When working with wood stain, you want to ensure that the medium you’re employing for your project is compatible with the wood you’re using. However, application technique is often just as important as the type of staining solution you choose.
Examples of common wood stain applicators include bristle brushes, foam brushes, rags, rollers, airless sprayers, and pump sprayers. These tools all have their time and place, but below we discuss the use of sprayers and spray applications of wood stain. Let’s start with the basics.
Perhaps the most important factor when staining is the type and condition of the wood being finished. Makers must consider several features that contribute to wood quality and appearance, including wood grain pattern, undertones, species, and hardness. All of these qualities will affect the final results when staining.
To achieve the desired outcome, you must also consider which type of staining solution is best for your particular project. This is often dictated by the quality and features of the wood but also depends on what conditions the final project will be exposed to. The main types of wood stain include:
After determining the best stain for your project, the next decision to be made is what application technique you’ll employ. Absorbent rags, bristle brushes, or foam brushes are often used to apply wood stain, but many industrial coatings vendors will opt for spraying on certain finishes, such as polyurethane, paint, or intumescent coatings.
So why spray on wood stain? This application technique is ideal for large surfaces and typically results in more even coverage as sprayers can easily get into the nooks and crannies of the wood. One restriction to keep in mind is that conventional pump sprayers are not ideal for use with gel stains due to the thick consistency of these products. For high-viscosity products, airless sprayers are usually the best option.
You may opt for spraying your stain if you have experience with spray paint. However, the two mediums are not exactly the same. Because its consistency is thinner, one must consider that spraying on wood stain may result in a visible spray pattern that isn’t as obvious with paints. And because stain is thinner than paint, the sprayer force and flow don’t need to be as high. Keeping the pressure low can help to limit unwanted blotches or freckles.
Specific application guidance can be found in the manufacturer’s instructions listed on the stain. Generally speaking though, the following advice can help you achieve the ideal finished look for your wood project:
This is a piece of advice we always give to makers planning to stain their projects. Always test out a stain using the desired application method on a scrap piece of wood or an area of the project that won’t be seen. This measure will ensure you get the most accurate idea of what the stained surface’s final appearance will look like.
Freshly applied stain can look very different from fully cured stain. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions for the stain and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one for best results.
One of the most important things to know about stains, particularly oil-based stains, is that they’re often accompanied by a strong or noxious odor. Make sure to apply stains outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, especially when using a sprayer. Remember that the use of sprayers usually requires specific PPE including a ventilator mask and gloves, regardless of the setting in which you’re applying.
Ultimately, the foolproof way to ensure the best results is with help from experienced professionals who know which solutions will work with your project specifications. Staining can be tricky, especially with a professional-grade sprayer. And with so many different use cases and application techniques, finalizing and executing your decision isn’t always easy. To achieve the look you’re going for, recruit a coatings expert for specialized advice.
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