Wood painting is a useful activity for small craft projects, for construction work and for other purposes as well. Painting can be done in many different ways, and sometimes with materials that you already have at home. On a free afternoon, panels, beds or tables can be transformed into works of art.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Powder Dyes
Step 1. Cover the work surface
It is a good idea to cover the work surface, whatever it is, with a plastic sheet (the newspaper sheets could get completely wet). Hands should also be protected, possibly with a pair of rubber gloves; otherwise you will end up with completely colored fingers. To begin we will need:
- A container for each color
- Brushes
- Hot water
- A can of polyurethane spray (optional).
Step 2. The wood must have already been prepared to be painted
If you are working on a scrap piece of wood, it must first be sanded and thoroughly cleaned. If it is lacquered wood, the lacquer must be removed and sanded until the surface is smooth.
Usually, the wood that you buy from specialized stores (blocks or beads, for example) is ready for use. If you are buying wood from a building supply store, you can ask for it to be sanded before you pick it up
Step 3. Shake the color bottles and pour the contents into their respective containers
Mix the dye following the instructions on the package - usually you need to mix half a scoop of liquid dye or 1 box of powdered dye with 2 scoops of boiling water. We recommend the use of a glass beaker or a ceramic cup, to avoid possible reactions of the dyes in the microwave oven and for adequate mixing.
- If the immersion method is used, the same amount of dye will be required with 2 quarts of water (in relation to the size of the product).
- There are many different types of wood dyes available on the market, and some are simply wood paints. Wood dyes, such as those you can buy for fabrics, allow for excellent paints, are cheap and easy to use, and are very popular in DIY stores.
Step 4. Test on a scrap piece of wood
Dip a piece of scrap wood into the dye cup (or use a piece of wood that will not remain visible). Leave to dry for a couple of minutes as the color becomes slightly lighter as it dries. In case the color is not satisfactory, just add some dye or water, as needed.
This way you don't get the exact final hue yet, but a very close hue that you can refer to. In doing so, moreover, one realizes how the dye spreads, and how it must be spread to obtain the desired result
Step 5. Paint the wood
There are so many ways that you can take them.
-
Fits perfectly. A foam brush, bristle brush or an old rag is dipped into the dye and spread evenly over the entire surface. If drops fall on the wood, they must be sanded immediately. It is left to dry and, if necessary, a second coat is applied.
Dye Wood Step 5Bullet1 -
By immersion. The wood to be treated is gently dipped in the dye. It is left to soak for as long as necessary to reach the desired shade (usually 10-20 minutes). Don't forget that the paint will be much lighter once it dries.
Dye Wood Step 5Bullet2 -
Worn finish. Two colors must be chosen to be applied one after the other. We start with the lightest and let it dry. Then apply the darker one and let it dry. Once dry, it gently smoothes, revealing the lighter shade. Subsequent coats are applied if necessary. It is finished by passing with sandpaper or steel wool to create areas with light and dark shades.
Dye Wood Step 5Bullet3
Step 6. Let it dry completely
Once the desired effect is achieved, the wood is removed from the dye, and it is left to dry on sheets of absorbent paper or other material suitable for the purpose, as long as it is not a surface on which the wood can stick. For best results, it is advisable to let it dry overnight.
Step 7. A coat of polyurethane spray can be applied to protect the color
Polyurethane can also be applied with a brush. This step is especially advisable if the wooden object will be subjected to particular wear, such as jewelry beads.
Keep in mind that these systems are not suitable for the treatment of children's games or for other objects that could be placed in the mouth
Method 2 of 5: Water Based Liquid Dyes
Step 1. The material needed
This is a great way to paint at home, or even for craft projects to do with kids - water-based liquid paints are non-toxic, fun and easy to use. Here is a list of what you need:
- Pieces of wood
- Liquid water colors
- Bowls, cups or ice trays
- Waxed paper
- Brushes (optional).
Step 2. Pour a few drops of the chosen dye into a cup, bowl or ice cube tray, each dye in a different container
The ice tray can be useful since you can pour small amounts of each color into the separate compartments, but if you need to treat large areas (for example for soaking) it will be better to use a container with a wide mouth.
The beauty of liquid water colors is that they are ready to use. They should not be mixed or heated. All you need is to pour them. They last longer than food dyes, and are also cheaper
Step 3. The wood is dipped in the paint for 2-3 seconds
The treatment time required is very short - at least initially. The piece is immersed for a few seconds and the resulting color is evaluated. Again, remember that the color lightens as it dries.
- It is a good idea to immerse one of the surfaces of the piece to be treated, and then let it dry by placing it on the still untreated surface. In this way we will know that whatever the part that rests, this will not get dirty and will not stick to the support that supports it.
- If the color is too light, the piece is dipped again for a few seconds, applying a second layer of color.
Step 4. Apply the color on all surfaces of the object to be treated
To avoid getting your hands dirty, you can wear rubber or plastic gloves. However, water-based liquid colors clean up quite easily if treated in time.
Also to be taken into consideration for treated objects: if they are exposed to water, the color could drip - at least in the long term. It is important that they stay dry (away from water and mouth!)
Step 5. Allow to dry on a sheet of wax paper
After painting, all the objects can be placed on a sheet of waxed paper to let them dry overnight. In the morning you can evaluate whether the color is to your liking. Otherwise you can always apply a new layer of dye.
Method 3 of 5: Freeze Dried Drinks
Step 1. Preparing the workspace
Before picking up the wood to be treated, the work area should be prepared, a place where it is not a problem even if it creates a great chaos. We recommend using a table or worktop that is comfortable to work with, and it doesn't matter if it gets stained with a drop of dye. However, it is advisable to cover the top with a plastic sheet or other protective material.
