Wood stain is an important part of finishing a woodworking project. It allows you to protect the surface of the furniture, and give it a different look than the natural grain of wood. You can make cheap wood look expensive by coloring it with a wood stain. It is usually applied before varnish, and gives the wood an appealing look. Wood grains are of different colors and you can use different colored wood stains according to your needs. With so many companies providing wood stains in different finishes, it can become difficult to choose the best one. Our team has prepared a complete guide to make the job easier for you, so you can buy the best wood stains in 2021.
Why Should You Use A Wood Stain?
A wood stain will preserve the natural grain of wood and give it a more appealing look. You can use it to color on the natural surface of wood. The consistency of wood stain is thinner than paint, and it is important to apply an even coat to get a smooth finish. The color of the wood stain will depend on how much you want the original color of the wood grain to be visible. If you are happy with the original color, you can go for a light stain as it will accentuate the color of the wood grain. If you want a different color than the original one, like when you want your pine wood to look like oak, you can use a darker stain. Therefore, a wood stain is essential to give a finishing touch to your wooden furniture.
What Are Some Things To Consider Before Buying A Wood Stain?
A wood stain can completely alter the look of your wooden furniture, so care should be taken when choosing one. There are a few things you need to keep in mind before making your final purchase.
Coverage
You need to decide whether you want to accentuate the original color of the wood, or want a different color. Light coverage wood stains are available if you want to retain the original color and just give it a smooth finish. If you want a different colored wood, you can choose a wood stain that gives high coverage.
Color
If you are using a high coverage wood stain, you need to consider what color you want the wood to be. If you are staining your indoor wooden furniture, choose one that will complement that overall look of the room. If you are staining an outdoor fence, for example, choose a color that complements your garden.
Type of Wood
Remember, wood stain is not paint, so it will not completely cover up the texture. The material of the wood will remain the same after staining as well. High coverage stains can cover up the texture of wood to some extent, but light coverage stains will retain the rough texture of wood.
What Are The Different Types Of Wood Stain?
There are a few kinds of wood stains that are available in the market. You can choose one that fits your needs.
Oil Based Wood Stain
Oil based stains are very popular because of their durability and penetration deep into the wood. They provide a smooth finish to the wood. However, oil based stains can sometimes be dangerous for the user’s health. This is why the EPA has asked companies to switch to other safer alternatives. Precautions must be taken to not inhale the stain or be in contact with it for prolonged periods.
Water Based Wood Stain
Water based stains are environment friendly and they dry quickly. They do not cause health hazards to users, but they do not provide as much durability and penetration as an oil based stain. They are a good option if you want to retain the original color of the wood grain because they are light coverage.
Gel Wood Stain
A gel stain provides high coverage, and is a good option if you want to change the color of the wood. Due to its thick consistency, it does not drip and you can easily control its usage. It does not provide deep penetration like an oil based stain, but it is a good option because it is safer and provides high coverage as well.
Water Soluble Dye Wood Stain
This stain comes in powder form and you have to mix it in water. They provide light coverage and should be preferred if you want to retain the original color of the wood. These dyes come in a greater variety of colors than other alternatives. However, if you are planning to use this stain for an outdoor fence, keep in mind that it can fade under the UV rays of the sun.
How To Pick A Quality Wood Stain?
Once you know what kind of coverage you need, what color you want, and what type of wood stain you will use, look for a product that matches your needs. You will probably find a lot of options. Do your research and look at the different brands offering wood stains. Choose the brand that has good customer reviews and contact them beforehand, if possible, to clear any queries. Expensive does not always mean good quality, so do not just look at the price. You may find cheaper alternatives with the same features, so it is important to do your research before purchasing one. Remember that it takes experience to get the hang of how to use a wood stain, so do not worry if you cannot get it right in the first few tries.
FAQ's
How often does a wood stain need to be replaced?
It depends on factors like the coverage and the climate in your area. Generally, wood stains can last for about 2 to 5 years. If you take proper care, you can increase the life of your stain to a large extent.
How do I get rid of dust sticking to the wet wood stain?
Applying thinner coats can help prevent dust because they dry quickly and give little time to dust to stick to the wet stain. Clean the wood after each coat, so that any dust that has settled on it is removed.
Do I need to protect the wood after staining it?
Wood stain alone is not enough to protect the surface. You need to use a sealer once the stain coats have dried completely. This will give a smooth, finished look to your wood and protect it.