How to Make a Gorgeous Wood and Metal Cake Stand
Difficulty Level: Easy
Color Inspiration: Kona brown, gold, and plum purple
MATERIALS
• Unfinished wood circle plaque (ours was a 10" clock plaque purchased from a local craft store)
• Wood Stain, dark brown
• Unique pencil cup, utensil holder, or small pedestal (like this or this)
• E-6000 Craft Glue
• Foam brushes
• Plastic gloves
• Plastic garbage bag
• Old, clean cloth rag
• Water-based/oil-modified polyurethane sealant
IMPORTANT FOOD SAFETY & CAKE STAND CARE NOTE
According to finishing expert Bob Flexner, all wood finishes are food-safe once they have been fully cured, including polyurethane varnish (like the one used in this tutorial). The rule of thumb for full curing is 30 days at room temperature, so be sure to do this project at least one month before your big day. If you must make it less than 30 days, use a cardboard or wax paper circle underneath your wedding cake.
The wooden part of your cake stand is hand wash only once cured, but for best results, it's best to wet wipe to clean. (Be mindful of whatever material your pencil cup/pedestal is made of, too!) It's definitely not meant for the dishwasher! [source]
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare your workspace by covering with a plastic garbage bag or plastic drop cloth. Wood stain can be very messy! Read your wood stain's instructions before getting started just in case there is a particular step not covered in this tutorial.
2. Shake your can of wood stain well and open the metal lid with a screwdriver (or even your nail clipper's handle). Using your foam brush, dip into the stain, wipe off excess on the can's rim, and paint one side of your wooden circle plaque. There is no right or wrong way to do this, but we recommend painting along the grain of the wood. After you've covered one side of your wood, let it dry for 2-3 minutes. The longer you leave it, the darker your stain will be.
3. Once dried to your preference, take your old rag and wipe the excess off of your wooden plaque going along with the grain. You will start to see the beautifully stained grain come through as you wipe. Wipe and rub thoroughly being mindful of the direction since it will show how you remove the excess stain.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other side of the wooden plaque as well as the edge.
5. After you finish rubbing off the excess stain on all sides, let the wooden plaque dry for 1 hour. Let dry for longer if you're in a humid area.
6. Using a different clean foam brush, paint a consistent polyurethane coat on both sides of your dried wooden plaque. Let dry before coating the round edge. Allow the plaque to dry for 24 hours before the next step. (We don't have photos of this step due to our own photo shoot timing, so don't forget to do this to make your cake stand food-safe!)
7. After everything is stained and sealed, use your E-6000 glue and carefully line the edge of your pedestal (or in our case, gold pencil cup). Dry upside down (as pictured) to avoid any potential drips. Place a book or heavy object on top to give good weight to the drying process. Set it and forget it for at least 12 hours.
8. As mentioned above, be sure to let your cake stand cure for 30 days before using with any food. Once the big day rolls around, it'll be ready to shine on your dessert table!
TUTORIAL CREDITS
Photography, Tutorial, and Styling: Chelsea LaVere | Silk Flowers: Afloral | Faux Prop Cake: Rosettes and Stems via Etsy
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