From the page: Rust is hidden ink
Idea 8
Stain to seal and darken pallet boards
Pallets are usually made of pine — a pale wood, full of knots and rich in tannins, making it a perfect candidate for iron mordant. Rustic furniture makers use the solution as a complete finish: it darkens, evens out the look between boards of different origins and even enhances the grain, all without paint that peels. It's the signature finish of the rustic-industrial style.
What you need
- Pallet boards already dismantled, sanded and clean
- Iron mordant solution
- Small foam roller or wide brush
- 120 and 220 sandpaper
- Oil, wax or varnish to finish
How to make it
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1
Dismantle the pallet with a pry bar or mallet, pulling nails carefully to avoid splitting the boards.
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2
Sand first with 120 to remove splinters and grime, then with 220 to even out.
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3
Apply the mordant with a foam roller in a generous, even coat, working section by section.
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4
Let it react for 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the desired tone — pine darkens fast.
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5
Lightly sand with 220 once dry to smooth the raised grain and reveal light grain over the dark background (a very beautiful effect).
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6
Finish with two coats of oil, wax or varnish.
Finishing touches
The contrast of light grain + dark background is the visual signature of well-made pallet furniture. Great for coffee tables, bookshelves, headboards and countertops.
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