Cheap & Easy Wood Stain: Used Motor Oil + Diesel on Rough-Cut Lumber (DIY Barn Wood Finish)

Ever wish you could protect rough-cut lumber without spending a fortune on expensive stains? Today, I’m going to show you how to turn used motor oil and diesel fuel into a simple, cheap, and effective DIY wood preservative. This is a trick farmers and homesteaders have been using for decades to keep fences, barns, and outdoor projects from rotting — while giving the wood a deep, rustic finish. In this video, we discuss and show using a Wagner Airless sprayer to apply used motor oil mixed with off-road Diesel fuel to rough-cut Hemlock wood siding. Want a cheap, durable, and rustic finish for rough-cut lumber? In this video, I’ll show you how to mix used motor oil and diesel fuel to create a simple DIY wood stain and preservative. This method is popular for barn wood, fencing, sheds, and outdoor projects because it helps protect wood from rot, insects, and weather damage—while giving it a deep, rustic color. I’ll cover: How to safely mix and apply the stain The best ratio of motor oil to diesel Why this method works for preserving lumber Tips to avoid common mistakes Important: Always work safely, wear gloves, and check local laws before using oil-based stains. Using used motor oil with diesel fuel as a stain for rough-cut lumber definitely has some pros and cons. On the plus side, it can give the wood a very dark, rich color and can help protect it from moisture and insects. It's also relatively cheap and easy to apply. On the downside, it can be quite messy and not exactly environmentally friendly. The oil can also be pretty smelly and may not be the most durable finish, so you might have to reapply it more often. Definitely something to consider! #DIYWoodStain #BarnWood #RoughCutLumber #WoodFinishing #WoodPreservation #HomemadeWoodStain #BudgetDIY #WoodworkingTips #OutdoorProjects