It will give a warming tint to the piece whereas a water-based polyurethane topcoat should only be used over a water-based stain. Unlike paint, which just sits on top of the wood and can be sanded off, wood stain penetrates into the fibers of the wood like a sponge absorbing water. 63 is required to properly clean the surface and neutralize the stripping action. ​Thinning basically means adding more liquid to the stain, therefore obtaining a higher quantity. As you begin to see the final result, you can unconsciously begin to speed up. To remove excess oil stain from wood, simply apply another coat of stain, allow it to soak in for a few minutes, then wipe it off. ​However, some wood stains are thick and difficult to apply. How to Apply Wood Stain. You won’t need to seal, just apply a good polish every few weeks to give it a nice glow. A tip: try buying the sample sizes at your local home improvement store, and practice mixing and thinning on these. You’ll witness the wood darken as it dries. If you spread it too thickly or forget to wipe off the excess, the material that remains will become sticky and will ruin the job. If you learn how to thin wood stain, ​you’ll be able to quickly and easily control the finished project you are looking for in your woodworking. Don’t use paper towels, because it will leave behind particles that could affect the final finish. There are a variety of stains available today, and different types of stain are better for thinning: There are several types of stain on the market. After the stain color is to your liking and completely dry, then you can use a compatible poly over the top of it or you can seal the stain with SealCoat and then poly. If you happen to get the stain on clothing, use this time to remove it. 6. The test will help you assess if the stain has the desired color and texture, or more thinner is necessary. Consider the sealer you will use carefully – sealing is not mandatory if you will keep the piece indoors. Wood staining is the process of enhancing the color of the wood to bring out the visibility of its beautiful natural grain. Make sure you sand the wood well before applying stain. You can, by thinning the stain and testing it until you’ve obtained the tone you were after. To build a bed, dig a small trench and pile your wood waste inside. white vinegar for heavily soiled, unfinished wood that has sticky residue or similar buildup. It’s just a process. Allow the stain to dry 6 to 8 hours. Mahogany Wood Interior Gel Stain Varathane 1 qt. If you add too much thinner, the stain could become too liquid and the color too light, case in which you may have to apply two or more layers in order to obtain the desired results. You can read all about our awesome flooring, here. Formulated from a blend of natural vegetable oils and waxes. Here are the steps I take to … I could have painted it but sometimes you just need listen to the piece. Varnish-based finishes are a bit similar to alkyd paint, but they don’t color the wood as much. Apart from that, I also enjoy weightlifting and swimming. Granted, it will take you longer to achieve the same depth and darkness of color, but it will be easier to apply. Thinning ​your stain helps out this problem quite a bit. I have to say though, those 3 blocks sure match that floor well! Mahogany Wood Interior Gel Stain is a convenient and easy to use stain that provides deep, rich color to enhance the natural grain of the wood. If you don’t have such a surface available, you can test it on a small area that will remain out of sight. Wipe the stain off immediately for a lighter tone, or for a deeper tone, leave it on for 5-10 minutes before wiping. Polyurethanes are a great choice for heavy traffic areas or furnishings that are subject to harsh environmental conditions, providing a tough protective surface. Change the colour and appearance of wood with our range of wood stain products. Stain colors can vary based on the type of wood, the method of application and the amount of stain applied. And then, how to stain wood without botching your project? Try to work in long, even strokes and gradually lift the brush toward the end of each stroke. Some sealers also have fungus and mold inhibitors. In order to identify the right thinner for your chosen stain, the safest solution is to carefully read the label looking for manufacturer’s recommendations and ingredients. UV stabilizers are also included to exterior sealers for protection against sunlight. Home » Woodworking » How to Thin Wood Stain for Color Lightening. Bondo® Wood Filler is a permanent, fully paintable repair material for a broad range of projects inside and outside the home. Use on Exterior latex, oil-based and 100% acrylic coatings on Wood Decks, Porches & Patios, Siding, Fences, Shakes and Shingles. But it will provide a better finish. Use Wood Chips in Raised Beds. That way, you can prevent the wood from soaking up more pigment in some areas than others. With a staining brush, foam brush or cloth, stroke both ways, with the grain and against it. Magnum Cedar KD can be used with any rail or post type. I spend a good chunk of my time working on wood projects and contributing to this blog. Stain tends to dry lighter. Some people believe in conditioning the wood before staining. As you can see, anyone can learn how to thin wood stain and obtain even, great looking surfaces. Minwax® PolyShades® enhances wood grain by combining beautiful rich stain color and long-lasting polyurethane protection in one easy step. I hope you have enjoyed this article and I especially hope you learned something new that will help you with your next project. If you are satisfied with the color of the stain you can begin staining the wood. Finishing is sealing the wood from moisture and environmental damage. The question is how many coats and what to use for a topcoat. Apply the stain to one surface at a time, wait five minutes or so, then wipe it off with a clean white cotton cloth. In addition, gel-type stains have a thickening agent that makes it much easier to apply than the other stains. If you want to use a commercial conditioner, wipe or brush it on the surface lightly and let it sit for about an hour or so. In this case, you can either use a wood conditioner beforehand or simply apply the stain. 