How to maintain a seamless wood finish throughout the home for a cohesive look.
I’ve been asked the last couple months more than anything else about creating this custom finish on all the wood tones in our home. I prefer to mix my own stains to get that perfect combination.
Years ago, I started out making furniture and home decor on Etsy. I created custom stains that our clients loved because I really invested in crafting the best tones that work with so many styles and compliment other wood accents. You don’t have to be a professional to whip up your own stain though, I’ll show you how I make mine and store them for use.
Here’s how to get my perfect “Restoration Hardware” aged wood finish – slight weathered, gray tint and a good medium brown without any red/orange undertone… basically it’s perfect, like I said!
-Start with a glass mason jar, seal and lid
-Measure 3/4 cup Minwax Provincial, pour into jar
-Measure 1/2 cup Minwax Weathered Oak, pour into jar
-Fill remainder of the jar with water to dilute
This is the basic measurement I use. As a rule of thumb I usually start with 2 parts Provincial to 1 part Weathered Oak and 1 part water to dilute.
*Sometimes I adjust this ratio to get the right tone. More water/less provincial, more weathered oak. It all depends on the type of wood and the piece. Always test first and adjust.
*Also, oil separates from water so as the stain sits in the jar the water separates. I shake/stir really well before each use and continue to as I’m using it.
To apply I typically use an old towel/shirt/sock, dip into stain and rub it into the wood. I almost always prefer this method because with a brush it really saturates the wood more and ends up being darker. Sometimes I’ll use a sponge brush for a very full, even coat.
Not all wood takes stain the same. That’s why I really like to test before fully applying. Adjust the ratio as needed to get the tone you’d like. It also helps creating a seamless finish throughout the entire home when you have a custom finish you can tweak on each piece, really keeps the wood finish throughout the entire home cohesive. I also love to use Valspar limewash glaze over top sometimes. It adds just a hint of white overtop to really tone down the brown, if it’s a little darker than I wanted. I absolutely love this product and use it on a lot of pieces.
A look at some of your favorite pieces I’ve used my custom finish on. Hope this inspires and encourages you to work on whipping up your own for your next project. I would love to see your projects if you use my custom finish – tag me on IG or send me a photo, love to share your projects.
I looooove the custom stain you have on all of your furniture pieces! I am new to staining and am so excited that you shared this!! This article was written just a few months ago. For some reason, I cannot find the Valspar Limewash Glaze anywhere at the local home improvement stores nor Amazon! Have you had any trouble buying any? I am wondering if it has been discontinued?
Hi! I’m so glad it’s helpful for you! I had my website and blog redesigned a few months ago and lost some posts so this one is actually a few years old it just was re-published a few months ago. I think it has been discontinued but any limewash or even a white paint with water mixture will work for the same look.
[…] and used a mixture of two stains (Weathered Oak and Provincial) to achieve this color. I used this tutorial to make the […]
Hi there,
This is exactly the look I am going for!!!
I plan on using your custom stain on a dining room table and wondering if you have a favourite sealer? Preferably a a matte finish.
Thank you so much,
Christa
Hi! Yes! Sorry for this delayed response. I use Minwax Polycrilic in clear matte. No sheen and it does not change the stain tone or make the finish yellow over time. It’s perfect!
Hi, we live in a log home with darker stained log walls, doors, and trim that I think might be Fruitwood. Some trim is Early American.
We also have soft pine floors stained Puritan Pine. You can imagine what a mish-mash it is.
I’ m wondering if there’s a fairly easy process using pickling stain or something to ‘normalize’ the stains on the logs, doors and trim so that another stain like the Provincial/Weathered Wood combo could be applied.
Hi there! I really can’t say for sure. But I would try something with a green undertone to cut the tone you currently have or try a gel stain that can cover it completely. The other option would be to try whitewashing. Hope this helps.