The particular wood stain you require will depend on the type of wood you are using and the object itself. Using stain is a fun and easy way to give old wooden items new life and style. Transform family treasures or save older items from the dump. Learn which stains are suitable for certain types of projects. Explore the various colours and finishes to modify your results.



Wood Stains

Stains serve as colored sealants that are applied to the wood to seal it and offer protection. This item is much lighter than paint. It has been created to soak into the wood fiber and saturate it with pigment. The chemical response with solvent translates into the binding process. The color is connected to the wood after it's dried and cured. There are many different types of wood stains. Coffee tables, chairs and kitchen tables really benefit from interior wood stain solutions. There are a number of applications for assorted wood stain jobs. Depending on the solvent base, the types of stains vary.

Oil-Based Stains

Interior oil-based stain is often what springs to mind when people hear “wood stain.” They are readily available and simple to apply. These stains contain noxious chemicals. You should definitely invest in a respirator mask to put on since oil-based products consist of many harsh chemicals.

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

Oil-based stains breathe new life into wood furniture. They feature a more measured drying time and this provides a finish that is more uniform. Oil stains saturate deeper compared to water-based stains. Apply your stain in several coats until you achieve the rich, warm tone you would like.

Oil-based stain offers a durable wood finish due to superior surface adhesion, delivering peeling resistance. A bonus is that you are not required to remove the existing finish beforehand. Just thin the prior finish layer with the use of mineral spirits.

Water-Based Stains

Water-based interior stains dry fast and are super easy to clean up. The only binding agent in this product is water. The products can be cleaned up with water and thinned out. These stains are better for the environment when compared with oil-based products. These stains are formulated to resist mold and mildew. Their rapid drying time means they are great for small projects. Apply by using a brush or a cloth. These stains don’t seep through the wood as much as oil-based stains. This allows you to obtain a light shade or increase the coats to achieve a darker selection. For ideal results, use on healthy wood that doesn’t have any pre-existing finish.

Varnish

Varnish is used generally for a finish or top coat. Varnishes might include polyurethane, shellac and lacquer. It may contain lacquer, polyurethane, or shellac. This hard, clear finish is applied as a final touch to wood. It creates a protective, transparent coat over your stain to seal and finish your piece. There's not much color presented by varnishes. They are manufactured from a drying oil mixed with resin and a solvent or thinner. This type of stain is a bit thicker in uniformity when compared with oil-based stains. On the average, they take 4 to 6 hours to dry out. Varnish can be added to any interior wood project. It's really a more moisture-resistant solution than lacquer.

Gel-Based Stains

Gel stains land between paint and traditional stain. They let a portion of the natural beauty and textures to come through the wood. Gel stains also require mineral spirits for cleaning just like oil-based items. Gel stains call for less preparation in comparison to traditional stain or paint. These products are thick and sloppy; however, they are easy to use. For the perfect application, count on a cloth or a rag. Gel stains certainly are a wise choice for wood that is susceptible to blotchy finishes such as pine and is a good choice for staining pine flooring and pine furniture objects. The blotchy effect is caused by different densities connected with resin deposits within the wood.



Lacquer

Lacquer gives an extreme shine and a strong, hard finish. Lacquer happens last as the protective topcoat. Once your staining is completed, lacquer is the last thing you apply to seal the deal. It is applied with spray equipment and dries quickly. It is a well-known finish for interior woodwork, trim, carpentry, moldings, display cases and more. Lacquer isn't made for exterior use.

Food-Grade Finishes

When you are refinishing an item such as the countertop of a bar, an island, or a kitchen table, ensure you purchase food-grade safe finishes. The labels on your oil-based and water-based products will help you determine if the product is considered food-grade safe. Consider using placemats or some tablecloth or another creative methods if you happen to accidentally choose a non-food-grade safe solution.