How to Stain Wood That's Half Dark & Half Light

Apply a line of masking tape so the light half of your project comes up to the edge of the tape. Apply the lighter of the two colors in a clear finish with a soft-bristle brush, working in long, straight strokes in line with the grain of the wood. Apply the finish so it slightly overlaps the edge of the tape. Allow the label-recommended drying time between coats.

Remove the tape while the second coat is still wet to ensure it does not peel up any of the finish. Allow the light color to cure for 24 hours. Apply tape along the line a second time, this time with the edge opposite the light side against the line between the two colors.

Apply the dark stain in the same way in which you applied the lighter color, allowing the stain to overlap the tape edge. Apply two coats as with the lighter color. Cover any light stain that may have bled over the line. The light finish under the tape will prevent the dark stain from bleeding. Remove the tape while the finish is still wet to reveal a clear, crisp line between the two colors.