The most important reason to apply finish to a wood project is to protect the project against damage. However, choosing to stain a wood project has more benefits than just improved durability. Makers typically use stain for finishing as it accentuates the natural grain pattern and complements its coloring.
A classically popular building material, wood is structurally sturdy and incredibly versatile with a wide range of color, hardness, and grain variations. Staining is a great finishing option to retain the wood’s unique appearance—and even amplify it.
One reason makers opt for staining over painting is because stain highlights the natural features of the wood instead of covering them up. It’s also used to enhance or alter certain colorations. Stains also typically offer better protection than paints as they’re absorbed deep into the wood’s pores, while paints are layered on top of the surface. Similarly, clear coats and enamels typically sit atop and seal just the surface, providing protection while preserving the original coloring and pattern.
Wood Stain Considerations
Because there’s so much variation in wood, you need to know the specifications of both your wood surface and the desired stain to know if they are compatible and will deliver the results you want. There is no “best wood for staining,” per se, but some of the more popular options include:
- Oak
- Ash
- Cedar
- Hickory
- Chestnut
The above species are known to absorb and take to stain rather well compared to, say, pine or maple varieties. But every cut of wood is unique, so take the following features into consideration when selecting the best wood stain:
- Wood Grain: the pattern and density of the wood fibers
- Wood Undertones: the underlying hue of the wood
- Wood Type: the species and condition, including hardness
Main Types of Wood Stain and Use Cases
Once you take the above features into account, then you can determine the best wood stain option for your project. Below are some general qualities of the three primary stain types:
Water-Based Wood Stain
(Best for Soft Woods and Indoor Application)
These solutions tend to absorb rather quickly as they are the least viscous stain option. As a result, water-based stains are suitable for more porous woods. Water-based stains are also usually better for use when applied in confined spaces as they’re comparatively low odor.
Oil-Based Wood Stain
(Best for Exteriors and High-Wear Surfaces)
These solutions are deeply penetrating for maximum protection. Oil-based stains are gradually absorbed into the wood surface, offering high durability against moisture, light, pests, and more. This makes them the ideal choice for exterior and high-wear wood surfaces.
Gel Wood Stain
(Best for Novices and Vertical Surfaces)
Gel stains are much thicker than the above solutions, so we often recommend this type of stain for those with less finishing experience. Because it doesn’t absorb as quickly, it’s easier to apply without blotching. This also makes it less likely to drip than its less-viscous counterparts, so gels are often employed for staining vertical surfaces.
Tips for Best Results When Applying Wood Stain
When it comes to coating, don’t just jump right in with the brush or sprayer! Keep this advice in mind if you’re planning on staining your project:
1. Consider wood conditioner and sanding before staining.
Be sure to prep the wood before staining. This can involve any number of steps and solutions depending on the wood type and condition. When it comes to staining, you want coverage that’s as even as possible, and prepping the wood can help to achieve this.
2. Fill pores by wiping against the direction of the grain.
Pooling of stain may cause blotching, so the best practice is to wipe against the grain for maximum pore penetration. This enables the maker to get into the nooks and crannies of the wood, which can also be maximized by using a sprayer.
3. Test the stain before applying to ensure a color match.
It’s a good idea to experiment with your stain color before committing, so try applying your choice to a small piece of largely unexposed wood (on the back, in a corner, etc.) or a scrap piece of the same material for the most accurate results.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Lastly, not all stains are created equal. Instructions and warnings are developed by practiced product specialists who know how to get the best results with that specific solution based on in-depth research.
Where to Find the Best Wood Stain Options
Generally, the purpose of staining is to preserve the wood without covering up or muting its natural features. Unlike enamels or paints, stains intend to penetrate the wood surface and absorb deep into the wood for optimal protection. This quality also helps to accentuate the natural appearance of the wood grain pattern or enhance the original color of the wood.
Despite all you know about stains, choosing the right coating product isn’t always simple or straightforward. It helps to have experienced professionals with extensive product knowledge to point you in the right direction. If your current wood finish brand isn’t cutting it, look to the experts in industrial wood and metal coatings.
