Staining a piece of wood can refresh the color and bring life into a piece that’s quickly aging. The good news is that staining wood isn’t too hard. Once you know the steps you need to follow, you’ll be staining wood at home in no time.
To stain wood, you first need to prepare the wood by repairing and sanding it, applying a conditioner, and then choosing the right stain for your project. Oil-based stains are the most popular. Apply the stain with a foam brush, then allow it to dry. After that, you can add a top coat if desired.
Now that you’ve got the general idea, let’s look at the best method for wood staining as well as some tips and tricks for preparing your wood in advance. That way, you can get the best possible result every time.
What Supplies Will You Need to Stain Wood?

There are several supplies you’ll need to properly stain your wood. The exact ones that you need will depend on the type of wood you are staining and whether you will be doing your project indoors or outdoors.
Protective Gear
If you’re staining your wood indoors with an oil-based stain, you will need protective gear. This includes gloves, a face mask, and maybe even eye goggles (on Amazon). Wood stains create some fumes that could cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy.
If you’re doing your project outdoors, then gloves will suffice. But you may want to consider purchasing a drop cloth (on Amazon) to protect the area (indoor or outdoor) where you will be staining your wood.
Wood Stain
To stain wood, you will, of course, need some stain. There are many different types of stains. The most popular type of stains are oil based, like this one from Minwax (on Amazon), but some people do prefer to use water or gel-based stain.
Water-based stain is lighter and has less of an odor if your project is inside. The problem is the coverage isn’t as nice as an oil- or gel-based stain.
Brushes
Wood stain is made to stain wood, therefore, it will also stain the brushes you plan to use with it. It is recommended to purchase brushes just for your wood staining project.
While you can purchase expensive wood brushes, inexpensive foam brushes (on Amazon) work just as well and are a little easier to part with after they get ruined by stain. But if you have a piece of wood with lots of divots and holes, a regular paint brush will help you to get the stain in every nook and cranny.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper (on Amazon) is a must when staining wood, and you should plan to get at least 120-grain and 80-grain, if not more, as the quality of your staining job widely depends on how you sand the wood before staining.
Tack Cloth
You’ll want to pick up some tack cloth (on Amazon) to help you get all the little bits of sawdust off your wood before you stain it. Otherwise, your finished project will have specks that are impossible to get rid of.
Lint Free Rag
It might seem like a given to save an old towel for this project, but you need to make sure whatever towel you are using is lint-free otherwise, lint will get trapped in your drying stain. This will create a funny-looking project as the lint will be trapped to your wood.
It may be best to purchase a cloth that is lint-free, specifically dedicated to your wood staining projects, so you don’t have to worry about finding one around your house!
How Do You Prep Wood for Staining?
Before you can stain your wood, there are several things you need to do to get your wood ready. If you neglect these wood preparation tips, you may end up with wood that isn’t stained properly or in the way you want it.
Repair
If you’re staining something like floorboards, trim, or another permanent installation in your home, then you need to ensure the wood is in good repair before you begin. Fill any holes with putty and remove any splintering edges.
You should also take the time to ensure your wood adheres properly (in the case of trim and flooring) so it won’t move while you’re staining it.
Sand
Once you have repaired your wood, use sandpaper to sand off excess putty or any rough edges. For best results, you want to sand along with the grain.
It’s recommended to start with 120-grain sandpaper, then work your way down to 80-grain. Use a cloth to brush away any sawdust you create.
Wet the Wood
Strangely enough, you need to wet your wood before you stain it. When wood gets wet, the grain is raised and causes the surface to become rough.
After you wet your wood, wait for it to dry and then sand it again. This will remove any grains that may raise during the staining process.
Apply Conditioner
When the sanding is complete, you’re ready to apply your conditioner. While pre-stain conditioner isn’t required, it can help your stain to have a more robust color and become the shade you want it to be.
Keep in mind that some woods turn blotchy when they’re stained. Conditioner prior to staining helps to seal the wood so that this won’t happen.
If you have a wood item you want to stain that is mahogany or oak, then you will also need to use a grain filler (on Amazon) prior to staining; otherwise, your wood won’t stain evenly. Once the pre-conditioner has dried for a few minutes, wipe off any excess. You can sand off any large bits that may have formed in the conditioner.
What’s the Best Method for Staining Wood?

Once you’ve got your materials gathered and your wood is ready to go, proceed as follows:
Step 1: Prepare Your Wood
Take a few minutes to prepare your wood for staining by sanding it in the same direction as the grain. After you finish, wipe away the wood dust with the tack cloth.
Step 2: Use Pre-Stain
Open the pre-stain and stir it. Once it looks well mixed, use one of the foam brushes to apply it to the wood.
Step 3: Wait
Wait for 5 minutes after applying the pre-stain to wipe off any excess.
Step 4: Stain the Wood
Open your stain and stir it, then use a new foam brush to apply it liberally to your wood.
Step 5: Wait and Wipe
Wait for 1-3 minutes (but not longer!), then use the lint-free cloth to wipe off the stain.
Step 6: Dry
Allow your wood dry for one hour before you move it. If it dries and you don’t like the color, you can re-stain at this time. You can also add a finishing coat for a smoother look.
As you can see, the entire process is pretty easy, and it will deliver amazing results. That’s why it’s considered to be the best method for staining wood.
How to Finish Your Wood After Staining
Staining your wood is sure to make it look amazing, but even after the process listed above, it may not look quite finished. This is because you should consider adding a finish to your wood after staining.
Adding a top coat like a sealant will help your stained wood to last longer. It will also give it that smooth-to-the-touch feel you desire. You can use a foam brush to apply the sealant as well, and it’s recommended to do one or two coats.
There are additionally spray sealants that can be used, and if you want to use them, just be sure to hold the can 8-12 inches from the surface as you spray. Allow a full 24 hours for your project to dry after applying sealant.
Final Thoughts on Simple Wood Staining
Overall, staining your own wood projects is simple, as long as you have the right materials! No matter what you want to stain, as long as you prepare your wood in advance and plan to add a top coat after, you’ll be left with an amazing result.
Just be sure you take care and use personal protective equipment to keep yourself safe from wood stain fumes.