Staining is an important process in home improvement projects involving wood. It is a treatment method that adds colour and a layer of protection to wooden structures.
See also: How to apply polyurethane wood finish to your furniture?
What is wood staining?
The process of wood staining involves applying a coat of stain to a wooden surface to add colour and enhance the wood grain. The process involves sanding and staining wood and is called refinishing.
Staining wood: Benefits
- Staining helps improve the aesthetics of the wooden structure. Wood stains are available in a variety of colours and shades.
- Wood, being a natural material, is prone to rotting and termite attacks. Applying coats of wood stains helps prevent these problems.
- Wood is prone to mould growth, moisture damageand Staining seals off the pores to prevent these damages.
Staining wood: Materials required
- Pre-stain wood conditioner
- Wood stains and finishes
- Sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Lint-free cloth
- Drop cloths
- Mineral spirits
Staining wood: Procedure
Prepare the surface
- When refinishing a wooden surface, remove any pre-existing stain or varnish.
- Check the surface for damage and use wood putty or filler to fill the gaps.
- Use sandpaper to sand and clean the surface. With the help of a putty knife, apply wood filler and level it.
- Keep drop cloths below the structure, as stains can leave permanent marks.
How to sand wood?
- Sanding makes the wood surface smoother. The process can be done with a sanding sponge or an orbital sander.
- Sandpaper, having a lower grit number, can increase the wood’s roughness. This lets wood absorb more stain and get a darker shade.
- You can opt for chemical wood stain removers, which are more effective than a sander.
- Medium-grit sandpaper or 120-grit sandpaper is ideal for removing small imperfections and surfaces that have a finish. Choose a coarse 80-grit sandpaper for unfinished wood surfaces.
- After the sanding process, wipe off the dust and loose sandpaper grit.
Wet the wood surface
Using a wet cloth, wipe the wood surface, which helps raise the grain. Re-sanding can be done to make the wood smooth and remove much of the existing stain. Allow the surface to dry and sand it using 180-220-grit paper. Clean the surface with a clean cloth to wipe off any dust particles.
Apply filler
If required, apply a few coats of pre-stain wood conditioner to seal the material and prevent uneven absorption. This is especially useful when staining can make a surface blotchy. A gel stain can be used without a conditioner.
Certain varieties of wood, such as oak and mahogany, with an open-grain structure, require filling for a smooth finish. Sand the surface after drying.
Stir the stain
Stir the can of wood stain well to mix any pigments settled at the bottom. Refer to the instructions given on the wood stain can.
Apply wood stain
Use a paintbrush or clean rag for applying oil-based stains and a foam brush for water-based stains. You can use a sponge instead of a cloth. Before applying on the surface, test the process on a piece of scrap wood. Apply thin coats of the stain in the direction of the wood grain. Add more coats as required. For deep-grain wood surfaces, stain by working in a circulation motion.
Wipe away excess stain
Let oil-based stains seep into the wood for up to 15 minutes, while water-based stains dry faster and must be wiped off within two minutes of applying. Wipe excess stain using paint rags before it starts drying. Else, you can loosen the surface by applying more stain and rubbing.
Allow the wood to dry
Water-based stains must be allowed to dry for around 2-3 hours, whereas oil-based stains should be allowed to dry for around 4-6 hours. Apply a sealant as finishes help protect the stained wood from scratches. Apply 1-2 coats of a polyurethane wood finish with a brush. However, if you are using a spray can, hold it 8-12 inches from the wood surface.
FAQs
What is the best way to stain wood?
Use a lint-free cloth to apply the wood stain. You can also use a sponge instead of cloth.
Is wood stain better than paint?
Stain helps protect the wood surface against damage and gives it a natural look.
Is the wood stain permanent?
Stain is more permanent than paint as it seeps into the pores, while paint is applied to the top surface only.
Which is better, varnish or stain?
Varnish is a popular choice because of its durability and ease of use. However, stain is more water resistant and helps protect the wood surface against heat and UV radiation.
Is staining wood waterproof?
Yes, staining helps protect the wood surface against moisture.
Is it good to stain wood?
Staining wood is beneficial as it helps enhance the visual appeal and provides a layer of protection against sunlight and water.
How often should wood be stained?
Wood surfaces in outdoor areas should be stained every 2-3 years.
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Harini is a content management professional with over 12 years of experience. She has contributed articles for various domains, including real estate, finance, health and travel insurance and e-governance. She has in-depth experience in writing well-researched articles on property trends, infrastructure, taxation, real estate projects and related topics. A Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physics, Harini prefers reading motivational books and keeping abreast of the latest developments in the real estate sector.