3. The question is: which stain do you choose? Then cover the pile with inverted turf and top it off with good soil. Technically, staining should not be confused with wood finishing or wood painting. Wipe off Excess Stain . After applying the first coat of the stain, allow it to dry for 20-30 minutes. Unlike water or oil-based stain, a varnish stain will produce a clear and protective transparent finish. Do not sand the final coat. Staining over a varnish is possible, but set your expectations right. Required fields are marked *. If you want to have a sheen that is not as shiny as Gloss you can mix equal parts of Gloss and Satin to produce a Semi-Gloss finish/seal. This homemade distressed wood stain can be brushed directly on to the wood surface with a chip brush, foam brush, or cloth. Stained wood has warmth and depth and can show off the unique grain of a wood project. You won't see any wayward bristle coming out of the pack. If you're not sure which stain colors you need, you can save money by buying half-pint sizes rather than quarts. Their composition determines the thinner you can use. And if it’s not perfect don’t beat yourself up. Shingles and shakes typically run from $6 to $9 a square foot, where wood clapboard can cost as little as $5 a foot. The most common 2 choices you’ll see at the local hardware store is Gloss and Satin. Appreciate the valued information in your articles on woods for outdoor furniture and on food safe finishes. As with most stains, it helps to act quickly. If you have wood pallets just lying around the yard, put them to use by turning them into a great mudroom bench. Spread a generous coat while watching for drips and runs. After your finish has completely dried, wipe with a lightly dampened cloth to remove any dust accumulation that may have settled. What Are The Best Woods for Outdoor Furniture? Very dense hardwood may only absorb just one layer of stain. Solid Color Acrylic Siding Stain is a heavily pigmented and exceptionally thick wood siding stain, delivering greater opacity than conventional solid color stains. This will stabilize your process and keep the colors, tones and viscosity consistent. Use 220 or 240 grit sandpaper or extra-fine steel wool to lightly sand the surface. Thinning out your wood stain also keeps it from drying out too quickly on your dried wood slice. In summary, the primary points you should take with you are the following: A topcoat protects the wood surface. Staining affects the tone or color of the wood and brings out the beauty of its natural grain. As you can imagine, these types of stains are much more difficult to remove. This sort of color control doesn’t come immediately. The trick is to use the right thinner, apply it in small quantities, mix thoroughly, and test the thinned stain until you obtain satisfactory results, all while staying safe. Water-based stains can only be used under water-based finishes. To blend in the area, feather the edges with 150-grit sandpaper. And, stain allows you to add color, texture, and even grain, improving the look and feel of the wood finish. You’ll do better on the next project. Dab Mineral Spirits on the Stain . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is called feathering, and it helps to keep the brush strokes from being too noticeable and marring the stain. Here is a list of the most common types of stain and the thinners that should work for them: To make sure you get the desired results, it is important that you add the thinner just before staining the wood. And while most know the basic steps to stain wood, it’s really the nuances of the application that can make or break to look. Brush on wood conditioner prior to staining. The major thing to remember with gel-type stains it that they sit on top of the wood (instead of being absorbed into the pores like water and oil-based stains) which makes it a good choice as a finish for the “sappy” woods that have trouble drinking in traditional stains. Ideal for almost any wood surface, the two-part wood filler forms a permanent bond and will not shrink. All four have their place and purpose depending on a couple of different factors. Staining can also be very useful if you want to restore the former beauty of your old piece of furniture. If you buy something through a link in our posts, we may get a small share of the sale. Once the stain is thinned to the desired consistency and color, you can apply it on the wooden surface. Primarily, there are four common types of stain used today: water, oil, gel, and varnish-based stains. You can move at a much slower pace because the stain goes on a lot slower. Don’t run out and buy the cheap bristle brushes as