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DIY Stained Basket: A Tutorial

If you can’t buy it, find a budget-friendly alternative. And in this case, if you can’t find a budget-friendly alternative, MAKE IT. This is a mantra (and often a desire) I have learned to embrace, and as a result is the catalyst to so many wonderful projects here on Chic Misfits – including this week’s DIY stained basket.

I must say, providing my own alternative is not always a solution I desire. Sure, it gives me a chance to create a custom and personalized piece, but sometimes I’d rather skip the effort. Some days I’d just as soon sit in my big comfy chair, open my laptop and shop for that “awesome find” until my heart is content. Surely I’m not the only person that loves to open the door to a shiny new package, begging for me to rip it open like a present on Christmas morning.

This, my fellow maker, is the temptation that competes with my need to create, whether by circumstance or desire. In fact, prior to my decision to create a DIY stained basket, I shopped high and low for just the right one. However, many of my basket requirements narrowed down my options, severely. Due to a follow-up project, which I hope to reveal next week, I needed a dark and round basket with no handles.

After many trips to various antique stores, thrift stores, and discount retailers I found nothing. At that point, it was time to eliminate a requirement. I couldn’t make a square basket round, or mask its handles, but I could alter the color. Thus giving birth to my DIY stained basket. Once I settled on this idea, and slowly regained my excitement, I revisited my options and purchased this light, woven basket from Target.

Once I made the purchase, I’d completely forgotten about my shopping frenzy and was super excited to begin the next step – staining. Don’t fret, this word brings no intimidation in this project, because I’m happy to say this task was completed with such ease! Therefore, I am thrilled to bring you another super easy DIY project to breeze through with little effort. Did I mention last week’s DIY tutorial was just as time-friedly? Check that out here.

Now let’s get to it.

Basket before image

Here’s what you’ll need:


Staining materials needed
  • Basket (of your choice)
  • Minwax Wood Finish in “Espresso”
  • Gloves
  • 1″ Paint and stain brush
  • Lint free cloth

Test Your Stain

First and foremost, you will need to test the stain. Be sure to do this project in a well-ventilated area. The basket I purchased was made of maize, a material made from corn. Therefore I was unsure of how the stain would absorb into the material. If this is the case for you as well, I recommend testing your stain on a small area of the basket. I chose to do this on the base of the basket, in the center.

DIY stained basket test small area

I was more than happy with the results. After dabbing the excess stain with my lint free cloth, I could see the basket would stain nicely.

Stain the Remaining Areas

Now, using a paint and stain brush, apply more stain to the base of the basket, brushing in a circular direction. If your basket is square, brush left to right. Be sure to dab your brush into the nooks and crannies of the basket, making sure those hidden areas get stained as well. Lightly dab away any excess stain.

Stained basket base

Work your way around the entire base, then move to the outside of the basket. Apply stain around the basket, slowly rotating when needed, until you reach the top.

Once you’ve reached the top, move on to the inside of the basket, applying stain first to the base as you did on the outside, then working your way around the inside. Once you have completed the entire basket, give it another once-over, applying additional stain in the nooks and crannies where needed, and dabbing away any excess throughout.

Allow to Dry

Now that your entire basket is stained, allow to dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 48 hours, or until the surface is not sticky to the touch.

Final stained basket image

Once your basket is dry, you’re ready for styling!

Now pat yourself on the back for completing yet another easy project with no fuss, high class, and low effort. If you run across a basket you like, but the color isn’t dark enough, or it seems to be missing something, think about what it needs and how you can give it a little nudge in the right direction. What it needs might be very simple, and you’ll thank yourself later for daring to get creative.

Want to save this for later? Pin this DIY Stained Basket tutorial to your favorite Pinterest board?

How to Stain Basket
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