Don't Throw Out Rusty Nails & Use Them To DIY A Unique Wood Stain Instead

Are you an avid upcycler? Or, perhaps you have a piece of furniture that you'd like to undergo a vintage-inspired transformation. Using a wood stain is a super effective way of giving an item a rustic makeover. But, did you know that you can make your own DIY wood stain? Wood stains, depending on the brand, can be quite expensive. There's also nothing worse than using half a tin of wood stain for a project and then forgetting about it, and leaving it to spoil. Instead, you can sustainably create your own by reusing rusty nails rather than throwing them out. All you'll need are a handful of rusty nails, a glass jar, and enough white wine vinegar to cover the nails.

Due to the nature of this DIY, you won't be able to cover a large area like a solid wood floor or a large dining table. However, a helpful tip savvy DIYers will want to know before using wood stain is that this is ideal for smaller craft projects that don't require as much stain. So, you could use it on a picture frame or a wooden chair.

Pop your rusty nails into a jar, then pour in the vinegar. Use enough vinegar to submerge the nails completely. Pop a lid onto the jar but don't tighten it fully; you need to allow for the expanding gases to release. Leave the jar of nails to sit for around five to seven days, giving it a swirl once a day, until you see the vinegar turn from clear to a murky light brown.

Now, it's time to test your wood stain. Ideally, there will be a hidden place on your item where you can test it. If not, try and get a sample of wood that's similar in tone to your item, which you can then use to test on. Use a brush or a rag to stain your wood and leave to dry overnight before applying the second coat. To seal the wood stain, you can use a water-based sealant over the top. 

Rusty nails aren't the only item you can use to naturally stain wood. There are other everyday household items that you may not have previously considered. For example, tea and coffee can both be used to create a beautiful stain.