Searching for that Magic Stain Color (and Prepping Doors)

[@marymurphy2605]

Having grown up in a 1914 bungalow type home with very dark doors, woodwork, trim and even the ceilings--which were gorgeous--I recommend going to light shades of whatever you choose. The woods WILL darken over time. Growing up in such a home, the first thing we all had to do when getting up on a bright sunny morning, was to turn on LAMPS, so we could SEE what we were doing.

[@janetpaulsen195]

After your last video where Jamie mentioned stepping back and you guys had answered a question about getting back to animals, I went back to when you started utube. I had no idea you were such a homestead family. I only started watching since you have been building the house. I’m so impressed with all you have done over the years. You are both amazing and strong people. Thank you for taking the time to video your adventures because it takes so much more time. You must be dying to get out of that tiny house. You have been there much longer than you expected.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Yeah the struggle is real! 😂

[@ann1260]

Dark Walnut ... all.day.long! ❤️

[@johnburnitin1027]

Honestly, you can't go wrong staying with a lighter color stain. Things darken over the years.

[@PaulyOutdoors]

The non-pre-stained walnut test piece looked almost as though you simply blow torched it. I love that look, doesn't look orange at all after a few coats of poly. I wonder if you'd mix just a Natural color stain to that Expresso..... it may enhance the brown color you're looking for. Just some friendly advice with regards to oil based stain soaked rags. Please discard of them properly as they WILL self combust. I've seen it time and time again and I would hate to see that beautiful new home of yours light up. Awesome progress Jeremy! Send my best to the girls!

[@susanschneider-baker49]

The point of spending money for solid wood doors and trim is to enjoy the grain of the wood. Use the stain that shows off the grain and texture. We do our Pumpkin Pine floorboards with just a Clear Stain Polyurethane, over the next 5-6 years it darkers from a Golden Honey color to a Reddish Gold Allspice color, which I prefer, with gorgeous grain highlights.

[@WeepingWillow422]

I follow a lot of channels so it's not always easy to keep up with which of the people I follow are veterans, but I believe it's been mentioned in some of your videos that one of both of you has served in the military. If I've remembered correctly, thank you for your sacrifices! Wishing a respectful Memorial day to you guys!

[@PaullaWells]

Personally, I think it's up to y'all's tastes on which stain to go with, but I wouldn't 100% discount either without a poly layer first. Sometimes the color can be nicely enhanced by the poly. No matter what y'all go with I have a good feeling it's gonna look great!

[@sandyallen1488]

I actually liked them both but it’s what *you* like that’s important. Great work Jeremy!

[@clancarney2541]

watching you work and the care you put into the details, your love for your family shines through. I hope they watch this and see how devoted you are to giving them the absolute best! You go dude!

[@redlanternhomesteadcathym105]

Oh how I love espresso! The golden richness!

[@ЕвгенияЯркова-б5й]

Try aniline dyes for wood, you can mix any color you want and it blotches much less than oil based stains. Also very uv resistant. Keda dye brand is very good.

[@debrachalfin6968]

I know that you have to live with the color, my opinion is the espresso. Have you tried to combine the two colors and see if that color is what you are looking for.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

So far the winner is a 50/50 mix of Espresso and Mocha

[@Allikattoo]

It's your house you all should go with what you like. I personally like light wood but that's me, not you. I did prefer the Espresso of those two but that just because I like to see the wood grain. It's going to be a beautiful home no matter what.

[@djaspurh]

It’s hard to tell color when you’re not there in person but it’s hard to get color on pine wood and I’ve always just liked a clear semi gloss on it. It’s great seeing you take your time on the doors, it so worthwhile.

[@gwenmoody8323]

Good luck on the stain. It is what you both love. Have a great week. Hugs

[@clipsfromcherie]

I like the Ariat shorts a lot. As for the stain I'm not sure. I used the Minwax Ebony.

[@xStarlicax]

Hah I like the walnut without the pre-stain ! I watch a lot of farmhouse crafter who use the Jacobean stain by Minwax. That doesn't seem to have any of the tinting of green or orange. Clutter Bug used General finishes Espresso on the kitchen cupboards, there is a video. It was a very dark rich brown. I also remember as a kid my mother telling friends how she added black stain to dark brown when she stained our Spanish style home to match the dark wood. Good luck on your quest!

