@charliewood4158]

I was going to say it dose not work on white pine very well then you showed it but cedar looked real nice

[@DIYPETE]

+Charlie Wood Thanks for taking the time to check it out!

[@woodslore8537]

Trying this and it's been 2 days. The solution is still clear but when applied to a test stick it turns the wood a grey colour.

[@DIYPETE]

Good to hear it reacted with the wood.

[@joshstead6078]

Could you add colour to the mix with food clouring? I'm curious about adding a little blue to it for a guitar

[@DIYPETE]

+Josh Stead Hi Josh! I've played around with green food coloring before. It sort of worked with a really really small batch - but it was a pretty faint green. They do make blue pigments that are going to give you a good blue if you are interested. But it never hurts to do some experimenting with food coloring or paint either :) amzn.to/1TuFvnE

[@rockstarguitareffects]

@@DIYPETE what could you add to make it more grey/black?

[@davidletz9123]

Thanks Pete... so far no one has asked about the odor. I have not tried this yet, but would be interested to know if there is a long-lasting vinegar odor from the work piece afterwards.

[@DIYPETE]

+David Letz Good question David and the simple answer is no. When you're mixing this all up there is definitely a lingering vinegar smell in the air, but after the couple days of brewing, that tends to fade. Once it is finally ready to be applied to the wood, there is virtually no smell whatsoever. Great question!

[@DragonFruitDelish1]

used steel wool from Dollartree and distilled white vinegar but after 4 days, it has not changed color in my mansion jar. What am I doing wrong?

[@growfishgrow1]

Hey can I get the last two track names plz ;) great vids

[@kevinsadventures3884]

i have had a jar of this sitting outsidr on the porch for 4 days now and it has not turned any colors. any idea why? i put 0000 steal wool and filled the jar with distilled vinegar and nothing. the wool has just desingrated.

[@DIYPETE]

Have you tried stirring it up? -- You might try brushing a bit on some wood and see what it does. It should have some sort of reaction with the wood still

[@benfordguitars]

There is one important step that was missed. You should wash the steel wool with a drop of dishwashing liquid to remove any oils from the manufacturing process. After washing you need to rinse the steel wool to remove any soap residue.

[@DIYPETE]

+benfordguitars Great tip Ben.

[@jennyhansen4100]

+benfordguitars no do not wash the steel wool it makes it harder to break down. Try not to even touch the steele wool with hands due to the oils

[@benfordguitars]

+Jenny Hansen Jenny in my experience, every time I have not washed the steel wool it did not break down. It wasnt until I started washing it the last 6-8 times that it worked. The oil from the manufacturing process needs to be removed. I get complete breakdown within 2-3 days as opposed to never when I didnt wash it. STEVE

[@Goose8219]

It’s been two years but I agree with the wash how ever I took a small shop fan too dry the wool fast. I left them out once too air dry and they became a lil rusty. Still not an expensive project with great results. Pete you is the Man brother

[@CynergyDiva]

Thanks Ben I didn't know about that

[@Trevinlink]

Thanks so much for the video Pete. I am building a table using 4x4s and the only ones I could find are treated. They are still pine just like the rest of the wood but will treated wood react differently or give a different color than the rest of the table? Thanks,

[@DIYPETE]

Hey Trevin! Yeah treated wood will take it differently. You'll want to do some experimenting to see how it does react and how similar it looks to the top. Cheers

[@hearttheart9942]

What happens if the still world does not rust? It's from home depot . Is it really aluminum

[@csv1971]

Pete Is there some way that we can get pine to react or turn grey / dark??? Have heard of tea and coffee pre-treatment... Was it something you could show in a video??

[@DIYPETE]

+Claus Svendsen Hey Claus, I've used a real strong mixture and gotten some dark browns before, but not a grey on pines in my experimentations. Trying out tea, coffee, peroxides, etc might be worth looking into. If anyone reading this has ideas for Claus please chime in!

[@csv1971]

+DIY PETE Thanks for your reply,,,I hoped that you maybe could make a followup video to show some different ways using Pine,,, Pine being a very cheap and very available material....

