Customising your bamboo boards: Stains, oils, & paints
Bamboo boards are a blank canvas for a host of colours
Bamboo can be made into attractive veneers and plyboards. They are formed from slices of bamboo poles which are then compressed with clear resin.
There are two patterns created by this pressing – one is side-pressed and the other is plain-pressed, as shown on the photo below. You can transform their appearance with some simple treatments. Read on to find out more.
Above from left to right: Side-pressed natural & plain-pressed natural; plain-pressed caramel & side-pressed caramel.
Most bamboo boards come in one of two colours, either Natural or Caramel. This sustainable material can easily be used in place of conventional timber.
But what do you do if you want a different colour or finish? Easy – you can change the look by using a few simple products normally used on wood.
A great product for colouring bamboo boards
Liberon Water Based Concentrated Dye – is perfect for creating dramatic colours and pleasing pastels. Create a bespoke colour scheme with some simple knowledge of paint mixing. It is best to choose the ‘Natural’ bamboo veneer here as the light colour is a better base to apply the dye.
Enjoy the feel of wood in your home with this eco-friendly alternative
Change the bamboo boards to fit with your current decor or as part of a new colour scheme – they match easily with paint and wallpaper.
Do you want the natural tones of the bamboo?
You can bring out the natural colour of the bamboo boards with the use of a quality wood oil. For a soft, satin finish we recommend Osmo TopOil (3028 – Clear Satin). It is a microporous, water resistant oil-wax combination. This wood oil is both food safe and protects the bamboo from stains such as wine, tea, and water.
Osmo TopOil applied to Caramel or Tiger bamboo boards changes these surfaces, adding warmth and depth of colour.
How else can I use stains and oils on the bamboo boards?
For those that have crafty fingers, the bamboo boards can be lasered and routed. You can enhance the surface design further by laser engraving and routing patterns onto the surface and then staining. If you are making small items, these can also be coloured.
Not sure which board will suit your interior? Order a sample pack here>>