[@clancarney2541]

Through the camera lens I like the walnut better. it may have a more greenish tint, but not as intense a tine as the espresso is a yellow tint. So if your goal is brown, I would go with walnut.

[@billprice2409]

We have espresso on all our cabinets. I think our base is either birch or walnut. We have a nice ebony color. The lighter grain in the wood does show up and can look out of place. We do enjoy the finished look of the darker stain. Tried to drop a photo for you to see. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@christophermarsch8657]

Dark walnut is the nicer of the two on that wood species. I heard you say you were going to apply pre satin as you are installing the doors. The Pre stain works best when it is applied just prior to applying the stain. Direction state that it works best when the stain is applied within 2 hours of applying the pre stain.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Yeah we just noticed that also. We'll have to change our process a little but no big deal. Glad we figured it out now though.

[@AlanaShuster]

I Prefer the walnut one coat. Very warm natural and dark enough with highlights and grain you can see. What a difference drying made. It did look greenish at first but dried after one coat looked perfect.

[@chelemichele1524]

I like the dark walnut... Hope you and the family had/have a good weekend 🌷🌷🌷

[@sandywoolard4790]

I like the espresso but I see what you are talking about with the golden look. If that’s not what you are looking for then I hope you find it. But I would choose espresso for my home. It’s very nice.

[@theIAMofME]

I wish you lived close by. My husband's best friend from middle school (he's 60) makes custom cabinets for high end home builders. He stays pretty busy. Travels everywhere though. I guess the price of lumber would be crazy. But, he could make you any kind of cabinets you wanted for any room. It's looking good. Godspeed!

[@hummingbirdwest6869]

I loved the Walnut color, but I don't know if it works for what you have in mind. Between the two, Walnut.

[@mojo6524]

I like the expresso. but would need the flooring and ceiling wood color to be sure. a dark stain up top wouldn't be my first choice.

[@DLRyoung]

Special Walnut... not dark walnut. Has a better look. More golden.. not greener. There once was a colour called Jacobin, it was the darkest you could get but with most stains had a tiny bit of green as well, I believe that now you can get tinted stains. Should try the rag method of wiping on. Lot easier then brush marks. So many techniques. Good luck with your colour selection, God bless

[@KatMa664]

Put 1/4 espresso into 3/4 walnut. That way the orange or red in the espresso will tone down the green in the walnut.

[@cynthiabrennemann3513]

I honestly like the non prestained walnut. Wonder what a non prestained espresso would look like?

[@ladyinthemountains2527]

Yes, yes!!!! I love how the non prestained enhanced the grain!

[@mspeedie52]

Try mixing the two colors in equal proportions and check out that color and see if you like that color.

[@nanhayden8438]

My husband had a favorite stain - but he made it up!. He mixed a little of this and a little of that. The formula is written somewhere. Seems to me he mixed cherry was in there somewhere. Anyway, it was beautiful and rich.

[@LaniAnne402]

You are so brave, hard working and intelligent. I panic painting the trim on frames for paintings! Best wishes.

[@mariowickel456]

Jeremy had you looked at minwax "Jacobean" beautifully rich

[@stevencjones5236]

Pine is so difficult to stain... even with pre-stain reducing the wood's porosity. I prefer wiping on stain, rather than brushing a lot on, and then wiping a bunch off and throwing it away with the rags. Yes, wiping it on is definitely more messy, but I find I have more control over darkness. My real preference is OAK, or ASH, which both stain beautifully... but, damn, they're SO $$$ now!

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Yeah this is all about finding the right balance. Pine is a royal pain but inexpensive so we must figure out how to tame it! 🤔

[@denisricher1349]

If you are looking for more of a Brown....Check out Jacobean....

[@andarthome142]

Or looking back on the toilet(yust kidding)lol😉

[@billsweetland294]

You sure do nice work.