[@DIYPETE]

+Claus Svendsen Hi Claus, I'd love to make a follow up video and will try to at some point. I agree it would be a great follow up. Slammed with other filming and traveling at the moment but will have to do a little experimenting when I can:) Thanks so much! - Pete

[@user-kf8bu6fn9i]

Why is my vinegar and steel wool stain starting to turn powdery after a few coats. It did work at first but now this!

[@dawnfinnerty]

Nice one

[@DIYPETE]

Thanks!

[@John_Montgomery]

It did not work. No doubt you had good results, however my steel wool did not degrade or oxidize in the acid. trying to figure out what brand will work

[@DIYPETE]

Hey John! Thanks for the feedback. I've heard this from some folks. Not sure why it doesn't work with some brands.

[@John_Montgomery]

@@DIYPETE I have left this brand of steel wool in muriatic acid .. no results. Need a brand that will rust.

[@John_Montgomery]

What is the brand that you use??? I will try to get that. thank you for the help. hoping to get your results. thanks

[@DIYPETE]

@@John_Montgomery I use the #0000 Rhodes American - www.homedepot.com/p/Homax-4-0-12-Pad-Steel-Wool-Super-Fine-Grade-10120000/100212006

[@DIYPETE]

@@John_Montgomery I use white vinegar

[@lancehargitt9464]

I found that even very small amounts of steel wool will produce a good stain. Be careful, every type of wood dyes differently. Spot test your wood before finishing your work.

[@martinblouin3639]

that's great! thanks!

[@DIYPETE]

+martin blouin Absolutely, Cheers!

[@claudemcvea1671]

I used a very strong solution of stain and my "White Oak" is BLACK. I have washed it with straight vinegar and lightened it a bit. Any suggestions on how to lighten it even more? Much more? Thanks.

[@DIYPETE]

Hi Claude, all woods will react differently and white oak has tannins that really react quite strongly with the solution. Was this on a sample that you were practicing? ---- Using whitewash ( or diluted latex paint really watered down ) can somewhat mask the darkness a bit with the lighter color which can cover the dark a bit and give some grayish/whitish lighter tones. --- And you can follow up with a sander if you'd want. Besides that I' don't have any great ideas on how to lighten it besides attempting to sand.

[@6917womr]

I followed this process in a plastic coffee container and my vinegar didn’t change colors. Please advise.

[@didasinan9669]

Gpod job How about darker wood dark chestnut to get blue shade?

[@DIYPETE]

Hi! I am not sure how to get a blue shade but agree that would look neat!

[@AwesomeWoodThings]

Cool tip!

[@DIYPETE]

+Awesome Wood Things Thanks for watching!

[@edaaa926]

Would it be safe to use for staining rifle stock, would it damage rifle (iron) will it rust when i assemble it?

[@DIYPETE]

Hi! I wouldn't get it on the iron and would definitely try a test board of the same type of wood as your stock. It is somewhat unpredictable as to how it will react. So a regular stain might be best for your project.

[@edaaa926]

@@DIYPETE Actually i tried it on rifle stock and it came ou lt perfect, there is no rust i just wiped iron parts with WD40 (i was not able to dissasemble rifle) but thanks anyway.

[@DIYPETE]

Great to hear. Bet it looks awesome!

[@bradytucker49]

Would you need to treat the wood or anything like that after you stain it? Or will the wood hold up

[@DIYPETE]

Hi Brady! I do generally like to seal the wood after being stained. It really depends what you are building and where it will be used. Using a sealer can certainly change the color of the stain / darken it, so hopefully you'll still be able to get the look you are going for. A water based stain might be your best option for the most natural looking finish. Cheers!

[@gsikomanis]

Hey guys. I've tried to make my own solotion, but the wool doesn't dissolved in the vinegar... I used a #0000 steel wool, and white vinegar, but doen't work :/ Any thoughts ?

[@DIYPETE]

+gsikomanis How long did you let it sit?

[@gsikomanis]

+DIY PETE i let it sit for about 3-4 days so far. But now that i saw your video once again, i cover the jar. Do you thing that the gas didn't let wool to be disolved ?

