Woodworker's Journal Magazine Click Here to Subscribe Sign Up to Get Free Plans Visit Our Online Store To Stain or Not to Stain September 14th , 2011 by Michael Dresdner Leave a Comment That’s been the question since woodworkers darkened oak by burying it in a pile of dung and urine . We have more pleasant choices these days . Stain and dye formulations have been made from ground earth , colored clays , acids , bases , plant extracts , coffee , tea , fruits , berries and , these days , from sophisticated synthesized . colorants That means we can stain wood whatever color we like . Or not . Admittedly , there are plenty of times I favor leaving wood au naturel However , there are also times when stain can do a world of good , and make my work greener to . boot For one thing , stain lets you