How to Make Black Pickle Stain

Pickling, when used in the context of woodworking, refers to a method of antiquing. A pickling stain is essentially a thinned-out latex or acrylic paint that, although commercially available, can be made at home by taking minimal steps. Making a black pickle stain follows the same procedure as making a white-paint based stain, and the prep, application and finishing work is the same for both colors. A ratio of approximately 2 cups of thinning agent to a quart of paint serves as a standard guideline for homemade pickling stains, but you can adjust these to fit your application.

Medium-grit sandpaper
Fine-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
1 qt. black latex paint
Mixing can
2 cups water
Stir stick
Paint brush
Shop towel
Non-yellowing varnish

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any hardware form the wood and finish it for staining. Start with a medium grit paper, such as #120 or #150, and finish with a fine grit, such as #220. Wipe the wood down with a tack cloth.
- 2
  Pour 1 qt. of black latex paint in a mixing can.
- 3
  Pour 2 cups of water, ½ cup at a time, in the mixing can with the paint. Mix each ½ cup of water thoroughly with a stir stick before adding the next.
- 4
  Apply a thick coat of the black pickling stain to the wood with a paint brush and wipe off the excess with a moist shop towel. Brush the stain onto the piece in-line with the grain.
- 5
  Apply two more coats of the black pickle stain, removing the excess with a damp shop towel each time.
- 6
  Finish with a coat on non-yellowing varnish.

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