[@DIYPETE]

+gsikomanis Maybe let it sit for a few more days. Go ahead and stir it. If it still doesn't turn colors at all --- try testing it anyways and see if it reacts at all with the wood.

[@kristophermarshall4737]

Should you add a pre wood conditioner to the wood first, or add it to the bare wood?

[@DIYPETE]

Pre-wood conditioner is great to apply prior to a normal stain --- but I wouldn't recommend prior to the solution as it won't be able to react with the tannins as well. Feel free to do some experimenting.

[@kristophermarshall4737]

Thanks for the reply! I will give it a try with and without on some sample scraps I have to see what the outcome is. I am using cedar (not sure what kind as I bought it from Home Depot) and tried a Minwax Classic Grey stain and on the scrap piece I used, I used 2 coats and it didn't really give me the color I was looking for so I wanted to try this and see if I get a better result with this solution.

[@callmesaul2980]

Hey Pete! What can I use to seal this? I was hoping to use an oil but I don't want to mess anything up. Let me know!

[@DIYPETE]

Hey! If you are trying to maintain as close of color to possible of the grey, then try a waterbased sealer. An oil base could look nice too, but it will darken the color. Do a couple test pieces if possible!

[@igorrozentul6262]

sorry I just forgot to ask you about if this gives a protection for wood as well?

[@DIYPETE]

+Igor Rozentul It does not protect the wood. I'd recommend sealing it with a polyurethane.

[@LOWROLLER199]

I tried this and it did not work for me. The stool wool has been sitting in vinegar for 5 days and the vinegar is still clear and the steel wool has not broken down at all. It's such a simple process so I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.

[@DIYPETE]

+LOWROLLER199 Hi! I know it's been a few more days now -- are you starting to see any color change? Have you tried stirring the steel wool and solution yet? I'd encourage you to stir the solution up and to try the mixture. It should react with the tannins in the wood at this point.

[@LOWROLLER199]

+DIY PETE Thanks for responding. As of today, still no change. I started over by cleaning the steel wool with dish detergent and rinsing it really well before mixing it with the vinegar as others have suggested. I'll see if that works.

[@DIYPETE]

+LOWROLLER199 -- Even though you see know change in color after stirring -- do use a brush and see if the clear solution reacts at all with the wood. Did you use the same brand and the fine wool #0000 or so? Normal white vinegar? hmm....

[@LOWROLLER199]

+DIY PETE I did stir it and followed the steps on your video. I also applied it to wood and it barely changed the color, both on pine and cedar. I used normal distilled vinegar and 000 steel wool.

[@boogcow]

I tried it without washing the steel wool ,it took about 2 weeks . Used on the cut pieces of some reclaimed cedar decking I made a bench from. You have to experiment a bit to get a good color match, I had to add some extra vinegar and a little coffee grounds

[@jennyhansen4100]

can also add old coffee or black tea

[@DIYPETE]

+Jenny Hansen Great tip!

[@jonfarrell9053]

I did this on cypress and when I put a polyurethane on it, it turned it to a warm brown tone almost like a special walnut color. Does this happen to you. I don't understand how to keep it gray. Do you find this happens with different species of wood and which ones do you find keeps a good gray color after apolyurethane

[@DIYPETE]

Hey Jon! It will vary with all types of wood, turning some red, some black, etc. So it really depends. --- and some cedar turns grey -- and if you use an oil based sealer it will look brown - but a waterbased sealer can keep the grey tones. -- Cedar works the best in my experience for getting greys

[@shanewilson765]

Thanks for sharing. Do you have to vent it when storing it also?

[@DIYPETE]

Venting is a good idea. Cheers!

[@juliabenevides4065]

Hi Pete! Great video! Would this solution work on oak veneer that’s been stripped? I stripped a very dark stain off a dining room table down to the veneer, and although it’s gorgeous as it is, I’ve been told that veneer doesn’t take stain very well (?). I really want to give it more of a grey wash, driftwood look without having to paint it.

[@DIYPETE]

Hi Julia! You'll want to experiment a bit. You might also look at using a stain and diluting it to get a weathered finish --- vinegar stain is very unpredictable so testing is always a good thing to do.

