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 uncomplicated way to give old wood items new life and style. Transform family treasures or save mature items from the dump. Discover which kinds of stains will work best for specific projects. Your choices are varied due to the many finishes and colors of wood stain available.



Wood Stains

Stains are coloured sealants applied to the wood. They are lighter than paints and meant to soak coloring into the fibers of the wood. The chemical response with solvent results in the binding process. The color is connected to the wood after it's dried and cured. You'll find loads of options for wood stain products. For kitchen bar stools and tables, opt for interior wood stains. There are lots of applications for various wood stain jobs. There are different wood stains that vary by their solvent base.

Oil-Based Stains

Oil-based interior stain is commonly what people first consider of when they hear the term “wood stain.” Uncomplicated to apply, these stain products are widely available. Be aware that oil-based products are produced from noxious chemicals and care has to be taken when using. You will need to wear a respirator mask whenever using this product.

Formulated with a linseed oil binder, this permits one to easily clean up before the product dries. Oil-based stains can be applied with a rag, or a cloth, or a brush.

Oil-based stains breathe new life into wood furniture. It is much easier to attain a uniform finish on account of the slower drying time this item delivers. Oil stains saturate deeper compared to water-based stains. It delivers a warmer colour that can become more potent with additional coats.

These stains present excellent surface adhesion and resistance to peeling. One reason people enjoy this product is that you don’t need to take off the previous finish completely before using it. Use mineral spirits to thin the existing layer.

Water-Based Stains

Water-based interior stains dry fast and are super easy to clean up. They count on water as the binding agent. Water-based stains are simple to clean or thin out just by adding water. These stains are better for the ecosystem in comparison to oil-based products. These stains are engineered to resist mold and mildew. Water-based stains are perfect for small projects because of fast drying time. They are very easy to apply with a brush or a rag. This stain is not going to penetrate the wood very deep. This translates into softer shades or darker colours with extra coats. Apply to raw wood whenever possible without any wood finish.

Varnish

Ordinarily, the varnish is used as a top coat or finishing product. Varnishes can include polyurethane, shellac and lacquer. This product can be found in shellac, polyurethane, or lacquer. This hard, clear finish is used as a final touch to wood. It generates a definitive, protective coat. It seals in the stain and wraps up your project. Varnishes deliver minimal colour. They are created from a drying oil mixed with resin and a solvent or thinner. This type of stain is a bit thicker in uniformity in comparison to oil-based stains. These items take roughly four to six hours to dry completely. Varnish can add new life to your next interior wood build. It offers more moisture protection when compared with lacquer.

Gel-Based Stains

Gel stains land among paint and traditional stain. The products allow the natural markings and the elegance of the grains to occur through the wood. Just like oil-based products, these gel solutions require mineral spirits for cleaning. An additional benefit of gel stains is they take less time to prepare compared to regular stains and paints. Simple to apply, gel stains are messy and thick to work with. For your best application outcomes, use a rag or a cloth to apply the gel stain. This product is fantastic for pine flooring or furniture or other varieties of wood that can be vulnerable to a blotchy finish. The blotchy effect is caused by different densities connected with resin deposits within the wood.



Lacquer

Lacquer provides a strong finish with an intense shine. It is a topcoat that creates a protective barrier. This item is applied as a finish coat over top of a stained piece. Lacquer is frequently applied with spraying equipment and dries very quickly. It is designed to seal cabinetry, interior woodwork, moldings, carpentry and trim. Remember that lacquer isn't made to be applied on exterior surfaces.

Food-Grade Finishes

Choose a food-grade safe product if you are refinishing a bar countertop, island, kitchen table and other surfaces you will eat from. Look at your labels carefully or ask at the shop to ensure your water or oil-based sealant is food-grade safe. Don’t panic when you accidentally discover you chose a non-food-grade-safe product. Just get creative with some placemats or perhaps a tablecloth to put some distance in between the chemicals and your food.