{"id":13881,"date":"2022-01-21T07:00:31","date_gmt":"2022-01-21T07:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resin-expert.com\/?p=13881"},"modified":"2023-09-14T13:55:54","modified_gmt":"2023-09-14T13:55:54","slug":"types-of-wood-stain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resin-expert.com\/en\/guide\/types-of-wood-stain","title":{"rendered":"Types of Wood Stain – Your Guide to Color Treatments for Wood"},"content":{"rendered":"

These days, there are loads of ways you could go about impressively finishing just about any workpiece you could think of. One of the more prominent trends at the moment is wood staining, but with so many wood stains to choose from, it can be challenging to find one that suits your workpiece best. There are tons of things to consider, such as what type of wood you\u2019re working with, where your workpiece will be situated, what application your workpiece will be used for, and ultimately what type of finish you\u2019re looking for. This being said, let\u2019s have a look at what types of wood stains are available, what applications suit them best, and how best to apply them.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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What Is Wood Stain and How Many Types Are There?<\/h2>\n

Wood stain is actually a wood treatment, and if you\u2019re wondering what the difference between a wood treatment and coating is, it’s quite simple. Wood treatments penetrate below the surface of the wood and interact with the wood fibers to alter the color while providing a degree of protection.<\/p>\n

\"Wood<\/p>\n

Paints, for example, are surface coatings, whereas wood stains (being wood treatments) will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your workpiece but provide protection for moisture, excessive exposure to heat, and even things like insect infestation.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Stains<\/p>\n

There are loads of wood stain finishes to choose from, and these finishes can be found in seven different types of stain which each has its respective advantages and disadvantages, so without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the different types of stain you might come across, some of their pros and cons, and how best to apply them.<\/p>\n

\"Stain<\/p>\n

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The Seven Types of Wood Stain<\/h2>\n

Below are the seven types of wood stain you\u2019re likely to come across in your crafting journey. Remember that different stains have been designed for different purposes, this is why you should always consider whether the type of stain you have chosen (as well as the finish it provides) will suit your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Type of Wood Stain<\/strong><\/td>\nCharacteristics<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oil-Based Wood Stain<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Versatile<\/li>\n
  • Easy to use<\/li>\n
  • Easy to apply<\/li>\n
  • Protects from rot, insects, moisture, UV damage<\/li>\n
  • Can be used with other finishes<\/li>\n
  • A wide variety of finish options is available<\/li>\n
  • Protects the interior and exterior of the woods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Varnish Wood Stain<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Easy to use<\/li>\n
  • Fast drying<\/li>\n
  • Versatile<\/li>\n
  • Protects wood<\/li>\n
  • Repels moisture, insects, UV exposure, and splitting<\/li>\n
  • Extremely durable finish<\/li>\n
  • Creates a smooth and even finish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Water-Based Wood Stain<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Easy to use<\/li>\n
  • Very fast drying time<\/li>\n
  • Inexpensive<\/li>\n
  • Suitable beginners<\/li>\n
  • Easy to clean<\/li>\n
  • Contains little to VOCs<\/li>\n
  • Safer for use indoors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gel-Based Wood Stain<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Hides imperfections<\/li>\n
  • Adheres to vertical surfaces<\/li>\n
  • Versatile<\/li>\n
  • Easy to use<\/li>\n
  • Can be applied without sanding<\/li>\n
  • Protects against moisture and heat<\/li>\n
  • Works well on tightly grained woods like pine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lacquer-Based Wood Stain<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Easy to apply<\/li>\n
  • Dries extremely quickly<\/li>\n
  • Penetrates deep beneath the wood’s surface<\/li>\n
  • Strong adhesion to wood surfaces<\/li>\n
  • Protects wood from heat, moisture, insects, and splitting<\/li>\n
  • Rarely causes blotching<\/li>\n
  • Color is adjustable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Water-Soluble Dye Stain<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Easy to use<\/li>\n
  • Color can be manipulated easily<\/li>\n
  • Affordable and readily available<\/li>\n
  • Can be used on most wood types<\/li>\n
  • Color can be altered even once been applied<\/li>\n
  • Does not contain any VOCs<\/li>\n
  • Unlimited shelf life before and after it has been mixed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Metalized Dye Stain<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Easy to use<\/li>\n
  • Color can be modified easily<\/li>\n
  • Properties can be modified by changing the base solution<\/li>\n
  • Readily available<\/li>\n
  • Reasonably Priced<\/li>\n
  • Does not conceal wood grain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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    Oil-Based Wood Stain<\/h3>\n

