Tutorial-Tea Staining

   It seems like a simple thing to do, but I've heard so many people ask how to tea stain that I thought I'd show you how I do it.  Gather up a bowl, instant tea (no sugar no lemon) and your project.

 Run some cold water into the bowl.  Just enough to cover project.

 Dampen your project at the same time.

 Add tea to the water.  How much is subjective.  Heavy staining requires a dark, dense tea water, so adjust accordingly.  

 Now add your project to the tea bath.

 Hold it down and make sure it is thoroughly soaked.

 Check it often.  When desired stain is achieved ring it out as you remove it from the bath.  I left this in about an hour or so.

 Oh wait, did I tell you you will need a sunny day?  

Hanging it outside gives an over all tea stain.  Laying it flat and scrunching it up, makes it very inconsistent and gives a "burned" look.  Both are appealing and you will need to decide which you prefer.  I'm not sure this one is dark enough for me so I may dunk again as soon as the sun comes back out.