Learn how to easily transform Michaels wooden crates into rustic farmhouse storage using barnwood stain and wax!
Refinishing Wooden Crates with Stain
The other day I was shopping at Michael’s (which happens to be my all time favorite store) and I spotted these crates. They were wood and only $10, and if you have a coupon you pay even less.
This got me to thinking if I could use one, and if so, where. I came up with the idea of placing it on top of the cubby unit I just made over, and I’d use it for newspaper storage. The only problem was the unfinished wood. Today I’m going to share how I transformed that crate and got a stunning finish with stain.
I walked around a little bit more and found this stain. It’s from Michael’s private label Craftsmart. I really liked that soft grey color. And if you know anything about me at all, it’s that I’m all about soft and calm this past year. So I added that to my cart.
Materials Needed to Stain Wood Crates:
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- Wooden crate from Michael’s craft store
- Sandpaper 150 grit
- Craft Smart Premium Barnwood Stain in Gray (similar)
- paint brush
- sponge/foam brush
- paper towels
- Daddy Van’s All Decorative Wax in Farmhouse White (similar)
- a lint-free rag
How To Stain Wooden Crates:
It was such an easy project. I started out by sanding the rough spots on the outside of the unfinished crate. I didn’t bother with the inside because I had other ideas for it.
I brushed the barnwood stain (not affiliate link) on all sides and wiped back with a paper towel. Below you can see how it looked after one coat.
I used a sponge/foam brush to get into the tight spots.
After the second coat it was done but I still needed to add a wax to seal in the stain.
There is actually a wax that goes with the stain, but I already had lots of wax. So in the spirit of using up my supplies, I chose to go with the Daddy Van’s Decorative Wax in Farmhouse White. I’m sure any wax will do just fine.
I went with the white to try and get a bit more interest in the wood color and also lighten it up a bit.
Just put it on and buff it off.
Because I didn’t sand the wood on the inside, it was not smooth and I ended up with this rustic goodness from the white wax which I’m really loving!
Now I’ve got the perfect container for my newspapers.
I actually use them when I’m peeling potatoes or making a mess on the kitchen counter. I place them on the counter before I make my mess and then just throw them out when I’m done. A good way to use those newspapers and flyers and a great way to protect your counters.
The color is a soft grayish brown and not dark at all so it blends in nicely with the rest of the room. And it has that farmhouse look we all love so much!
I think it looks stunning, in a subtle kind of way! In fact I love it so much, I may go back and get a few more. Have, I mentioned just how much I love shopping at Michael’s?
This was my tutorial on how to get a stunning finish on a wood crate with stain. It was such an easy project, in fact it only took me about an hour with the drying time. Those crates never looked so good!
Do you shop at Michael’s?
Additional Ideas using Wood Stain:
Nice color Mary! I have an unfinished crate sitting around that I haven’t decided what to do with yet. The hubby has been using it in his office.
I don’t get to go to Michael’s as much as Hobby Lobby because it’s on the other side of town. Really not far just lots of traffic. Get enough of that to and from work 😉 But I love them both!
They are both great stores. We don’t have a Hobby Lobby near by but we have a few Michael’s so that makes me a very happy crafter!
It looks terrific, Mary. And great for the newspapers. (I like your counter idea. I often use waxed paper to do the same but the newsies are right there if you have them!)
I am nothing if not practical Jeanie. I learned this trick from a relative in Greece back when we used to buy the Sunday papers.
I love Michael’s too. I get so inspired just by walking around. The crate looks superb. You took a lowly crate and made it blend with the rest of the room.
It was so drab and plain and now it has zing and personality!
I love michaels but I’m thrilled to now be near a Hobby Lobby too. I don’t know why HL doesn’t have more New York stores? Maybe it’s too liberal a state for them ;).
Doreen I am now hear two Michael’s! So much choice and only so many hours in a day! I think I may have been to an HL once and it was in New Jersey. You may be right about that! Haha!!
Stunning! Such an enormous difference! Instead of just being useful, it’s become an eye catcher!
Thanks Marjan. I storage and this seemed like the logical solution for now. I may move it around a bit in the future. Still figuring out where everything goes and now with the KonMari method I’ll probably be throwing lots of things out too. Never a dull moment around here.
I love the color! I will definitely be heading to Michael’s very soon to pick up that stain. I can think of a lot of things to use it on. Pinned!
It is warm and not to dark, I think it is just perfect!
You had a great idea to use a wooden box!
I want to add that you have talent!
Greetings
Thank you so much Ela, that is so sweet of you!
I love these crates Mary. They are so pretty and useful. Great color and finish both on the outside and the inside!
I think I may buy some more and make a whole thing out of them, they are so inexpensive.
Good tutorial Mary! I love Daddy Vans products! I didn’t know they made a white wax…I love liming wax! Pinned your cute crate project to my craft board!
Thanks Wendi I actually won this at a giveaway. Maybe I got the last one out there? Haha!!
Oh, thanks for sharing this, Mary! I love that stain color! I haven’t tried any of the stains from Michael’s, but now that I’ve seen this, I think a trip is in order. 😉 I love the combination with the white wax, too. So much better than the unfinished look!
This is a really lovely color and with the addition of the white wax it became just perfect for what I was looking for.
I love how your crate turned out! The color is very nice. I may have to pick up some of that stain and wax for a sign I want to make in the very near future. Thank you for sharing your craft!
Thank you Erin for visiting and good luck with your sign. I think this stain will look perfect on a sign.
thats a very useful tip. organising is the most difficult thing with the kids around Thanks for joining Bloggers Pit Stop – Pit Stop Crew
The kids and the dog too who takes the mess to a whole other level!
What a fabulous finish you achieved, Mary! The crate is gorgeous. Oh how I wish we had Michael’s in the UK!
Thank you for sharing, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. I hope you are having a lovely week!
I’m sure you must have other wonderful craft stores in the UK April that also have great products.
I love you crates, Mary! And I love the way you transformed yours. I have a few of my own that need a little bit of sprucing. You’ve got my wheels turning!
I hope so Kim, it would be a shame to leave the crates with no TLC!
I love the finish you were able to achieve here, friend! What a great Micheals score!
Farmhouse fresh Erica, just the way you like it.
I love to use wooden crates as storage solutions. Yours came out very beautiful and you can use it also to storage pillows or throws in your living room
Yes I can and I certainly have plenty of those Christina!!
I love shopping at Michaels also, and I love how your crate turned out. The color is perfectly beautiful! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate It!
Michael’s for me is like a kid being in a candy store.
LOVE the colors and tone of the wood, Mary! Looks lovely!
It is just the right shade, not too dark nor too light.
Continue your great work!! You are an inspiration