[@craigs5212]

Thanks for the video, doors are going to look really nice. Give MinWax's Special Walnut a try. Looks like you have the hinge/jamb block hanging method mastered. Tack two small pieces of paint stirring sticks on a diagonal across the upper two door corners on one side of the door nailed flush on the drywall face.. This will keep the frame from falling through until you get the frame pinned in place, also allows for clamping the frame if necessary.

[@mattflyer7852]

It is really hard to tell what they really look like from the video. At different steps in the process, I liked them both better than the other. I absolutely agree with the comment(s) below about finishing the process and putting the polyurethane on them because it will dramatically change the appearance. It will make the color a lot richer and a warmer, yellowish, glow to it. We recently refinished some of our kitchen cabinets and ended up doing two coats of stain and three of poly before we thought they looked it. Yes, it's a lot of labor, but it is worth and I guarantee you that you will appreciate having properly stained and varnished cabinets which will hold up MUCH better than the spray on stain coatings some manufacturers like to use.

[@AtypicalVagabond]

Love the house build so far. I prefer the espresso too. I think once everything gets put in the color will appear more brownish. Keep up the great work.

[@johne1460]

Varathane aged wood accelerator is a stain that will give a nice brown look plus it's water based so it's easy to handle

[@MHarperInc]

Much prefer the walnut over the espresso.

[@a-a-ron2336]

Stain however many coats you like. One coat of Sandy sealer, sand. Second coat of sanding sealer, sand. One to two coats polyurethane. Sanding sealer is a painters best friend.

[@SillyMe2718]

What the camera shows and what u see is different on those samples. Everyone has different preferences. Feel confident you and Jamie will choose the right color for you.

[@jeanwoodall1523]

Yes, they aren't brown enough but I'm leaning toward the espresso of those two. In our new house if we ever move to it I want to do the my bedroom/woman cave (I need a space to sleep, to read, to journal, to play video games, and swing kettlebells) in green (light to olive) and blue (dark) diamond pattern on the walls and have the furniture be dark brown. Dark blue and dark brown have always been my favorite colors. I mostly just do the dark blue though since my hair is dark brown with reddish highlights, my eyes are dark brown with a golden highlight, and my undertone is gold. Light to olive green is more recent as it reminds me of Lee's and my deceased younger son Thomas' eye color. Right now leaning toward chalkboard paint since our older autistic son Daniel enjoys writing on things. I prefer if he does it with chalk or washable markers for easier cleaning as I have weak hand and arm strength (they are even weaker than usual since my breast reduction I had gotten a couple of years ago). Well whatever I use it will be toxin free. Lee doesn't like dark colors so the rest of the house will be a in a light neutral or warm color. Extremely cool colors like black and white make me look washed out and sickly.

[@cindyfinn4845]

Sometimes you can go over the lighter espresso with the walnut to get shade you want.

[@johnroos5807]

Endless Adventure did the same thing when they had to stain!:) I do watch both builds! I can't wait for your 'Reveal'!:) Semper Fidelis

[@GreggMrGlen]

Espresso... that is what I would use... in My humble opinion.

[@ng3069]

I like the stain that you didn't wipe off!

[@jwg19444]

👍The choice of color is always the tough part. The pre-stain sealer is something great for pine woods. Before I ever heard of them, I got so darn frustrated with color selection, I ended up using Kiwi brown shoe polish and was finally at a truce with staining. I don't know if it is my monitor or not; I saw some factory cross grain planer lines on your test pieces. If they are there in real life maybe a fine paper on a random orbit sander is needed to smooth them out followed by your easing of the sharp edges. Looking forward the final selection. Be well.

[@HomeBitsandPieces]

Try putting a coat of the other stain over one coat of the espresso stain and try it in reserve. Another option is to mix the two stains 50/50.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Yes so far the winner is a mix of Espresso and Mocha.

[@maltipoosoffgrid6868]

Even clear stain on pine turns a medium orange color over time. I had an entire house of orange pine walls😟😟😟😩 have you considered paint to coordinate with your wall color so the trim doesn't look like stripes.

[@kc6796]

I actually liked the non prestained dark walnut

[@geraldbennett4448]

Always enjoy your videos - you guys have become like family. Regarding the stain - take it from an old painter. Go with walnut, you will never regret it.