[@titianarasputin]

this should work well on a veneer, because this method is not a stain. you are not adding color to the piece. you are causing a chemical reaction in the wood which makes the wood turn darker. notice how it went on clear, and then darkened over time?

[@jdemena]

Quick question- how do you suggest storing these? Can you? I made more than I needed for my sign and was hoping to save it for the future.

[@DIYPETE]

A glass mason jar. I've stored for multiple months with success. Have vinegar to dilute it as needed.

[@CReidKIN]

I have an old china cabinet of my grandmother's which I started sanding off the original stain, but the old stain is seeped into the wood in some locations, would the steel wool and vinegar solution work as a refinishing option?

[@DIYPETE]

Hi there! Steel wool and vinegar is an option if you are okay with a rustic look. However it reacts differently with various types of wood, so you never know exactly how it will look. Stain will be a safer bet for consistency. But if you can test out the vinegar solution on the underside of the cabinet, I'd give it a try and see how it looks!

[@joshainsw]

I have made this several times and my mixture ends up turning clear after a couple of days. I also add a few cheap roofing nails to the solution, I've heard it speeds up the process. you can also add a couple of teaspoons or tablespoons, depending on how much you made, of hydrogen peroxide. it will turn it darker/red. even after doing that mine will still turn back to almost clear after a couple of days.

[@DIYPETE]

+Joshua Ainsworth Hi Josh, are you using normal white vinegar? I've made this a number of times and haven't had it turn clear again, I wonder what is causing that. Great tip on the hydrogen peroxide.

[@jennyhansen4100]

+Joshua Ainsworth muranic acid teaspoon helps. It doesn't need to change color to work. When you apply it you have to leave it until it dries completely before you know what color wood will turn

[@kevinnoel4647]

@@jennyhansen4100 how do you Mean it doesnt have to change color?

[@jennyhansen4100]

Kevin Noel the mixture

[@jennyhansen4100]

Initially the wood will look just wet until dries

[@busviqc]

Hi Pete, I was wondering if the solution is food grade. Can I use it for a bowl or a spoon for example?

[@DIYPETE]

That's a good question. I'd say the vinegar is fine - but I'm not sure the steel wool in it would be. You basically brush it on -- after it is done reacting and dry you could clean it up well with soapy water etc and then seal or finish. -- Not sure if it would be food safe or not so that will be up to you if you want to give it a whirl!

[@hili467]

I’m assuming the stain reacts with the tannins in the wood?

[@DIYPETE]

Yep

[@4frem]

Will this work with wood filler? I did my floor this way and need to use wood filler in a small area but it did not take. Any suggestions?

[@DIYPETE]

Hey Kevin, it will not work with wood filler. It has to have tannins in it for the solution to react with it. Woods have tannins and the filler would not. You might do a dab of paint or possibly stain on the filler to help it blend.

[@andrewroberts8217]

can you stain a butcher block counter top with this and what to seal it with any ideas

[@DIYPETE]

You can stain a butcher block counter top with this as long as you are sure to seal the countertop well after it is stained. To seal the countertop you can use any food grade sealer. I have had luck using Howard butcher block sealer for a similar project. Here is an affiliate link to that sealer amzn.to/2jub4sq Cheers!

[@kalyaankumargogineni8523]

Can we mix some pigments inti vinegar so stain color might be diff

[@DIYPETE]

Hi, you could definitely experiment! I have not done that before.

[@stevenjames191]

i am painfully looking at my jar on a daily basis (3 days now) it has white vinegar and 000 wire wool in it and it is clear as water ?

[@DIYPETE]

Hey Steven, even if it has no color I would try it out as there is a good chance it will still give the wood a patina.

[@OlliesTreasures]

Spilt some of this ( after finishing a table ) on our wooden deck and it has put dark stains on it....any recommendations on how to remove or lighten it.....the wife is not impressed.....🙄

[@DIYPETE]

Sorry to hear! It will penetrate into the wood so my best recommendation would be to use an orbital sander and test a small area to see how deep the stain went and how much sanding it will take to remove it. Maybe start with a 220 grit and then move onto a more aggressive pad if it soaked in a ways.

