Staining Reed Baskets is a great way to add color to an otherwise plain material. To ensure that all the cut ends are stained, it is best to stain the finished basket rather than the unwoven materials.
• Be sure to cover the work area with a drop cloth or newspapers.
• It is a good idea to test the stain color you have chosen on a scrap piece of reed.
• Use a foam paintbrush and dab on the stain. Cover small areas at a time.
• You can cut ZAR® Oil-Based Interior Wood Stain with mineral spirits until it is the consistency you desire. ZAR® Water-Based Stain would be thinned with water. You want the stain to be thin enough to brush on without creating a solid stain layer. Again, it is always good to test color first on a scrap piece of reed. You can apply various coats until you achieve the desired depth of color you prefer.
• You may want to apply a thin coat of polyurethane, depending on the look you would like to achieve.