    Oil-based strain is arguably the most common type of wood stain on the market today, allowing you to change the color of your workpiece while preserving the wood’s natural grain and by extension its texture.<\/p>\n

    Oil stain has been around for a long time, and functions and a sort-of blanket solution not only to increase the aesthetic appeal of your workpiece but allows you to protect it from a number of external forces which might otherwise impact the longevity or structural integrity of your workpiece.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \"Oil-Based<\/p>\n

    The oil-based wood stain has become slightly less popular in recent years due to it containing some volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) which can be harmful to the environment and to those who come into contact with excessive amounts of it, and manufacturers have since taken it upon themselves to lessen the amount of these chemicals present in their formulas. As you could probably tell by the name, oil-based stains are primarily oil-based. What kind of oil is it based on?<\/p>\n

    \"Applying<\/p>\n

    Well, most oil-based stains use a combination of linseed oil and varnish as a base substance, to which dyes and other colorants can be added to produce the desired result. Oil-based stains are renowned for their ability to seep deep into the surface of the wood and bind with the internal wood fibers, this allows the stain to cure and dry in a manner that protects the wood from things like moisture, UV damage, insect infestation, and splitting.<\/p>\n

    \"Aged<\/p>\n

    Oil-based stains are durable and can be used in conjunction with various other finishes if need be, and this coupled with how easy to use and cost-effective they are is what makes them so popular in the woodworking industry.<\/p>\n

    \nPROS<\/strong><\/span>
    \n
    \n
      \n
    • <\/i> Versatile<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • <\/i> Easy to use<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • <\/i> Easy to apply<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • <\/i> Protects from rot, insects, moisture, UV damage<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • <\/i> Can be used with other finishes<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • <\/i> A wide variety of finish options is available<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • <\/i> Protects interior and exterior wood<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
      \nCONS<\/strong><\/span>
      \n
      \n
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      • <\/i> Contains volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)<\/strong><\/li>\n
      • <\/i> Can only be used on wooden surfaces<\/strong><\/li>\n
      • <\/i> Can blotch on certain wood types<\/strong><\/li>\n
      • <\/i> Can have a slow drying time if no additives are present<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

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        How to Apply Oil Based Wood Stain<\/h4>\n

        You have two choices when applying oil-based wood stain, you can either use a brush (which is ideal for larger workpieces), or you could use a cloth (which is ideal for smaller or irregularly shaped workpieces).<\/p>\n

        Using a brush, you would dip a small section of the bristles into the container and apply it to the surface of your board, making sure that you apply the stain in the direction of the wood’s grain. If you\u2019re using a cloth, you could either add some wood stain directly to the surface of your workpiece or dip a small section of your cloth into the container while doing your best not to over-saturate the cloth with wood stain.<\/p>\n

        \"Wood<\/p>\n

        Next, start by rubbing the stain into the surface of the wood with your cloth, making use of circular motions to ensure that the stain is evenly distributed and does not build up in one section of the wood. When working with a medium-sized workpiece we recommend simply starting at one end of the board and working your way to the other.<\/p>\n

        If your workpiece is round or oddly shaped, we recommend working from the center of the workpiece and making your way out towards the edges. Once you are satisfied with your initial coat, sit back, and allow the stain to dry and cure for the manufacturer’s recommended time period. Afterward, dab and blend any sections that are still relatively wet.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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