they are famous for shedding their bristles. Not all stains and sealers play well together. Each coat will have to dry overnight, unlike the water-based topcoats which need only a few hours to dry. White rings form when water or steam damages the finish. Sanding between coats is not necessary. A finish can also provide that wet or shiny appearance, which is also a matter of preference. METHOD 1: Iron water stains out of wood tables. Its consistency is close to that of mayonnaise, actually. Gloss is shiny and Satin is flat. But, Polyurethane is a one-chance application. You’ll want to let the washcoat dry and give it a very light sand with 400 sandpaper just to remove any flaws from the brush, then remove the sanding dust before staining. Keep in mind that when PAINT dries it appears darker than when it was wet. There is one itsy-bitsy little downside to gel-type stains: If your piece has intricate grooves and detail work, you should probably opt for one of the traditional stains: water-based for inside pieces and oil-based for outdoors. The effect can change not only from stain to stain, but from wood species to wood species and even from one board to another within the same wood species. Use denatured alcohol to thin down your stain. Cabot® Solid Color Acrylic Siding Stain is an advanced-technology, 100% acrylic solid color stain formulated to have superior performance properties for the professional user. On the other hand, you can use a solid stain over any type of existing coat. After stripping the wood surface, BEHR PREMIUM® All-In-One Wood Cleaner NO. An oil-based topcoat should only need 2-3 coats while the water-based topcoat may require 4 or more thin coats. In this article, I will try to answer all of your questions. You can then plant directly on the bed and enjoy the benefits of a windbreak, vertical gardening and permaculture all in one. It cures fast – in as little as 15 minutes it can be easily sanded by hand or power tools. Wood stain is designed to penetrate into the grain of the wood, not to remain on the surface. ;) I typically use Minwax Pre Stain Conditioner anytime I stain raw wood but I wasn’t liking how it was turning out. Although, there are some finishes that offer a one-step staining and finishing solution. However, black stains can develop if the water reaches the wood. When adding the thinner, it is important to add small quantities and stir thoroughly to dissolve all the dye or pigment. Study your brush strokes and try to make them match-up and less obvious by “feathering” the polyurethane and smoothing out any bubbles. If the project piece is to be purposed for outdoor-only use, you may consider applying a varnish-based stain, let it dry and call it a day. Try to pick your staining and finishing materials from the same manufacturer, if possible. And they’re disposable. If you use a quality bristle brush make sure it’s new or very clean used one. I guess I should be spending time more on easy crafting at home, Your email address will not be published. The installation does not include staining, but should include caulking around window and door frames and sealing edges. Sanding. Any scratches will be enhanced by stain. (I love it and am so happy with it! :) ) I finally decided on a variation on that center block. Fill a spray bottle with 2 cups of water. Sustainable beauty from sustainably-sourced solid wood. Wipe off the excess stain using a clean cloth. Since it dries within a couple of hours the time invested will still be let then with the oil-based poly. The longer you let the stain soak in, the darker it will get. Avoid using too much on one coat or you may raise the grain on the wood. Anyone can learn to stain the wood the right way. Gel stain is thicker, so it doesn’t run like water-based stains. The wood has been prepped and it’s time to apply the stain. His first experience came in completely restoring an antique home. Repeat the light sanding between coats and then apply the final coat. Choosing the right applicator is important. You’ll get better results laying down 3 to 5 thin coats. If you have a piece of wooden furniture you really like, or a tired thrift-store find with loads of potential, give it new life with a fresh coat of stain. For starters, staining helps preserve the wood so that it lasts longer. Stains and varnishes applied to wood that has not been dried thoroughly can exhibit blotching, discoloration or cracking. A smooth application as a finish will give you that ‘mirror-like” reflection if the initial staining was done with care. The sander will leave small (almost undetectable) marks in the raw wood. Once you have added a small amount of thinner and mixed the stain thoroughly to obtain even color and texture, it is important to test the stain on a wooden surface similar to the one you want to use it on. Start at the outside edge of the stain and work toward the center to prevent spreading the stain. Best option is to cut small pieces of what you’re going to be using and do some at-home tests to see the impact. Alkyd varnish is much more forgiving. Sanding will also help open up the pores of the wood so that they can absorb stain better. BEHR PREMIUM Wood Stain Finish Stripper. For deck staining, add as many coats of stain that the wood can absorb. Here is an overview of each: Alcohol is not as good of a thinner as some of the others mentioned above, such as mineral spirits or even water. Applying water-based polyurethane is about the same as applying the