You can make your own wood stain -- it should be easy if you follow these simple steps. You can save money and get the exact color you're looking for. Here's how.

At the paint store, buy latex paint the color you want the stain to be. To make future matches easier, try to choose paint from an established manufacturer, and keep your color choice within their guidelines. Buy half as much paint, or a little more, than it would take to paint the project. Since you are going to be thinning it, you may want to make the color a little stronger - richer, deeper, etc. - than you would for painting. Also buy an empty can the same size as the can of paint you are buying.

"I always just cut in with a brush and paint the rest of the wall with a roller." You've probably heard that advice before. You may even have have given that advice to someone. I know I have. It's the standard. But there's one more tip that should be added - and followed - to get the smooth, even texture across the entire surface - and particularly at the edges - that makes the job look truly well done.