How to Apply Water Based Stain to Wood

Water based stains are great if you're looking to achieve a less intense color than you'd get with an oil based stain. Water based stains are great to showcase the natural flavor of your wood. Here's how to apply water based stain to wood.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Sand the surface of your wood before using any water based stains.

2. Put some water based stain on a 100 percent cotton rag.

3. Wipe the rag in a circular motion on your wood. Apply the water based stain going with the grain of your wood.

4. Even out the color on your wood by wiping with the grain of your wood after you're done applying the stain to the entire area.

5. Wipe off any extra color immediately after applying the stain. Use a clean wet rag to wipe off the extra color.

6. Allow your stained wood to dry for a couple hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Always read the directions on your water based stain can carefully before applying the stain to your wood.
• Apply the stain to your wood outside or in a well ventilated area.
• Water based stains are nontoxic and easy to clean with soap and water.
• Water based stains are able to raise the grain of your wood. Water based stains are also known to streak and blotch.
• Be sure you understand how quickly water based stains dry. If the color on your stain isn't quite right, make sure you wipe off the extra color with a wet rag quickly after it's applied.

[kevzinga]

on 10/13/2009 Check with the manufacturer of each specific water based stain before using the above methods. The above method could cause stain adhesion failure or other problems with many of the water based stains on the market. it's very important to check with each manufacturer and follow their specific instructions.

[Heatheray]

on 8/25/2007 Here's a great Squidoo lens that talks about using waterbased finishes to finish furniture. Great resources -
http://www.squidoo.com/finishingfurniture

Thanks for the article!