oil-based. Even when you think you have found the perfect nuance, you might wish you could lighten it up a bit. Traditionally, finishing was created solely to provide additional protection against the weather and daily wear and tear. But first, a quick check of your workspace is important. For example, if the existing stain is solid, then you can’t apply a semi-transparent or clear finish on top of that. Depending on what type of stain and thinner you use, what staining method you prefer, and where the staining takes place, consider following the tips below. Oil-based stains can be applied under any finishes, except those that are water-based. If you must, you can even turn to rubbing alcohol. Thanks for sharing. Remove the sanding dust and seal the piece. We will talk more about this in the following lines when reviewing the steps you need to take in order to thin wood stain and obtain the desired consistency and color. Refinishing is an easy, low-cost way to bring out natural beauty in wood furniture and make fine details shine. "This table had been previously stripped (you can see the old paint underneath) The top needed a coat of stain and top coat. Except for varnish, all the other stains can be thinned and made workable again. Your email address will not be published. Allow the conditioner to dry for 15 minutes. Apply topcoats in “reflected light” to more easily spot flaws and unflattering brush strokes. I think one misconception is that you have to strip and sand a piece down to bare wood before you can re-stain it. This way, you will create more surface texture for the stain to adhere to. Now Dennis spends his time on fine woodworking projects and tool comparisons. Copyright 2021 by SawsHub.com - Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact. The trick is to use the right thinner, apply it in small quantities, mix thoroughly, and test the thinned stain until you obtain satisfactory results, all while staying safe. Completely redone from the inside out, and restored to its original form, the home is a featured design by renowned Southern California Architect Cliff May, considered to be the father of the California Ranch Home. It’s not necessary, however, but I like to use the wood conditioner because it helps things stay more even and if using something like Java Gel Stain , it will keep it from overpowering the piece with color. How to Thin Wood Stain for Color Lightening, coating large surfaces such as outdoor decks, How to Select, Stain, and Finish Plywood for Woodworking Projects, Stanley vs Craftsman: The Budget Tool Brand Comparison. In order to enjoy these benefits, you have to identify the right thinner for the paint you plan on using, and to use it in the right quantity. I am not very confident when it comes to this but if time permits I would gladly do it. Learn about the team! Attempting to tint softwoods the way you would hardwoods most often results in eyesores like blotches, murky colors and grain reversal. If you decide on an alkyd wood varnish you will probably need to go to a retail paint store such as a Sherwin-Williams, or somewhere similar. But the end result will be worth the exercise in patience. New wood should be stored inside for a minimum of 24 hours prior to staining. Sanding produces a white film over the finish but will disappear as you apply the next coat. You can control the shading, to a point, by how long you leave the stain on the wood before wiping up the excess. After applying the coat of stain, wipe immediately if you want a light tone or wait 5-15 minutes if you want a darker tone. Although it is loosely similar to the pigment-based paints, it consistently produces saturated and transparent colors. You can control the shading, to a point, by how long you leave the stain on the wood before wiping up the excess. For a two-story home, you can expect to spend between $14,000 and $23,000 for wood cladding installation. Oil and water don’t play well together and the water-based poly will tend to bead-up on the oil-stained surface, unable to coat the surface. HEMNES 8-drawer dresser, white stain, 63x37 3/8". Put on rubber gloves and open a can of oil-based penetrating stain. Very few hardware stores carry it these days. Staining is not the same as finishing. First, test the mineral spirits on an inside seam because it can cause changes in fabric color. The homemade stain can be stored right inside the glass jar with the lid sealed tight. Before using any sealer to wood, check the label to ensure that the sealer meets with all neighborhood climate situations. Staining wood has both aesthetic and finishing benefits for your woodworking project. Mist a lint-free cleaning rag with the spray. ​Getting quality stain in your favorite color tone is often an impossible dream. But, in a pinch, alcohol can be used to thin stain. When using a spray gun, too much thinner can lead to running and dripping, so adding small quantities of thinner gradually is the best approach. If applying a stain-sealer to exterior wood, you’ll want to reapply every year or two to keep the wood protected. The big difference is that you may not have to sand between coats. So, a “stain” changes the wood’s color or tint and a “finish” offers protection and gives it an enhanced look. Vertical surfaces like legs should receive several thinner coats to prevent running. Clean unfinished wood with a damp rag before staining. SawsHub.