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. The question is: which stain do you choose? I could have painted it but sometimes you just need listen to the piece. 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. It’s pretty easy to apply. On the other hand, you can use a solid stain over any type of existing coat. Your email address will not be published. The most common 2 choices you’ll see at the local hardware store is Gloss and Satin. His first experience came in completely restoring an antique home. ;) I typically use Minwax Pre Stain Conditioner anytime I stain raw wood but I wasn’t liking how it was turning out. I am not very confident when it comes to this but if time permits I would gladly do it. When using other types of stains, you will have to match it with the sealing product you intend to use to finish the workpiece. Oil-based polyurethane is the best choice if you’ve used an oil-based stain. 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. 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. That way, you can prevent the wood from soaking up more pigment in some areas than others. Take your time and get the foundation as close to perfect as you can. An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. You can apply sealer to any timber area, exteriorly or interiorly. 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. Clean unfinished wood with a damp rag before staining. If you get it wrong the first time you’re either stuck with the results or you’ll have to take other drastic and costly measures to get it right. Try to pick your staining and finishing materials from the same manufacturer, if possible. Mahogany Wood Interior Gel Stain Varathane 1 qt. After stripping the wood surface, BEHR PREMIUM® All-In-One Wood Cleaner NO. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. It will give a warming tint to the piece whereas a water-based polyurethane topcoat should only be used over a water-based stain. ​However, some wood stains are thick and difficult to apply. Adding too much thinner could make the stain less effective and even useless, or lighten it too much. Sanding produces a white film over the finish but will disappear as you apply the next coat. Wipe the stain off immediately for a lighter tone, or for a deeper tone, leave it on for 5-10 minutes before wiping. An alkyd finish allows you to easily sand runs and drips and then add a second coat. Vertical surfaces like legs should receive several thinner coats to prevent running. Now Dennis spends his time on fine woodworking projects and tool comparisons. 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. How to Apply Wood Stain. Remember-don’t put water-based polyurethane on top of an oil-based stain. 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. The homemade stain can be stored right inside the glass jar with the lid sealed tight. Some sealers also have fungus and mold inhibitors. Bondo® Wood Filler is a permanent, fully paintable repair material for a broad range of projects inside and outside the home. You can read all about our awesome flooring, here. So, a “stain” changes the wood’s color or tint and a “finish” offers protection and gives it an enhanced look. ​Thinning basically means adding more liquid to the stain, therefore obtaining a higher quantity. Bondo® Wood Filler is suitable for staining or painting in only 25 minutes. 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. Learn about the team! Ideal for almost any wood surface, the two-part wood filler forms a permanent bond and will not shrink. Apply mineral spirits to the stain with a clean, white cloth or cotton swab. 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. When you go to stain they will will become more noticeable. Spread a generous coat while watching for drips and runs. Gel stain is thicker, so it doesn’t run like water-based stains. If left unstained the boards turn to a warm silver gray. Their composition determines the thinner you can use. You won't see any wayward bristle coming out of the pack. Its consistency is close to that of mayonnaise, actually. Avoid using too much on one coat or you may raise the grain on the wood. Since it is made with more solids than regular clear coats it is much easier to sand to a smooth surface. Again, apply the final coat in reflected light looking for flaws, drips, runs, etc. The resulting stain will also be thinner, so it will spread easier, and the same amount will let you cover a larger surface. Solid Color Acrylic Siding Stain is a heavily pigmented and exceptionally thick wood siding stain, delivering greater opacity than conventional solid color stains. 5. You can control the shading, to a point, by how long you leave the stain on the wood before wiping up the excess. But first, a quick check of your workspace is important. But the end result will be worth the exercise in patience. If you're not sure which stain colors you need, you can save money by buying half-pint sizes rather than quarts. Don’t use paper towels, because it will leave behind particles that could affect the final finish. You won’t need to seal, just apply a good polish every few weeks to give it a nice glow.