[@marythibault9032]

Cherry would be a lovely color

[@mamabear9389]

I was wondering if the ceiling will be stained and also if the LVP flooring will be wood look. I know getting different woods to work together can be difficult but I am sure it will look good.

[@juliebaker6969]

I prefer the single coat of walnut myself. I think that any darker will read as black, especially if you keep the walls white. But you're the one that has to live with it.

[@LaniAnne402]

Love the reddish color.

[@AudioGardenSlave123]

Two months of napping and I'm back to find like 8 new videos... that's rad. Been watching car wreck compilations and various automotive videos like Scotty Kilmer and Garage 54 and junkyard digs but now it's back to homebuilding and finish work. Maybe I might even go and check to see what's happening at Jennies Garage channel while I'm catching up with subs.

[@Thewellshomestead]

Where did you guys order your cabinets from? I'm on the hunt and doing a kitchen remodel.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Cabinetjoint.com. They are great. Video series to come.

[@adelacoburn1396]

Alright another video..Good luck with the stain you're going for, I kinda like the Espresso. Look forward to the next video.. ;)

[@jerrypeevey]

Just went for a ride up the Southern Cal coast. (not that it affects you) but, I have never seen so many ships sitting outside the ports of LA and Long Beach in my life.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Yeah it’s a big freakin problem

[@southernwanderer7912]

I agree with "Early American" stain. I also like cherry wood stain.

[@harperculver1666]

Hey! Y’all had this awesome sling-over tactical pack in one of your videos a ways back. Which video was that or what brand was it? Thanks!

[@marymurphy2605]

it was either their Evey Day Cary Video when they were back in their old place, or the staged Bug Out Bag they were demonstrating while introducing us to a new sponsor. This one had the fish trap if you remember that. I hope this helps.~~Mary It may be Barttlebox, but I have forgotten. Sorry.

[@teresaedwards6101]

Espresso for sure

[@ladyinthemountains2527]

Definitely not the espresso. With that much trim, your house will take on an orange-ish tinge. Take it from my experience living in a cabin that's ALL wood. 🤪

[@MrWade6969]

I like the walnut

[@reannejarvis7098]

Have you tried the walnut over the espresso? Just to see

[@juliebaker6969]

Unless you're painting the jamb, wouldn't it make more sense to stain it FIRST before installing it? You can't accidentally get stain on the wall that way. I know you will be trimming it, but I STILL prefer finishing my woodwork BEFORE installing it, it's a lot less hastle and fussing that way.

[@chrishyde777]

Do espresso twice and hit with dark walnut

[@sarahstaggs4439]

Love the natural

[@letizianunes1169]

Here in Italy we have a color call ( Marrone Testa di Moro ) is a very nice brown color. Maybe you have that one in the States as well with a different name???.....

[@smoochmcguire5291]

Great video thanks again

[@rootsrocksfeathers1975]

Well, sir, I guess you learned your lesson....never build a house during a pandemic/crisis! LOL. Just kidding! No one could have ever predicted the hand you were dealt with this build. Wishing you the best with finishing this and getting moved in fairly soon (hopefully, before the snow falls again, yikes!). ~Cynthia

[@cheekysaver]

And this video illustrates why I yell at every horror movie where the people are locked inside of a room... "The hinge is on it inside of the door!!! LOL you don't need a key if the hinge is on the inside!

[@Guildbrookfarm]

🤣

[@vanmiles6979]

What happened to you guys? Haven’t seen a video in 2 weeks!

[@xxcuetippxx]

Am i wrong in saying you used the Expresso on the first set of boards then when you applied the 2nd coat you used the other color. Im almost 100% sure you used both colors on all of therm. Am I wrong?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

No they each had their own color.

[@mawpatti]

If your looking for a reddish orange glow which will show even more over time then go with the expresso....if you looking for more of a brown then go with the walnut!! Good Luck picking the right stain....it may not even be one of these two you have now .....you may want to keep searching :-)

[@TechStories79]

Hey guys, sorry this question off topic. I've missed a few videos so sorry if I've missed it. Have you done a video moving you solar system to the main house yet? I really enjoyed your first series! Thanks

[@Guildbrookfarm]

We haven’t moved it yet. We’ll definitely do a couple videos when we do.