[@susancolwell9187]

Hi would this work on an oiled cutting board. I have used food grade oil on it about three times

[@DIYPETE]

Hi Susan, you'd need to apply the solution prior to the oil. While the vinegar would be food safe, the steel wool would not, so I'd probably avoid this for a cutting board.

[@susancolwell9187]

thanks so much Pete

[@lukefenske3039]

I don't get it. I used steel wool and distilled white vinegar and after 3 days my solution is is as clear as when I started. Do you need to use a special jar or the right steel wool? I Used fine steel wool and put it in a cleaned out coke bottle. Does it need exposed to air?

[@DIYPETE]

Hey Luke, a little air doesn't hurt and you could certainly try it. You might even test the clear solution on the wood and see if it has any effects yet on the wood.

[@vernonhenshaw3089]

You need to boil the vinegar and use less steel wool and you will get a grayer stain

[@BM-cr1zf]

I put steel wool in vinegar for 24 hours now and the liquid is still clear not dark. How come?

[@lindsaytope3929]

Can you use this stain on wood that has paint on it? Would sand paper help?

[@DIYPETE]

Hi! You would have to remove all of the paint using sand paper. The stain won't be absorbed otherwise.

[@user-ll5bm3dz7p]

You never showed the stained wood up close but good vid

[@djericanthony]

Why does filtering matter?

[@diamondbracelette]

This is the first demo I've seen (so far) that filters

[@sethrockz420]

censorship guidelines

[@MsMotoconcho]

I'm making a headboard. The 2x4s I'm using are turning gray and look perfect. My 1x6s are turning a cedar-y color. Any idea why this is happening and what I can do about it? TIA

[@thedetailguy0512]

MsMotoconcho are you using two different species of wood? I’m worried about such a thing. Yellow pine vs white pine vs Douglas fir. Which is why I’m being certain to use all of the same species of wood for my projects.

[@MsMotoconcho]

Michael hmmm, the issue I was having was with pine, but I'm not sure which it is. I did end up working it out. I used the vinegar/steel wool mix and I also mixed a dark gray water based paint and watered it down. Let it dry and then used some white paint randomly. Let that dry and did some uneven sanding, then did two coats of satin polyacrylic over it. It came out perfectly. Looks like old beat up hardwood. Thank you for your response. Btw, the stain I mixed made a gorgeous ebony stain after it sat for a couple more days.

[@mimiard]

So I tried this and it did in fact become a nice stain. My only question is: I had a dusty residue on the wood after it dried out. Also, when I brushed it off with a dry cloth the color changed a bit. I searched other videos using this technique didn't see anything about this stain leaving anything behind or looking different after wiping down. Did I do something incorrect? I'm going to take a wet cloth and wipe it down really good and then seal it with a wood sealer. But if I'm going to do this in the future, I wanted to be sure it wasn't something I did. Thanks!

[@matthewmcdevitt7767]

I’ve actually had mine sitting in the vinegar for days and it’s not changing color. Any tips?

[@DIYPETE]

Hi Matt, I'd try it out despite it not changing color yet. It will most likely change the appearance of the wood still.

[@biglouie9547]

Would a water based poly be ok to put over it for a finish or will it change the color

[@DIYPETE]

A waterbased will change the color very little in comparison to oil based. I like this option to keep the wood more of the grey color.

[@biglouie9547]

DIY PETE , I put water based poly on and it turned green kind of like a treated wood color. So now I have problems. Only put it on the bench I made not the table. Been trying to sand the vinegar stain off the table but it ain't working 2 good.

[@DIYPETE]

Hi K! Sorry to hear it didn't turn out as you wanted. It varies so much with each type of wood etc, so I always do a test piece. Best of luck getting that straightened out.

[@kathykarkut9526]

Watched a different video to make this stain. Both videos forget to mention that the stain is very caustic / corrosive. The video I watched used a paint brush and liberally painted on the watery stain, so I used a brush. My t-shirt was covered in lots of micro dots of stain, thought nothing of it, and put it into the wash. After washing, all those dots turned into holes in my shirt. I also mixed the stain in an open mouth vase and left it outside for x12 hrs. and it worked fine on the cedar latticing on the garden wall.