HGTV's Dave And Jenny Marrs Show Us How To DIY A Gorgeous Natural Wood Stain

Dave and Jenny Marrs are in the restoration business. While they specialize in renovating older homes, they also know how to bring a piece of furniture back to life. The couple appeared on the Jennifer Hudson Show and demonstrated an aging technique on a piece of wood to give it a vintage feel. Almost instantly, the timber appeared darker, proving that their DIY methods were fast and effective. For the price of vinegar and steel wool, staining a piece of wood is accessible to everyone.

Jenny told Hudson that they had often dined al fresco while filming their spinoff series "Fixer to Fabulous: Italiano." The designer shared on the show (via YouTube), "The amazing thing about the tables there is they have this incredible patina because they've been sitting outside ... they're just beautiful. But, you can bring that look home really easily." Dave then added, "And not crazy expensive. So, we are going to age a table to get that old patina look that usually only comes from oxidized sun, like sun and time." 

HGTV stars Jenny and Dave Marrs shared that their technique of aging wood works best on porous wood, like pine, because it accepts a staining agent more readily. The father of five showed the Jennifer Hudson Show audience how to make the natural stain. "We got vinegar. We got steel wool. We are essentially making iced tea," he told Hudson (via YouTube). "We're going to boil vinegar. We're going to dump it in some steel wool. And then, you let this sit for an hour. And you have an amazing natural stain." 

The Journal of Wood Science researched the interaction between steel wool and vinegar and how woodworkers could use the solution to treat or ebonize their timber projects. The journal made several findings that could help DIYers prepare an effective staining solution. They suggest an ideal solution of about 2.7 fluid ounces of distilled white vinegar per gram of super fine aged steel wool. Interestingly, apple cider vinegar produced inconsistent results. And, in case you're tempted to go out and splurge on some brand-new steel wool, the study found that older steel wool breaks down faster and does a better job. While Dave instructed the audience to let the mixture rest for an hour, the journal article stated it was best to let the vinegar and steel wool solution sit for three days.

HGTV designer Dave Marrs explained that you could add more coats of the stain for a deeper look or add more steel wool to darken the stain. As Dave talked, Jennifer Hudson and Jenny Marrs applied the stain with foam brushes to the wood. Dave, Jenny, and Hudson wore gloves to protect their hands, presumably because they were trying to avoid the stain solution coming into contact with their hands. Likewise, using an apron to protect clothing and drop cloths to cover surfaces is a good idea.

While you let the staining solution steep, prepare your furniture to ensure the best final finish. Provide a clean, even surface for treatment by sanding the surface thoroughly. If needed, follow up with some wood filler before sanding again. Apply a coat of wood conditioner, and wipe the surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust particles. Then, apply the stain to your liking.

Leave the timber to dry at least overnight, resulting in an aged antique-looking patina. The process is popular among woodworkers because the wood may become as dark as you want it. Finally, show off your drool-worthy patinaed furniture by having a cookout with friends, much like the ones that inspired the Marrses in the first place. As Dave pointed out (via YouTube), "Really what completes [the aged table] is the wine."