[@divergentone7491]

Dark walnut x 3 coats.

[@lesleyharris525]

Walnut without prestain.💖

[@tomnietz4158]

Boy you have work ahead. From professional experience I would use pre-colored lacquer applied with a professional airless sprayer. In this manner you can stain different wood species to look alike. I used cherrywood frames and Pella clear pine windows and you would think it were all cherrywood. By the by, your doors are pine but not clear pine.

[@askedgeorgia17]

Why don’t you see what it would happen if you used one coat of each color on another practice board. You might just like the combo! and don’t forget the primer stain!🥰

[@papajoe6254]

Go lighter and use a cloth with the stain, urethane will darken it more also. Try a medium OAK STAIN.

[@Mulberrysmile]

Espresso is better with the more golden tone. The one with green undertone is sad and heavy looking.

[@surgonan]

It will be hard to tell what the finished color will look like unless you go through the entire process. Polyurethane will change the look of the stain. You might like one of them with just stain, then hate it after poly coats. Better to do full tests now...

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Yep this is just the beginning it seems. We will tame the pine tiger 🐅😎

[@meatdog]

The lighter color will give you a nice look and stain darkens over time

[@GrandsonofKong]

Not trying to dodge your question but I guess I am. Paint colors, stains, flooring, etc...you guys are living there not us. So whatever works for you both.

[@erikabekker3339]

Maybe consider Minwax "Early American" stain color.

[@brenda9140]

ANYBODY HOME?!!!

[@WendyK656]

Jeremy, it is hard to really see it with the video! one looks orange ( Espresso) not sure of the black walnut either! It just might be we really can't tell with the video. I can't wait to see what you and Jaime pick.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

I prefer the just the pre-stain, then urethane. But it isn't my house. Choose what you like.

[@stevepailet8258]

I personally like an orange base then coating with REAL Shelac which turns it a wonderful brown. This to me gives a rich color that has may highlights that just make one go OH that is sweet. Your comment about wood stuck in port. Gosh you live in the land of amazing hardwoods. How is it that you had to order from china?

[@durangarc]

When is the long hair you started with coming back?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Time will tell 🧐

[@KurtMGibbs]

Personally, I don't think pine looks good stained and I think that all of those are too dark. I would use a sanding sealer, then polyurethane.

[@davidjones1393]

SUN LIGHT

[@AnIttyBittyHomestead]

Why aren't you using that wonderful child labor you have lol. Sure they can help with sanding.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I think the Espresso is too orange, at least the way it looks from my screen. The walnut looks a little better, but I think both are a little dark. My biggest problem is the striking grain on the wood. I would do whatever stain would help it to look more even and not so zebra striped. But we may have vastly different tastes. I love how careful you are with your work!

[@DawnieRotten]

Do ya REALLY want to go THAT DARK in the kitchen area?? You'll have the dark doors, dark cabinets and dark island. Kitchens should be 'bright'. All of that dark stained stuff......it'll be like you're cooking in a cave. lol I used to be a big fan of dark cabinets in the kitchen.....til I'd see whole kitchens that were DARK; now, I don't like it. My preference is now medium to light (stained) wood, or 'white' cabinets. BUT.....you guys are living there, not me.

[@mommabears993]

Was wondering the same but then thinking the fact that they have the huge windows and loft area right there plus the pretty much white walls and possibly light flooring can offset that fact. Ours is almost that pink wash and I hate it. LOL I bet the contrast is gonna make up for the dark wood elements- can't wait to see it finished!!

[@DawnieRotten]

@@mommabears993 Maybe, maybe not. I've seen kitchens w/dark cabinets (w/'normal' ceiling height) right next to the livingroom with a 'wall of windows' (2 story ceiling), and the kitchen was still dark. I LOVE watching House Hunter-type shows. That's what changed MY mind about having dark cabinets. Because, no matter how much light ya have coming through windows.....the kitchen is still a 'cave'. lol

[@Anthony_Harper]

I liked the pants until I saw a black camo with a bright orange zipper. What genius came up with that? I will pass on them now.