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. But, more on that later. For the best outcome, remove any grime, dust, or debris by roughing-up and cleaning the old coat of varnish first. If your project is to be used indoors you can consider the project finished. 5. Thicker consistency prevents drips and runs. Available in water, solvent and oil-based formulations, these wood stains are ideal for tinting just about any wooden, cork or stone surface - inside or out! Staining wood can be accomplished with either water, oil, gel or varnish-based stains. If you dilute the stain in advance and store it, especially if the lid is not well closed, it may turn into a pasty mass by the time you decide to apply it. The resulting stain will also be thinner, so it will spread easier, and the same amount will let you cover a larger surface. This can also happen if the wood wasn’t stripped and sanded completely down to bare wood, since the stain will sit on the surface rather than soaking into the wood. You can repeat the procedure of adding a little more thinner, mixing the stain thoroughly, and testing it as many times as you need to until you obtain the results you desire. The boards are rough and kiln dried, making the wood ready to accept stain the same day you install. A traditional look combined with modern function like quiet, smooth-running drawers. When using other types of stains, you will have to match it with the sealing product you intend to use to finish the workpiece. Features. An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. It can also be used over polyurethane finishes, so you can change the color of your finished wood, without removing the existing finish. Longer drying time with a smoother finish, The oil penetrates the wood deeper than water-based and so has a deeper seal. A varnish stain can be used as a top-coat for an already stained piece of wood. The paint flows better than the comparable price at Harbor Freight. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get it on your first try. Please review the section above titled, “Finishing”. As you can see, anyone can learn how to thin wood stain and obtain even, great looking surfaces. Here are two methods to try: Sand the dark stain with 100-grit sandpaper. Apply a small bit of stain to an innocuous part of the wood, such as the underside, or on an extra piece of the same wood. Personally, I prefer to seal my wood projects with wood an alkyd varnish, on top of a good sanding sealer. When you go to stain they will will become more noticeable. Try to work in long, even strokes and gradually lift the brush toward the end of each stroke. After a coat has dried. So I cleaned it really well, lightly buffed with fine sand paper and added a coat of General Finishes Light Oak Oil Based Wood Stain. You can apply sealer to any timber area, exteriorly or interiorly. Staining is done using a tinted coating which is a bit similar to paint. SawsHub is a collection of DIY enthusiasts and woodworking experts. Find a balance between thin and thick. People often use the word “staining” interchangeably with finishing or sealing, which technically isn’t correct. Stir the stain well, then use a clean cloth to rub the stain into the wood in a circular motion. Sometimes, your project may look way better if you keep the natural look of your wood and maybe just apply a clear finish. You will need to use a lot of alcohol to effectively thin out the stain. Once you are done with the sander and the majority of the previous finish is gone, wipe off the dust. Varathane 1 qt. Now we get into the meat of the matter. Let the wood air dry fully before staining. When needed, staining can be a great way to give a more vibrant look to your wood project. This can get a little messy but the important thing is laying down a nice generous coat. Two to three coats are usually ok for woods that aren’t very dense. Factor in the variables As you prepare to mix and test, keep these tips in mind: For consistency, test on a scrap of the same wood—and sanded to the same grit—as your project. The solid stain has already blocked or filled the pores in the wood and will prevent the new stain from soaking in. Just don’t confuse it with a polyurethane varnish. ​. Take your time and get the foundation as close to perfect as you can. Staining results are always better when working with fresh, untreated wood. I also use it for painting ceiling to wall corners without the need for masking and it creates a neat edge lines. I know what it’s like to get impatient as you near the end of the process. Apply mineral spirits to the stain with a clean, white cloth or cotton swab. As mentioned above, there are several different types of products you can use to thin wood stain. But you need to resist that urge. I’ve been a woodworker for over 50 years and every day I learn some valuable info. Magnum Cedar KD is rich in color, similar to WRC and Redwood. Leaving excess stains on the wood won’t affect the color very much, but can … Again, apply the final coat in reflected light looking for flaws, drips, runs, etc. Foam brushes are inexpensive and lay down even strokes. Let the stain dry completely overnight before applying a topcoat. If left unstained the boards turn to a warm silver gray. Being stuck to work never gave me much luxury of time. Rub the damp cloth over the unfinished wood, rubbing in the direction of the wood grain to prevent splintering. I'll buy another set for my future project. Rich, thick stain formula provides twice the coverage of traditional oil-based stains.