Quick Hits: Choosing, Preparing, and Applying Wood Stain
- Posted by Fix It Guy
- Categories Blog, Finishing, Quick Hits (5 Mins or Less)
- Date June 16, 2023
- Comments 0 comment
Whether you’re a novice woodworker or a seasoned professional, the art of staining wood can elevate your project from ordinary to extraordinary. This ‘Quick Hits’ guide will walk you through the process of choosing the right stain, preparing your wood, and applying the stain for a flawless finish.
Part 1: Choosing the Right Stain
The first step in any staining project is choosing the right stain. Here are some tips to guide you:
Consider the Wood’s Natural Color: Before staining, consider the natural color of the wood. Many woodworkers prefer to show off the natural wood tones with a clear topcoat only. However, if you like the colors you get by staining any kind of wood and they make you happy, go for it.
Understand Stain Properties: Stains color wood but do not protect it. Unless the stain comes with a polyurethane blend or colored Danish oil, you will need to apply a topcoat over your stain to protect the wood from UV damage, scratches, spills, etc.
Choose a Natural Look: Some stains can look unnatural. For a more natural look, go more subtle with shades. A slight alteration to a wood’s color can go a long way on the entire project.
Part 2: Preparing the Wood for Staining
Proper preparation is key to achieving a smooth, even stain. Here’s how to prepare your wood for staining:
- Inspect and Fill Voids: Before you start sanding, inspect your piece for any holes, imperfections, or knots. Fill any voids with epoxy or colored glues that dry quickly. Tint the filler to match the color of your wood, apply it with a putty knife, and then sand it down once it’s dry.
- Sand the Wood: Sanding is an essential step to get that perfect, flawless finish. Start with a 120-grit sandpaper and then move up to 150-grit and 220-grit. After sanding with the power sander, go over the piece by hand with 150-grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth finish.
- Clean the Wood: After sanding, clean the wood thoroughly to remove any dust. This can be done with compressed air and a liquid cleaner. This step is crucial for the finish to adhere properly to the wood fibers.
- Apply a Pre-Stain Conditioner: Before you stain it, apply a pre-stain conditioner. This helps remove the blotchiness or the discolorations in wood.
Part 3: The Staining Process
Now that your wood is prepared, it’s time to apply the stain. Here’s how:
- Apply the Stain: Apply the stain to the wood. The best applicator for stain is old t-shirts or a terry cloth. After applying the stain, let it dry for about 24 hours before moving to the next step.
- Apply a Topcoat: After the stain has dried, apply a topcoat to protect the wood. Polyurethane is a popular choice that provides good protection but can be time-consuming to apply. Lacquer is another great option that dries incredibly fast.
Remember, the key to a perfect finish is patience and attention to detail. Don’t rush the process and make sure to eliminate all scratches before moving on to the next step. With these tips, you’ll have a good foundation for getting professional quality look to your project.
A learner by nature who doesn't claim to be perfect but wants to share the nuggets he's learned along the way.