The perfect stain is 100% natural and is non-toxic (for people and pets) but is also durable to wear and to fading. When I looked at the other search results they were all homemade DIY stains based on foods that are not durable! There are a number of stains I love in this post that do tick all the boxes, and I have tried most of them.
The most natural options on this list use natural earth pigments to achieve the stain colors and use a 100% natural (non-toxic) carrier as well.
In terms of natural stains & finishes in one, natural oil-based stains are usually the easiest to apply and get an even tone with. Water-based stains are the most difficult to apply evenly to large areas.
I also mention pigments that can be added to an alcohol-based shellac finish.
Natural does not always equal non-toxic, however. Natural pigments are generally metallic elements and therefore not all are safe for all people or all applications. The Toy Safe certification is a huge help in discerning which pigments are truly safe for toys that could go in a child’s mouth or for food safe applications.
[Read more…] about 8 Natural Wood Stains (100s of Colors)