Model Making Quick Tip: Wood Stains

In this Quick Tip video, I demonstrate a few of my favorite methods and materials for staining wood in model builds. I look at do it yourself stains like India ink or shoe dye and alcohol, plus some quick and easy products from the local hardware store.
Thanks for watching, amigos!
Dave
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[@markdeschane4467]

I like it! I have also used Acrylic Paints mixed with water to make stains that have very similar results! However, I like your use of the Minwax stains to do small projects.

[@jvanamb]

Howdy Dave, I'm not the painter in the family. That's a job reserved for my late wife. But one thing I can added to your technique is I once spilled 90% I.P. on a finished model. Though the results were not what was planned the additional treatment caused the stain to fade slightly. As well as wash away from select areas. I.E. along the buildings baseboards. For those who are looking for such an effect dabbing on clear I.P. can add an after effect. Which maybe desired? Next, I and a model RxR buddy noticed at your painting station you use rolled paper. He does something similar. He mounted to the rear of his painting area a pair of paper rollers. He then has a limitless supply to cover and protect the hard surface. He was saying you might want to do a video on your techniques you use to protect your desk or workshop countertops. In any event another good episode. Jim

[@vincenthuying98]

Don’t know if the markers will be available over here. Definitely will look into them. Also am going to try out the shoe dye and india ink methods. Until now I mainly use the different shades of stains my wife and I produced a few years ago. Those we made with white vinegar, tea, steel wool, old rusty nails and even coca-cola. Very interesting of these homemade stains is that they come to consist of more than just one shade. Depending on the grains, the amount of exposure, and sometimes the hardness of the wood, they stain the wood from deep black, to a blue green sheen mixed into grey. Or the more rusty colors, and very different shades of brown.

[@montemullen2801]

Love the quick tip videos. Lessons from the master.

[@robertalford69]

I began with the India ink and alcohol, I now like all the variations of what you have done. Very nice with the two Kiwi colors.

[@cinstan]

Good stuff Dave. I tried the cheapo markers from amazon and the results were great, however the colors changed over time and looked terrible. One actually turned purple. I'll switch to the minwax.

[@jeffsikes5312]

im using stains from BEST TRAINS NOW GOOD STUFF !!.

[@roblibby67]

I have enjoyed watching your videos, you seem to enjoy you hobby and do a great job of sharing your knowledge. Thank you for that. You have talked about illustration board as a material a number of times and I have went looking but there are a number of types out there, would you mind share what type you use in the laser cutter with use? Thank you again for sharing I look forward to your next build project.

[@dstenger]

Thanks for the tips. I watched a video that recommended applying stain more sparingly enough to stain the wood, but avoiding the excess moisture that causes warping.

[@MakeItWithCalvin]

I use Hunterline stains but I love the idea of DIY stains and those "stain pens" are something that would be great for spot weathering or touchups at shows. It would be interesting to see how well those Kiwi, and similar, stains would dissolve into a solvent like mineral spirits if warping is a concern.

[@82spoon82]

I've been using Hunterline for a while but recently started using Mig oil brusher from Ammo mixed with thinner and its giving some awesome results!

[@danielbanks7500]

If I am working with alcohol as a thinning base, I really like going to the refill area for alcohol ink markers. Very affordable, mixes easily with additional alcohol, and can be bought in a large range of colors.

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

Good tip!

[@allenlandis4504]

thank you very much. Great tips.

[@ocalicreek]

Minwax Dark Walnut was the stain I used on my very first attempt at hand-laying track. I agree - it makes a great creosote. Nice tips, as usual, Dave!

[@ajkleipass]

Steel wool dissolved in white vinegar makes for a brownish wood stain.

[@calicocanyonrailcompany8403]

I have started using Rembrandt Pastels with 91% ISA. I am still playing with and discovering it using different shades of brown. It dries very matte and with the right combination, looks very realistic. I need to start using the Min Wax markers you suggested, I see a lot of different applications for that.

[@WHJeffB]

It's an older video, but I wanted to comment. The "granules" in the India Ink/IPA can be minimized or eliminated by using 91% or 99% IPA. Or better yet, use Denatured Alcohol instead (which is a better solvent for India Ink, at least the ones I've used).

[@robertnessful]

"The basswood is really thin, so it's going to warp. A good trick is to stain the back side, too..." And my simple mind stops paying attention to the video and starts thinking, "Ladies and gentlemen, get your screen capture ready. We are about to see the ninth wonder of the world. It's colossal, it's stupendous. Here it is folks. The back side of bass wood!"

[@russellloomis4376]

Thank you for this video I would never have thought about using shoe dye or the touch-up pen. What store would I be able to find the pens at? I'm assuming Walmart but not sure. Thanks again.👍

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

Try Home Depot, Ace, or Lowes in the paint/stain department.

[@ajkleipass]

@@ThunderMesaStudio Walmart has them too. Look by the cleaning supplies / furniture polish. Of course, the upside to shopping for them at the home store is that you can also get the matching cans of stain for when you are doing a bigger project - I'm not masochistic enough to use the pen to hand color a layout worth of ties, or a whole trestle!

[@markdeschane4467]

Dave, how do I become a contributor to your KZbin Channel?

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

Hi Mark, you can become a member here on KZbin by clicking the "Join" button above. Or you can become a Thunder Mesa patron at www.patreon.com/thundermesa Thank you!

[@KenBinCT]

Why 70% alcohol and not 99%? I would think the higher the alcohol amount the less warpage.

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

Couple of reasons. Here in AZ, alcohol evaporates VERY quickly, lowering working time. Also, when using India ink, the higher alcohol content breaks the ink down too much, turning it to granules that will not soak in the wood. Your mileage may vary.

[@KenBinCT]

@@ThunderMesaStudio Oh yeah, it's a dry heat you have in AZ. Don't have too much of that here in CT. 👍👍

[@EcoHamletsUK]

Dry and heat are both things that are in short supply in Wales! Does that mean I could use 99% IPA, as I keep that in stock for washing 3D prints and general cleaning.