Wood Stain Technique

Stained furniture

Staining wood makes wood appear darker or richer in color. Depending on the type of wood, there are several stains, which include oil, water, and gel-based stains. Oil-based stains are similar to thin oil-based paint. Water-based stains are similar to thinned latex paint, and gel-based stains change from solid to liquid when wiped onto the surface of the wood. Stain techniques include the use of a rag, brush, pad, or spray.

Things You'll Need

• Wood sealant
• Wood glue
• 150 grit sandpaper
• Pre-stain conditioner
• Oil-based conditioner
• Water-based conditioner
• Rag
• Disposable gloves
• Soft cloth
• Bristled brush
• Nylon brush
• Gel-based stain
• Oil-based stain
• Water-based stain
• Lamb's wool paint pad
• Airless spray painter
• Mineral spirits
• Chemical fume mask
• Old newspaper

Instructions

Prepare Wood

1. Fix the wood surface being stained. Seal any split or pitted areas of wood with wood sealant. Reglue lifted pieces of wood into place with wood glue. Let dry, and sand with 150 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and bring out the grain.

2. Stain the wood with the pre-stain conditioner. Use pre-stain conditioner on soft porous wood. The pre-stain conditioner is similar to paint primer, and enables a non-splotchy finish for the stain being applied.

3. Use an oil-based conditioner for oil-based stains, and a water-based conditioner for water-based stains.

Staining Techniques

1. Use a rag to stain small areas of wood with flat surfaces. Put on disposable gloves, dip a clean rag into the stain, and rub in the direction of the wood grain. Apply a generous amount so the stain is absorbed into the wood, and remove excess stain with a second clean rag in even strokes.

2. Dip a bristled brush into oil-based stain and apply generously to the wood, removing the excess with a clean cloth in even strokes. Use a nylon brush for water-based stain. Don't remove gel stain with a cloth because splotching may occur. Take the gel-based stain and lightly apply with a nylon brush, adding another coat after the first dries, if needed.

3. Use a lamb's wool paint pad to stain wood. Lamb's wool absorbs much of the stain. All stains can be applied with a lamb's wool paint pad. Apply a generous amount to the pad, enough to absorb into the pad, and rub on the wood in up and down strokes.

4. Use an airless spray painter. Put on a chemical fume mask to protect against spray fumes, and place old newspaper around the wood being sprayed. Dilute the stain fifty percent--1 part stain to 1 part mineral spirits. This is most necessary if you are staining soft or porous wood, such as maple. Spray over the surface. Use a thin sprayer nozzle head to ensure even coverage. Let dry, and apply a second coat if needed.

References

• House Painting Info: Techniques for Staining Wood