Homemade Stain – Coffee

homemade stain coffee

What You'll Need
How It Works

The chemical formula is: 4Fe + 3O2 = 2Fe2O3

Clears things right up doesn't it....maybe not?

That reddish-brown crud we call "rust" is all around us, yet we probably rarely think much about it. It turns out what we call rust is a chemical process that combines iron (Fe) and oxygen (O) to form iron oxide."

Growing With Science 
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During this reaction the iron atoms are passing electrons to the oxygen atoms, a transfer that is called oxidation. In the process the atoms are bound together forming rust.

When rust and vinegar react with the tannins in the wood they create the color or shade we see similar to stain.

Fun Fact: Tannins or Tannic Acid is also responsible for making wine, which is why wine is created in wood barrels! ​


1. Grab A Mason Jar

It doesn't have to be a mason jar per se.  Any sealable jar will work.  Pickle Jar...​

homemade stain coffee

2. Add Coffee Gounds

Depending on the size of your project, approximately 1/4 cup should do it.  ​

homemade stain coffee

3. Insert Steel Wool 

Use 1 full pad. Fine or extra fine steel wool works best because it breaks down quicker.​

homemade stain coffee

4. Pour White Vinegar

Fill the jar approximately 3/4 of the way to the top.  ​

homemade stain coffee

5. Let It Rest & Add To Bowl

Anywhere between 12-24 hours will do the trick.  ​

homemade stain coffee

6. Apply Multiple Coats

​Using the steel wool pad you let soak in the mixture, rub the stain into the wood ensuring full coverage.

At first you won't notice much of a difference.  It just looks like you spread coffee grounds and vinegar all over your wood.  

homemade stain coffee

Be patient...

After about twenty minutes you'll start to notice what looks like a moldy grey blotchy coverage.

First coat - Twenty minutes later...
homemade stain coffee

Don't worry.  It isn't mold.

What you're seeing is the concoction reacting with the tannins in the wood.

Depending on the look you're going for, add another two coats, waiting around twenty minutes between each (approximate drying time).  It's interesting what happens next...  

Second coat - Another twenty minutes...
homemade stain coffee
Third coat - And another twenty minutes pass...

Whoa!  It's pretty drastic from the first coat.  But, really neat nonetheless​.

homemade stain coffee

7. Finish

This is where you decide if you want to lighten it up with some sanding, or add a coat or two of polyurethane to give it some protection.  

I personally would use a semi-gloss or satin polyurethane to maintain the style this homemade coffee stain provides.  ​

homemade stain coffee

The "driftwood" look this stain offers is really neat and unique.  Play around with it to get the ideal look.  I suggest using a scrap piece of wood to get the formula right before applying to your final project piece.  

homemade stain coffee

​Use the scale of the wood frame in this tutorial to determine your ratios for the size project you're doing.

In example, this is a small coverage area and the ratios are: small mason jar, 1/4 cup of coffee grounds, 1 steel wool pad, approximately 2 cups of vinegar.

​So, increase the ratios for larger projects...​

The cool thing about this stain (like other vinegar based stains) is that it basically dries similar to water. It only takes a few minutes. The smell will go away in a few hours as well.

Naturally, adding polyurethane will seal the stain and protect the wood.

Give it a try, and as always, have fun!

Oh.....and wear gloves!!​

homemade stain coffee

Watch the full tutorial from Thread Banger here.

Check out more cool project ideas, how to's, and saw reviews.
About Brandon Potters

Hi, I’m Brandon and I can’t express how excited I am that you chose The Saw Guy as your resource for project ideas, tool reviews, and all-around guide to the world of DIY. I spent years in the construction industry refining my knowledge of various trades and even spent a few years working at a major hardware store. ​If there is anyone who can help you make a well-informed, unbiased, budget-conscious decision, it’s me and my team.

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