The kind of wood you will be working with as well as the object itself will determine which type of wood stain you require. Staining is a quick and easy way to update furniture and breathe new life into old items. Save items from the landfill and transform family heirlooms with a little TLC. Learn which stains are suitable for certain kinds of projects. Your options are varied due to the many finishes and colors of wood stain available.



Wood Stains

Stains are coloured sealants used on the wood. They are lighter than paints and made to soak coloring into the fibers of the wood. This binding is the result of a chemical reaction with a solvent. The color is attached to the wood after it has dried and cured. Wood stains may be found in many varieties. For kitchen bar stools and tables, select interior wood stains. You need to comprehend the different applications for wood stain undertakings. With respect to the solvent base, the types of stains vary.

Oil-Based Stains

Oil-based interior stain is often what people first think of when they hear the term “wood stain.” These items are plentiful and simple to use. Oil-based stains are brimming with unpleasant chemicals so use them correctly and study the labels. It is essential to wear a respirator mask to safeguard your lungs whenever using oil-based items.

Oil-based stains usually have a linseed oil binder which provides lots of time to cleanup any excess prior to it drying. It is possible to apply oil stain with a cloth, a brush, or a rag.

These stains are preferred for wood furnishings. It is easier to attain a uniform finish due to the slower drying time this item provides. Oil stains saturate deeper compared to water-based stains. It provides a warmer colour that can become heavier with additional coats.

These stains present excellent surface adhesion and resistance to peeling. One reason people enjoy this product is that you don’t need to take off the previous finish fully before using it. Basically thin the previous finish layer with the use of mineral spirits.

Water-Based Stains

Straightforward to clean and fast to dry, interior water-based stains are easy to work with. The only binding agent in this product is water. This really makes the product simple to thin out or clean up with water. These stains tend to be more eco-friendly. Resistant against mold and mildew, water-based stains are perfect for many applications. Small projects benefit from these stains’ fast drying time. These are straightforward to apply with a paint brush or a rag. This stain doesn’t permeate wood that deeply. This allows you to obtain a delicate shade or add more coats to achieve a darker selection. Apply to raw wood whenever possible without any wood finish.

Varnish

Varnish is utilized generally for a finish or top coat. These come in lacquer, shellac, or polyurethane. Your varnish can consist of polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac. Varnish produces a hard, transparent finish suitable for sealing wood. It generates a definitive, protective coat. It seals in the stain and accomplishes your project. There is not much color offered by varnishes. These items are constructed with a resin mixed with drying oil and a thinner or solvent. This stain is a little thicker compared to oil-based stains. On the average, they take 4 to 6 hours to dry. Varnish can be applied to any indoor wood project. It is a more moisture-resistant item than lacquer.

Gel-Based Stains

The gel stain items are halfway between paint and stain products. These items enable the natural markings and the elegance of the grains to come through the wood. Gel stains additionally require mineral spirits for cleaning much like oil-based items. An additional benefit of gel stains is they take less time to prepare compared to regular stains and paints. They are sloppy and dense and easy to apply. For the ultimate application, count on a cloth or a rag. Gel stains are a wise choice for wood that is liable to blotchy finishes such as pine and is a good choice for tinting pine flooring and pine furniture items. The blotchy effect is caused by different densities connected with resin deposits within the wood.



Lacquer

Lacquer provides a durable finish that is very shiny. It is a topcoat that produces a protective barrier. Once the staining is done, the lacquer is the final thing you apply to protect and seal the project. It cures extremely fast and is typically applied with a spray gun. It happens to be utilized to seal cabinetry, internal woodwork, moldings, carpentry and trim. Lacquer is not a item for exterior items.

Food-Grade Finishes

Pick a food-grade safe product when you're resurfacing a bar countertop, island, kitchen table and other surfaces you will eat from. Check your labels carefully or ask at the store to guarantee your water or oil-based sealant is food-grade safe. Consider using placemats or some tablecloth or other creative methods in case you accidentally choose a non-food-grade safe solution.