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Applying an Oil or Water-based Stain |
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Materials List
| Wood Stain |
| Paint Thinner for oil-based stain |
| Bucket of water for Water-based stain |
| Vinyl gloves (disposable) |
| Sturdy Drop Cloth |
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Tools List (click item to shop)
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IMPORTANT:
Read this before you start
Introduction
Staining wood is an exciting and fun step in your refinishing process. Staining brings out and enhances the patterns in the wood grain and it unifies an overall color. At this stage your project piece begins to look more finished. Allow enough time to complete this task from start to finish to ensure continuity of color. You have the choice of using either water or oil-based stain, and each offers advantages and disadvantages.
Using oil-based stains creates more fumes and requires more care in use and clean up, but you will attain a richer color and added conditioning properties for dry wood.
Using a water-based stain eliminates most fumes and requires less care and clean up than oil-based stains. However, using water-based stain does require another step in the process, as you need to apply a wood conditioner to your furniture piece after staining and prior to applying your topcoat. This step, called a sanding sealer, can also be used with oil-based stains to attain a richer, more consistent color in your finished piece. See our tutorial on "applying a sanding sealer" to learn more! |
Skill Level & Time
To Complete
Based on a medium sized table; cabinets with shelves and larger furniture pieces will take more time.
• Beginner - 2 hours
• Intermediate - 1-1/2 hours
• Advanced - about 1 hour
Cautions
Plan quick access to water for rinsing paint thinner. Wear safety goggles. If your skin or eyes are exposed to the solvents in either the stain or thinner, immediately rinse thoroughly. If thinner or stain contacts your eyes and persistent burning occurs after rinsing, seek medical attention immediately. You can use paint thinner to remove stain from skin, but immediately wash with soap and water. Never apply to eyes or sensitive areas.
Use a well-ventilated area. Don’t breathe the fumes.
Don’t breathe dust from sanding wood.
Dispose of gloves, rags and paint thinner properly.
Store leftover paint thinner properly.
Helpful Tips
Wear old clothes and protect your work area. Stain does stain!
Regularly stir the stain so that you maintain an even color.
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| 1. |
Start with furniture that has been stripped to the bare wood. To remove an existing finish, refer to the tutorial on stripping furniture. If you need to lighten the wood or remove stains and watermarks, refer to the tutorials on bleaching furniture. You must apply a sanding sealer to the wood if you are using a water-based stain, but it is a good idea to use this product regardless of the type of stain you use. Place your piece on a drop cloth to protect the floor. |
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| 2. |
Sand the wood thoroughly with extra-fine (280-grit) sand paper to remove oil and debris left from the removing the finish and to flatten puffed fibers if you bleached the wood. Sand in the direction of the wood grain. |
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| 3. |
Next, brush away the sanding dust with a small clean paintbrush, especially from joints, grooves and detail areas. Wipe with a clean dry cloth, but do not use a tack cloth. Vacuum or eliminate the sanding dust by shaking out the drop cloth to avoid contaminating the stain. |
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| 4. |
Take the unopened can of stain, turn it upside down and vigorously shake it for several minutes. Open it and stir using a medium-sized slotted screwdriver. Be sure to stir and blend the pigment that settles to the bottom and bottom corners of the can. Wipe the screwdriver with a clean rag, but keep both handy. You will need to continually stir the stain throughout the staining process. |
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| 5. |
Now, you’re ready to begin staining. Keep two cloths on hand. One for applying stain and one for wiping. Use stain sparingly, a small amount will cover a relatively large area. |
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| 6. |
Start on an obscure area of your piece, such as the under side of a table, to test the stain color and consistency and to practice your technique. |
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| 7. |
Fold your staining cloth, making a small square. Dip one corner into the stain. Gently squeeze out excess and apply to a small area of wood in the direction of the wood grain. Allow it to seep into the surface. |
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Then, wipe the area with your wiping rag. If you want a darker color, leave the stain on longer before wiping. Once you are pleased with your color and technique, you can keep going. Work in sections, completing one section before moving onto the next. |
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Apply the stain first to joints, grooves and detail areas using your small clean, dry paintbrush. Wipe the excess stain from this area with your wiping cloth. As you wipe, some stain will migrate to adjoining areas, which you will need to blend as you apply more stain. Always wipe excess stain before adding more. |
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| 10. |
Then apply stain with your staining cloth to the broader, flat areas of this section. Wipe off the excess stain before continuing to the next section. Older furniture often includes different woods joined together. If you see areas or boards that are dramatically lighter, reapply stain and allow it to soak in longer before wiping to even out your color. It’s best to complete this before moving to a new section to maintain color consistency. |
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| 11. |
As the stain dries, the wood will take on a dull appearance, but do not restain the wood. When the final topcoat finish is applied, the color and wood grain will come back to life. If you restain, your overall color will be darker and some areas could appear muddy. |
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| 12. |
Once you have finished staining the entire piece, allow it to dry thoroughly for 1 to 2 hours. Take into account that the stain will dry more slowly in cooler, damp or humid weather; in this case allow more drying time. Clean your brush and the screwdriver used to stir the stain, as well as any splatters, using paint thinner or water depending on the stain you used. Pour a small amount out into a tin can for cleaning and reseal the container. After your furniture has dried, if you seen any obvious mistake areas, carefully restain the light wood. If you have dark or muddy areas use a small amount of paint thinner with oil-based stain, or ammonia window cleaner with water-based stain on a clean rag to “rub out” and even the color. Your next step is to finish your piece with a topcoat finish. Refer to the tutorial on Applying a Topcoat for proper instructions. |
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