It is usually advisable to wear an old shirt and maybe a pair of rubber gloves
Step 2. Preparation of the freeze-dried drink
After putting on the gloves to avoid staining your fingers, the contents of a lyophilized drink package are mixed with water to create the dye. The water-powder ratio must be adjusted to obtain the desired shade.
- A cherry freeze-dried drink will give a red color, a grape one a purple color, and so on. If you want a more intense or dark color, just add less water. In case the desired color is not among the available flavors, it is also possible to obtain color combinations (red and yellow for example provide an orange color).
- What is the greatest benefit of using freeze-dried drinks as a colorant? Their delicious scent.
Step 3. Paint the wood with the resulting dye
With a foam brush, the color is spread over the entire surface of the object to be treated. It should absorb quickly and will also have a nice fruity scent. Also in this case the color will become lighter as the dye dries, so it is advisable to wait a few minutes to see if it is appropriate to give a second or third coat.
Usually a couple of hands are needed, so you will need to be patient. To obtain a uniform result, before moving on to the second coat, it is necessary to make sure that the color has been spread over the entire surface to be treated
Step 4. Allow to dry
After applying the color, wait 15-20 minutes. In this way the color will be able to penetrate into the wood. At this point, to make the item dry faster, I know you can put it in the sun or in a well-ventilated area. After the necessary time, the artwork will be ready.
Check the color. When the wood dries completely, it will be necessary to check if the color it has taken is dark enough. Otherwise it can be painted again
Method 4 of 5: Food Colors
Step 1. Preparing the work area
To prevent the worktop from getting stained, cover it with paper or other suitable material, such as a plastic tablecloth. It is recommended that you wear a pair of rubber gloves. You will also need:
- A container for each color
- Warm or warm water
- Plastic bags (if dyeing by immersion).
Step 2. Put a few drops of dye in a container filled with warm or hot water
The more dye you add, the greater the saturation of the resulting color (or, equivalently, the less water you use, the more intense the hue). Light woods are perfect for being treated with food dyes, as they absorb color more easily.
- Mix well: food dyes have a tendency to take some time to dissolve in water, so they need help.
- The darker the wood and the larger the surface to be treated, the more water will be needed, and therefore the greater the amount of dye needed. We will have to prepare to empty the pantry!
Step 3. Immerse the wooden object to be treated in the mixture of water and dye
A sealable plastic bag is ideal for keeping the item submerged, but it depends on its size. If the object is very large, a plastic basin can be used.
A foam brush can also be used to apply the dye. It will be easier to control and is better suited for coloring small objects that have nooks and crannies. However, using the brush will require more patience
Step 4. If you proceed with the immersion of the object, it should be left in the dye for about ten minutes
The longer the immersion time, the more saturated the color will be. Do you want a bright and vibrant color? Just leave the object submerged, go watch an episode of your favorite TV show, and then check back.
- If you proceed with the brush, at least 3 or 4 coats may be required before obtaining a relevant color. Before moving on to the next coat, you need to make sure that you have painted the whole object, otherwise you may get an uneven coloring.
- Remember that the color lightens as it dries.
Step 5. Once staining is complete, allow the wood to dry
With paper napkins or a similar material you can avoid staining other surfaces. Leave to dry for at least one night and check the result the following day. If the color has become too light, just apply additional coats.
When a satisfactory color is obtained, it should be protected by spraying polyurethane spray. Polyurethane can also be spread with a brush. This substance gives a lacquered or glossy appearance, as well as sealing the treated surface protecting it from wear
Method 5 of 5: Coffee
Step 1. Prepare a coffee maker
To be precise, this is not a particularly resistant system for coloring wood, and is only suitable for lighter woods such as pine. The end result will be a color as if it were "weathered". It is advisable to use a coffee resulting from a long infusion; the darker the coffee, the darker the coloring effect will be.
Do you want to paint a dining table for 14 people? several coffee pots will be needed
Step 2. Return the coffee grounds to the coffee maker
They will be part of the dye and make it more intense and darker - and this will result in fewer coats to apply.
Before dipping the rag or brush into the coffee, it may be helpful to put on a pair of rubber gloves to avoid stains on your fingers
Step 3. Remove the coffee from the heat and wait for it to cool down a bit
When it is still hot (but not hot), it can be spread on the wood using a soaked rag or a brush. Pass back and forth across the surface to be treated.
Coffee grounds don't have to be a problem; you have to try to leave them in the container of the dye by pressing the rag or the brush, but you must not stop brushing back and forth. For a darker shade they can also be left on the treated surface
Step 4. Allow to dry
Small objects can be left to dry by placing them on paper napkins. A little coffee could drip or run. Usually the effect of running coffee is pleasant, and gives a pleasantly imperfect appearance.
Step 5. Additional coats must be applied until the desired color or effect is achieved
After a few coats the color should be quite evident. To restore strength to the dye, just heat the coffee (without boiling it) and apply a new coat.
- Before applying a new coat, let the previous one dry. This will be slightly darker until it dries completely.
- Once the desired shade has been obtained, it could be protected with polyurethane spray or with a wood lacquer. This treatment helps keep the color longer, gives it shine, and protects it.
Advice
- There are patented products to paint wood, such as alcohol-based or water-based wood dyes. With these products you must follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Hair dyes stain the wood.
- Shoe polishes can be used. Once the desired color has been chosen, it is passed on to the raw wood. The dye of the polish transfers from the polishing paste to the wood. Before using the treated object, it must be left to dry.
