Back in the day, I had made two attempts to stain a DIY project before really learning how. I wished I had done this research and learned how to apply wood stain back then. Because it could have saved me not only time. but having to clean up a big mess.
I think back to those projects and it reminds me of a time not too long ago. As I have been getting older my hair started turning grey. I said I would never dye my hair but one day I decided to give it a shot. Big Mistake. Because that little adventure turned out like my first few wood staining tries. Nothing but a big mess with more dye(stain) on everything but where it should have been.
Oh well, we live and learn and move on. So I did do some research on how to apply wood stain. And figure someone else could use this information so here it is. Hope you enjoy it and are able to take something away from it.
Tips On How To Apply Wood Stain To Your DIY Projects.
As a DIYer, you can make your DIY project really stand out with some stain. That is if you are not all into the look of natural wood. Most DIYers do not stain and this is not always because they want the look of real wood. But being scared to try because they don’t want to mess up their project. And yes, staining wood has many challenges and can be very intimidating. But it really does not have to be. If you want some ideas for some amazing new woodworking project. Check out these 16,000 WoodWorking Plans. And never run out of something to build.
There are a lot of products to use such as oil-based and water-based stains. Then there are Wood conditioners and the wood type you are trying to stain. This is what makes staining so confusing to some. After reading this maybe it will take some of the fear out of it for you.
Of course, as many people love to say “Safety First”. Make sure you wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. And wear rubber gloves as some stains may cause your skin irritation’s, but also its called stain and wood is not the only thing it will stain. OH and wear old clothes again it is called stain. Don’t learn the hard way like me.
With all that said let’s get to how to apply wood stain.
Always Test the Stain.
You should always use a scrap piece of wood. One you used to build your project. To try a test stain on it. This will allow you to see how dark it will look. Because the wood itself and the time you allow it to sit before wiping it off. Can all affect the final color. Plus this will allow you to make adjustments to get the desired look you want. you spent a lot of time building it. you don’t want to ruin it by rushing through the staining.
Condition the wood.
If you don’t want to leave blotches on your new project. Make sure to always apply a thin coat of wood conditioner on it first. I suggest using an inexpensive brush that you won’t mind throwing away afterward. Since each wood conditioner can be different make sure you read the directions on the one you have. But with most, you should allow at least 15 minutes before staining. That is after the wood is conditioned. Most do not require sanding after applying the conditioner.
Oil Based Stains.
Perhaps the most common type of stain is the oil-based stains. They consist of dyes and pigment that are mixed in with mineral spirits. Always make sure to stir the can well before using. this will bring the dyes and pigments up from the bottom. allowing you to get the full color possible from the stain. Caution when working with oil-based stains. There will be fumes so make sure to always work in a well-ventilated area.
Brush or Rag?
It is up to you on how to apply the wood stain to your project. Meaning your preference on using a brush or rag. If you decide on a brush you should work with and against the grain. And don’t be too concerned about being neat. That is as long as your in an area you don’t mind a little mess. You should be more concerned about getting a nice even and liberal coat over the wood. This is the most important thing. At this point, you should wipe off the stain immediately if you want a lighter tone. Or you can leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes for a deeper tone before wiping it off.
Be sure while wiping off the excess you go in both directions. This will ensure the stain gets into every nook of the wood grain. And that it just does not sit on the top. This will really make the grain show through on your finished project.
Concerned about fumes?
like I mentioned above there will be fumes when using oil based stains. So if this is a concern for you or you don’t have a well-ventilated area to work in. Water-based stains are the way to go. They come in a wide variety of colors. Even more, colors than you get with the oil-based stains come in. And you will apply the water-based stains using the same methods described above. If you find you are not getting the tone as dark as you want. You can always reapply more.
A stain is NOT a finish!
A very key point. Stain provides color, it’s not a finish. You should always apply a finish on top of the stained wood. Or if time is short but why would you want to take a chance on that beautiful new project you just built. They do have products that combine both stains and finish with one coat. These types of products will need to be brushed on more carefully. Always to make sure your brushing with the grain of the wood. And always use a higher quality brush when using these products. So are you really saving time and money?
A Few more Tips.
It is possible to mix stains together to make a more customized color. That is provided both stains are made by the same manufacturer and both are either oil-based or water-based. As you always been told oil and water do not mix. Make sure you measure the amounts of each stain you use. And write it down so if you need to it can be duplicated.
A water-based finish can be put over an oil-based stain. But you will have to allow a full 24 hours for all the mineral spirits to evaporate out of the oil-based stain. You might have to give it an additional 24 hours if its rainy, damp, or cold outside.
Keep old cans of stain. Stains can be expensive, and the nice thing about them is that they don’t tend to set up in the can like the finish will. If there is a skin coat on the top when the can is opened, toss it. But otherwise, it’s still good to use.
Hope you can take something from these tips.
Although these are not everything you will need to know how to apply wood stain. But it should be enough to make your next woodworking project really pop with color. And if you are not into the whole natural wood look. Or where your piece is going a stained piece really won’t fit. Then check out my other Tips for painting your next project. A great compliment to how to apply wood stain.
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