How to Stain Oak Plywood

Oak plywood will hold a stain beautifully.

Staining oak plywood is a bit different from staining other kinds of wood, and very often people find that they have difficulties getting the stain completely even. This is mainly due to the quality of grain in plywood, which is different from that of solid wood. Fortunately if you are planning to stain your oak plywood, there are methods you can use that are relatively simple and that will allow the wood to pick up the stain beautifully.

Things You'll Need

• 60-grit sandpaper
• Wood stain made specifically for oak
• Basin
• Warm water
• Rags or cloths
• Stain
• Brushes for staining or paint roller for larger pieces of plywood

Instructions

1. Sand the plywood down with 60-grit sandpaper until it is smooth.

2. Wipe all the dust off the surface of the oak plywood.

3. Fill a basin with water, and dip a rag or cloth into it until it is soaked.

4. Wring the cloth out, and begin to pass it over the surface of the plywood until the entire surface looks damp but not wet. Dampening the plywood will open up the wood grain a little bit, and allow it to take the stain evenly.

5. Apply the stain of your choice to a paint roller or a paintbrush and, beginning at the outer edge of the plywood, brush or roll the stain onto the plywood, working in smooth even strokes.

6. Continue applying the stain to the oak plywood until you have covered the entire surface

7. Allow the oak plywood to dry before applying another coat.

8. Lightly sand the surface of the plywood when it is completely dry to get any stray fibers that may be sticking up.

References

• Woodworking Talk: Staining Oak Plywood
• Ron Hazelton: Sanding and Staining Wood