Safe No Chemical Wood Finish

5 Materials

2 Hours

Easy

I have posted a few painting techniques in the past, take a look at my most recent one which I used for some Fall pumpkins. The thing is, I really don't like using chemicals. It's pretty hot here in Arizona, and I hate using chemicals in my home, so if I can use a no chemical solution to get the same results, then I'm all in! Today I was cleaning out my under the sink flip out drawer. It was looking really rusty and dirty and then I had a light bulb moment! If by leaving my Brillo pads in that drawer creates a rusty finish, then who says I couldn't do the same for wood? Using tea bags (which can stain pretty nicely as well) I created this new finish for my wooden wall ladder.

The dirty drawer shelf that inspired me to get this look on my wood.

I took my Brillo pad and soaked in vinegar over night. It was a bit pink which is not what I was going for but onward we go!

I used this open tea bag and added some hot hot tap water (next time I’d leave the tea in the bag so the gains don’t strain out).

I began by painting the ladder with the tea first. Once again I was worried because the tea was raspberry and it was very red. But I made it work!

Then I used the vinegar that I had soaked my Brillo in overnight. I painted it over the tea stain.

I removed the Brillo...

As it started to dry I got really excited! It began to look like a grey and weathered look- love!

I continued and painted with the tea and then the Brillo solution over the whole ladder.

And it turned out great! No paint, no chemicals, and it looks so good.

PS- I cleaned my drawer, but it remained a but stained. Looks like this technique would also work on plastic! I think I'll try this technique along with my cinnamon rust technique which I posted a few weeks ago.

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Nancy
3 days ago

This is a great idea. Thank you for sharing it with us I am going to try it.

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- Shelly L Nemeth
  3 days ago
  
  Great
  
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Kasey Carl
2 days ago

Can you use any kind of tea ?

1

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- Shelly L Nemeth
  2 days ago
  
  Yes darker the better
  
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Greg Dorau
2 days ago

Can u do this to a coffee table?

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