How to Make a Red Stain for Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast growing, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wood. For this reason, bamboo is becoming increasingly popular in constructing eco-conscious furniture and walls. Since natural cut bamboo is a plain, pale cream or grayish color, you may wish to stain it for visual interest or to match your current home furnishings. You can make your own stain with materials available at fine art or hardware stores.

Things You'll Need

• Boiled linseed oil
• Gum turpentine
• Japan drier
• Artists oil paints in tubes

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Mix 4 parts linseed oil with 4 parts turpentine and 1 part Japan drier in a well-ventilated area.

   • 2

     Mix oil paints to achieve your desired tone. For a classic red color, choose a pure primary tone such as cadmium red. For an earthier red, mix the pure red with a brown paint or use a natural reddish color such as burnt sienna.

   • 3

     Mix the oil paint into the turpentine mixture a little at a time until the stain is as dark as you like.