Staining Made Simple with Flood (And the Better Backyard Sweepstakes!)

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Flood® Wood Care for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

So I have to admit, as much as I paint – I rarely stain.  It’s just that when you “rescue” thrift pieces, the trend is chalk paint.  So when I had the opportunity to try Flood® Wood Care products, I was really excited to create a piece that I could stain and enhance, rather than paint and cover up!  I am HOOKED!  Staining really suits my style and allows me to truly enjoy the natural wood grains.  Want to see my project?

A bean bag toss game has been on my to-do list forever, and I found a fantastic tutorial over at Sew Woodsy for making one yourself!  Now, because I’m kind of a newbie… I used the Staining Made Simple guide to plot out my project.  The Staining Made Simple guide really is perfect; it walks you through what type of project you have and asks your preferences, and it tells you which products (and how much of them) to buy.  It even finds your local retailer.  So easy!

For my project, a cleaner was recommended to condition my new wood, and I picked out this lovely semi-transparent chestnut stain.  I wanted something that would allow the grain to show through (I upgraded to the birch plywood for this project so I could enjoy the wood grain) but Flood® Wood Care also offers solid color stains for more unique color choices, or even translucent stains if you enjoy the minimalist look.

After my game boards were built, all I needed to do was brush the stain on, and leave it to dry for 24-48 hours.  Your stained project should avoid cold temperatures and rain for 48 hours while the stain is drying.

The total time for this project was a little more than my normal projects – each game board took me an hour to build, and staining took 45 minutes from prep to cleanup.  The beanbags themselves whipped up in about 15 minutes, making this a 3-hour project – perfect for an afternoon (or in my case, a few evenings) – you just need to allow for that drying time after you’re done!  And to be honest… it may have taken me a little longer than the average DIY-er.  Beacause, you know… this:

Yep.  That’s my third trimester baby bump, and everything is getting a little tougher to navigate with little man in the way, LOL.  But I did manage it – by myself, even! – and our family had a GREAT time playing!

Raya was there to “help” us win… every bag magically went into the hole.  LOL.

I’m so pleased with how it turned out!  It looks gorgeous, and the best part is, if it gets left out in the rain or damp, my wood is protected!

Right now through 5/17/13, Flood is also sponsoring the Flood Better Backyard Sweepstakes!  You can win gift cards to improve your backyard, including both daily and grand prizes, so be sure to enter!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50United States of America and (D.C.) 18 years and older. Ends 5/17/2013. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize descriptions visit www.facebook.com/flood.  Void in Puerto Rico and where restricted or prohibited.  This Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Facebook.  You understand that you are providing your information to Sponsor and not to Facebook.

This project was a LOT of fun for me, and took the mystery out of staining.  I have plenty of stain leftover and I’m already eyeing other projects around the house and yard!  Thanks for coming by!