How to Stain Hardboard

Hardboard is made up of reconstituted wood. Introduced in the 1940s, this type of wood has become extremely popular in the construction of new homes. When preparing to stain hardboard, keep the wood in a cool, dry place. Also, don't stack the wood because it needs proper air circulation. Choose a stain for the hardboard that matches with the rest of the home's interior or go for a clear stain. Staining wood protects the wood from moisture and gives it a longer life expectancy.

Things You'll Need

• Paintbrush
• Water-resistant preservative
• Hammer
• Stainless steel, aluminum or galvanized nails
• Hairbrush
• Stain
• Rags
• Dehumidifier

Instructions

1. Paint the edges of the hardboard with water-repellent preservative. Use a natural-haired paintbrush to evenly apply the preservative. Allow two days for the preservative to completely dry.

2. Stand up the hardboard and apply water-repellent preservative to the surface. Allow two days for the preservative to completely dry.

3. Remove any ferrous nails in the hardboard. Ferrous nails will leave stains on the wood if left in after the application of stain. Use stainless steel, aluminum or high-quality galvanized nails. Hammer the nails into the places where the ferrous nails used to be.

4. Remove all dust and debris from the surface of the hardboard with a soft-bristled natural hairbrush.

5. Paint on the stain with a paintbrush to achieve better stain penetration than a roller. More is better when applying the first coat of stain. Wipe off the stain after you've finished saturating the wood with the stain. The key is to start wiping the stain off where you started and working to where you finished, so the stain has been on the wood for the same amount of time. Allow the stain to sit on the wood overnight.

6. Apply the second coat of stain and allow it to dry overnight. Touch up any missed crevices with a natural-hair paintbrush.

Tips & Warnings

• Stain your hardboard again in 10 years, if you applied two coats. If you applied one coat, you will have to stain the hardboard in two to four years.

• Avoid prolonging the time for the water-resistant preservative to dry by placing a dehumidifier in the room if you are experiencing humid temperatures.

• Purchase slow-drying, oil-based stains rather than fast-drying because it is harder to correct mistakes when the stain is dry.

References

• University of Purdue: Wood Finishing
• Reader's Digest: How to Stain and Finish Natural Wood Trim