Wood is making a comeback in furniture makeovers, and we’re here for it.
Instead of painting every part of a piece, more furniture artists are combining painted finishes with exposed natural wood. It adds warmth, shows off the grain and gives an older piece a more modern, considered look.
In this tutorial, Pappa G puts Granny B’s Amazing Glaze to the test by using it as a water-based wood stain. The result is a deep, translucent colour that enhances the timber without hiding what makes the wood beautiful.
Can you use Amazing Glaze as a wood stain?
Yes. On raw or stripped wood, mix Granny B’s Amazing Glaze with an equal amount of clean water, apply it with a sponge, allow each coat to dry and then seal the surface. The glaze adds translucent colour while leaving the natural wood grain visible.
Amazing Glaze wood stain method at a glance
- Sand the surface back to raw wood.
- Remove all sanding dust.
- Lightly dampen the wood with clean water.
- Mix one part Amazing Glaze with one part water.
- Apply a thin coat with a sponge, following the grain.
- Let it dry and add another coat if you want a deeper colour.
- Allow the final coat to dry overnight, then protect it with Classic Seal or Armour.
Why use Amazing Glaze as a wood stain?
Granny B’s Amazing Glaze is normally used over painted furniture to create aged, antiqued, whitewashed or contemporary effects. Because it is richly pigmented and water-based, it can also be diluted and used to colour raw wood.
Unlike an opaque coat of paint, the diluted glaze allows the natural grain and character of the timber to remain visible.
It’s also easy to control. One coat creates a lighter wash, while additional coats gradually deepen the colour.
What you need to stain wood with Amazing Glaze
- A raw or stripped wooden surface
- Granny B’s Amazing Glaze
- Clean water
- A small mixing container
- A sponge or sponge applicator
- A water mister or clean sponge for dampening the wood
- Medium- to fine-grit sandpaper
- A clean, lint-free cloth
- Granny B’s Classic Seal or Armour
Pappa G used Amazing Glaze Black to create the dark, almost-black stained finish shown in the video.
Step 1: Prepare raw wood for staining
For the glaze to behave like a stain, it needs to reach the wood itself.
Remove any existing paint, varnish, wax or sealer and sand the surface evenly. Sanding removes old finishes and opens the pores of the timber, allowing the diluted glaze to soak into the wood instead of simply sitting on top.
Once you’ve finished sanding, remove all dust with a clean cloth or vacuum.
Take a little extra care here. Uneven sanding can lead to uneven colour, particularly on a large, flat surface such as a tabletop.
Step 2: Dampen the wood evenly
Lightly dampen the wood with clean water.
A spray mister works well, but you can also apply the water with a clean sponge. The surface should be evenly damp rather than soaking wet, with no puddles left behind.
This small step helps the stain travel into the wood and makes it easier to spread the glaze evenly. It can also reduce harsh overlap marks on thirsty or porous timber.
Step 3: Mix a 50/50 Amazing Glaze wood stain
Stir the Amazing Glaze thoroughly before decanting it.
In a separate container, mix:
One part Amazing Glaze with one part clean water.
This gives you a 50/50 mixture. Only mix a small amount at first—you can always make more if you need it.
Using a separate container also protects the remaining product from contamination.
Step 4: Apply the stain with the grain
Dip your sponge into the diluted glaze and apply it to the damp wood, working in the direction of the grain.
Keep the application light and even. Work across the surface in manageable sections and maintain a wet edge wherever possible. Smooth out any heavy patches or puddles before they begin to dry.
Some woods are thirstier than others and will absorb the mixture very quickly. If this happens, keep your application controlled and resist the temptation to flood the surface.
Step 5: Let the stain dry and build the colour
Allow the first application to dry completely before deciding whether the colour is dark enough.
The glaze may look different while it is still wet, so don’t judge the final shade too soon.
If you would like a deeper or more dramatic finish, apply another thin coat using the same method. Building the colour gradually gives you far more control than applying one heavy coat.
Step 6: Adjust your wood-stain colour
Amazing Glaze is available in four practical shades:
- Black for a charcoal or near-black finish
- Aged for a rich chocolate-brown tone
- Antique for a warmer umber effect
- White for a soft whitewashed finish
You can also mix the colours. Combining Black and White, for example, creates a softer smoky grey stain.
Because the original species, age and porosity of the timber will influence the result, always test your mixture on an inconspicuous area first.
Step 7: Seal and protect the stained wood
Amazing Glaze adds colour, but it is not the final protective layer.
Once you are happy with the depth of colour, allow the final application to dry overnight for at least six hours. Seal the surface with your preferred Granny B’s sealer.
Use Classic Seal for general furniture use or Armour when the surface needs tougher protection, such as tabletops, countertops or other high-traffic areas.
Follow the application and curing directions on your chosen sealer before putting the furniture back into use.
The final result: a rich black wood stain with visible grain
The finished tabletop has a deep charcoal-black colour, while the knots, texture and natural wood grain remain clearly visible. The diluted Amazing Glaze adds depth without covering the character of the timber.
Pappa G’s tips for a more even finish
- Sand the whole surface consistently.
- Remove every trace of sanding dust.
- Dampen the wood evenly without soaking it.
- Keep the glaze-to-water ratio consistent between batches.
- Apply thin coats and build the colour gradually.
- Work with the direction of the grain.
- Watch end grain and damaged areas—they may absorb more colour.
- Always test your mixture before tackling the full piece.
- Don’t skip the final sealer.
Frequently asked questions about Amazing Glaze wood stain
Can Amazing Glaze be used directly on raw wood?
Yes. The wood must be raw, stripped or sanded free of old paint, wax and sealer so the diluted glaze can absorb into the grain.
What is the mixing ratio?
For this technique, mix one part Amazing Glaze with one part clean water. That is a 50/50 mixture. Keep the same ratio if you need to prepare another batch.
Do I have to dampen the wood first?
Lightly dampening the surface helps the stain spread and absorb more evenly, especially on porous timber. The wood should be damp, not wet.
How many coats should I apply?
Start with one thin coat. Once it is completely dry, add another if you want a darker finish. The timber species and how heavily it has been sanded will affect how quickly it absorbs colour.
Can I mix Amazing Glaze colours?
Yes. The Black and White shades can be mixed for a smoky grey, while Aged and Antique give warmer brown tones. Test your mixture on a hidden area before staining the full piece.
How long should Amazing Glaze dry before sealing?
Allow the final coat to dry overnight for at least six hours before applying your chosen Granny B’s sealer.
Which sealer should I use?
Classic Seal suits general indoor furniture. Choose Armour for tabletops, counters and other surfaces that need tougher protection.
Where can I buy Amazing Glaze in South Africa?
You can shop the Granny B’s Amazing Glaze range online in Black, White, Aged and Antique.
Related guides: Read the full Granny B’s product instructions or learn more about the difference between glaze and sealer.
One product, another clever use
This is what we love about experimenting with furniture finishes. Amazing Glaze may be known for creating effects over paint, but with a little water and the right preparation, it also gives raw wood a rich new colour while keeping the grain beautifully visible.
Use it on a natural tabletop, exposed drawer fronts or any section of a furniture makeover where you want the warmth of wood to remain part of the finished design.
Shop Granny B’s Amazing Glaze and try the technique on your next project.