When I refinished my thrifted patio furniture for The Home Depot Patio Style Challenge, I decided that my table needed an entirely new top... partially because my dog chewed up the edge of the old top {good thing I love him :)}... partially because I wanted it to have the look of a chunky farmhouse table. I was inspired by Jen's tutorial here when she refinished her fabulous porch table.
It took a lot of elbow grease to refinish the rest of the set, but adding the top was probably the easiest part. You can see the entire tutorial for refinishing wood patio furniture over on The Apron Blog here.
I had a lot of brown tones going on outside, so I wanted to throw a pretty warm gray into the mix to add richness and dimension. I used regular old cheap 2x6's, so they already had a reddish hue which was a little hard to tone down. Using the Pre-stain {which I highly recommend... I will be sharing a comparison with and without using it soon}, I prepped the wood. You can see the full tutorial here.
I wasn't getting the look I wanted from regular gray stains, so I created a little mix... and I LOVED it! The two stains mixed so well together to create a really rich, pretty color.
I love how it is a pretty, warm gray that almost looks like weathered wood.
So here is the formula for you. I didn't measure exactly; I just eyeballed it. It is best to practice on scrap pieces of wood to make sure you are happy with the color before staining your furniture. If you want the gray to be warmer, add a little more of the brown until you get the color you are looking for.
Warm Weathered Gray Stain Formula:
80% Classic Gray from Minwax
20% Jacobean from Minwax
Lightly mix stains together in a disposable container {or a fancy gas station cup like mine}
So, what do you think? Do you like a weathered gray stain?
I am so happy with it. It has been so nice to have a comfortable space to hang our while our kitchen has been under construction. I will be sharing A LOT of updates on our fun kitchen reno this week! You won't believe the difference between the before and after pictures!
Tina row
Can you use this formula on indoor stairs. They have never been finished. Wante the weathered gray Finish. Also what top coat would be best , as the step will be used daily. Thanks, tina rowland
Kristen Whitby
Yes, it is an indoor stain. I would put a clear coat on like a polyurethane but be careful to read the label and research which ones won't yellow over time.
Nanna Howlett
I used the recipe for the gray and used it for crown molding, framing of doors and windows and base bord. It is beautiful. I couldn't find matching light switch covers so I used the same stain. All of them are different, takes a long time to dry and some had to have a repair coat. They match and add a different appearance to my wonderful room
Janine
Hi. Just a quick question. Did you let the stain sit, or wipe it off?
Thanks!
And it is beautful.
Kristen Whitby
I coated it evenly, in sections, and then wiped it off.
Susan Lea
Thanks so much for sharing this! I'm definitely going to use this!
Rachel
How many coats did you apply?
Kristen Whitby
One coat of conditioner and one coat of stain.
Dean
Wow this looks great. The color combination allows the gray to stain the grain while letting brown show through on the wood base.
Dean
Wow that looks great. Those two color combinations work well together. It allows the gray to stain the grain and a lighter brown on the wood base.
Hampton SC
¡Fantástico! Seguro que seguiré tus indicaciones ^-^
Elizabeth
Lovely! Found this on Pinterest at the perfect time!
Halliday's
I love it! Did you put a protective coat on it? If so, what kind? Does it stay outside year round?
big, beautiful and not beligerent
i am putting up a cabin this summer/fall and i will be using your method for weathering the plank walls. Thanks a million. 🙂
Danielle
This color is wonderful!
Di
Oh yes, it is wonderful. It is a soft warm gray and perfect in your yard. Di@Cottage-Wishes