How to Mix Wood Tones to Create a DIY Cool-Toned Wood Stain

Rhettsrefinishes
by Rhettsrefinishes

Are you eager to learn how to mix wood tones for your furniture pieces? Join me on a creative journey as I share my step-by-step process for mixing wood tones.


With a simple combination of paint, water, and wax, you can transform your wooden surfaces into stunning, harmonious works of art. Grab your supplies and let's get started on this exciting DIY adventure.

Tools and materials

  • Gray paint
  • Taupe paint
  • Cup or bowl
  • Water
  • Wooden surface to be treated
  • Shop rag or cloth
  • Brown wax
Preparing the paint mix

Step 1: Prepare Your Paint Mixture

Start by taking a cup or bowl and combining 1 part gray paint with 1 part taupe paint. This blend will serve as the base for your rustic wood tone. The gray and taupe combination creates depth and character, providing a subtle yet captivating color palette for your wooden piece.

Mixing the paint with water
Wiping away the excess paint

Step 2: Introduce Water to the Mix

To achieve a weathered and worn appearance, add 3 parts water to your paint mixture. Stir the concoction thoroughly until it reaches a smooth and liquid consistency. The water not only dilutes the paint but also enhances the absorption into the wood, allowing the natural grain to shine through.

Applying the DIY stain to wood

Step 3: Application with Care

Apply the paint mixture to your wooden surface in sections. Using a brush or sponge, work the mixture into the wood, ensuring even coverage.

As you progress, wipe away excess paint between each section with a clean cloth. This step is crucial for maintaining a balanced and authentic rustic look, preventing the paint from becoming too heavy or uneven.

Enhancing the color with brown wax

Step 4: Enhance with Brown Wax

To add warmth and depth to your wood tone, take brown wax and apply it in even strokes, following the natural grain of the wood. Use a shop rag or cloth to achieve a smooth and consistent application. The brown wax complements the base paint, creating a beautiful fusion of colors and textures that mimic the aging process of weathered wood.

DIY cool-toned wood stain
How to mix a cool-toned wood stain

How to mix wood tones

Congratulations, you've successfully mixed a cool-toned wood stain! With just a few simple steps and readily available supplies, you've transformed your wooden furniture into a rustic masterpiece.


Feel free to experiment with different combinations and techniques to achieve the desired effect for your unique pieces.


Leave me a comment and let me know how your project turned out.


Follow @rhettsrefinishes on Instagram for more DIY ideas.

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