Whether you’re doing a DIY carpentry project or want to rejuvenate old furniture, staining your wood will give it a new look. So, how do you stain wood properly, and is it effective?
To stain wood, choose the stain optimal for your wood, such as oil or water-based stains. You’ll first have to sandpaper the surface, apply a pre-stain wood conditioner on your wood, and then coat even layers of stain on it with a brush and let it dry. Finally, finish it off with a sealer.
This guide will discuss how to stain wood in detail, including choosing the right type of wood stain and safety tips to follow. So now, let’s dive right in!
How to Use Wood Stain
Staining wood is easy; you’ll only need a couple of paint brushes, clean rags, and sticks to stir the stain. Then, you can apply it on your wood for a makeover for protection against the weather.
You don’t have to stain your wood to give it a makeover, as staining can also protect the wood in harsh weather or extreme temperature. However, if you have wooden furniture in the garden under direct sunlight, stain it for protection.
Unlike paint or varnish, you don’t have to pair wood stain with another chemical; you can even stain plain wood. But before looking at how to apply wood stain, let’s discuss the different types.
Oil vs. Water-Based Stain: Which One Should You Choose?
It’s often difficult to choose the ideal stain type for your project because all wood stains are advertised as the “ultimate choice!” However, choosing the right stain mostly depends on the wood you use for your project.
The most popular types of stains are oil-based stains and water-based stains. Both these stain types are available in a wide range of colors.
Water-Based Stains
Water-based stains are eco-friendly and easy to apply. This stain is manufactured using pigments, binder, and solvent. All these substances make water-based stains easy to apply on various surfaces, making it a perfect choice for soft wood like Sugar Pine and White Cedar.
Some advantages of using water-based stains include the following:
- They are easy to clean because you don’t have to use special chemicals for cleaning.
- These stains don’t smell.
- Water-based stains dry quickly, making them easy to use.
- These stains are non-flammable and don’t let moisture trapped inside the wood.
Disadvantages of using water-based stains include:
- They don’t have high durability.
- You’ll need to coat an extra protective layer over the water-based stain.
- They require high maintenance.
- They’ll peel off very quickly if you over-apply them.
Oil-Based Stains
Oil-based stains are manufactured using pigments, dyes, solvents, binders, and light petroleum distillates. Carpenters and professional wood stainers primarily work with oil-based stains.
They are usually used on hardwoods like Oak, Teak, and Maple. First, you’ll have to coat 1 or 2 layers of oil-based stain on the wood, but this depends on the type of surface finish.
Here are reasons why you might prefer oil-based stains:
- Oil-based stains are highly durable and don’t peel off easily.
- These stains are low maintenance.
- They don’t require an extra protective layer.
- They take time to dry, so you won’t have to hurry to apply another layer.
Here are some reasons why you might not choose to use oil-based stains:
- Oil-based stains often have a horrendous odor.
- They can be challenging to clean and a disaster if they get on your clothes or skin.
- They can turn the wood black over time.
- Due to petroleum distillates, they can release toxic fumes.
Materials Needed for Wood Staining Projects
Here are the materials you’ll need to stain your wood:
- Fandel 36025 Multi-Purpose Sandpaper (on Amazon): This high-quality, long-lasting sandpaper works for all wooden surfaces.
- Minwax 618514444 Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner (on Amazon): This product is ideal for soft and hardwood furniture.
- Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish (on Amazon): Its fast-drying formula is ideal for all types of wood projects. This product is easy to apply and enhances the natural beauty of the wood.
- Birchwood Casey Walnut Wood Stain (on Amazon): This water-soluble stain is easy to use and produces rich brown walnut color.
If you can’t find a specific wood stain, you can choose another brand, but make sure it’s a quality product.
Tips for Setup and Safety
Applying wood stain is an easy task. It’s also gratifying because you get to change the look of your furniture or transform your wood floors. However, if you want the wood staining project to be perfect, you’ll have to take some precautionary measures.
These include:
Wear Protective Clothing
Before you start staining the wood, make sure that you protect yourself. Wear gloves to protect your hands, so the stain doesn’t stain your skin. Also, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from stain droplets and fumes.
Keep Flammable Material Away
Wood can easily catch fire, so make sure that you stain the wood outside in a spacious area or garage. If that’s not possible, you should stain the wood in a room with proper ventilation.
Also, keep the stain away from open fire and other flammable materials or substances.
Test on a Scrap Wood
Buy a good-quality stain and test it before using it. It’s best to test the stain on a scrap of wood to ensure it coats and colors correctly. The last thing you want is to apply wood stain only to find that it made your furniture blotchy!
You should buy a stain that’s not toxic and avoid using commercial-grade wood stain if you don’t have extensive DIY experience.
Throw Away the Stained Rags
If you are applying or wiping the stain with a rag, throw it away when the job is done. Don’t use a stained rag for any other purpose because it has a wood stain, a flammable substance with chemicals that can irritate your skin.
How to Stain: Step-by-Step Instructions
If you want to give your wooden furniture or flooring a makeover, applying stain will help you with your project. Using wood stain is easy, so you don’t need the help of a professional for it.
Follow these steps for staining your wood properly:
Use Sandpaper to Smooth Out the Wood’s Surface
Before directly applying the stain on the wood, you need to prepare the wood for it. This process is called sanding the wood. Use medium or coarse grit sandpaper and rub it on your wood to even out the surface.
Make sure you rub the sandpaper in the direction of the grain to avoid splinters and to open the pores of the wood properly. Wipe off the dust from the wood with a rag.
Use Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
Use a brush to apply pre-stain wood conditioner on the wood before you use the stain. This glue-like substance makes sure the stain attaches to the wood effectively.
Stir The Stain and Apply it Thoroughly
Ensure you stir the stain in the bucket properly because it mixes up the substance that may have settled in the bottom.
Read the package instructions before applying the wood stain, and use a good-quality paintbrush or a clean rag to apply the stain in the direction of the grain. Then, apply the stain in even layers to retain the wood’s natural look and give it a smooth texture.
Remove Excessive Stain
Remove the excess stain from the wood with a clean cloth. Make sure you wipe it off properly because if you let excessive stain settle on your wood, it will have a darker color than you may have wanted.
Let the Stain Dry
When you’ve applied the first layer of the stain, let it dry properly. When the stain is completely dry, you can apply another layer or finish the process with a protective layer or sealer.
Bonus: How to Finish Wood After Staining
If you want the wood to look extra sleek after staining, use extra fine sandpaper on the protective layer.
Make sure the protective layer is dry before you use the sandpaper. Then, when you feel that the wood is smooth, you can stop and wipe off the dust from the wood with a clean rag.
In the end, brush the varnish around the wood’s surface. You don’t need to apply thick layers of varnish if you’ve already applied wood stain. One layer is more than enough for your wood to have an exceptional finishing touch.