The type of wood you will be working with and also the object itself determines which type of wood stain you'll need. Wood stain readily jazzes up old furniture and items which enable it to breathe new life into your world. Help save things from the garbage dump and transform family heirlooms with some TLC. Determine what type of stain you require for your particular job. Your options are varied due to the many finishes and colors of wood stain available.



Wood Stains

Stains are coloured sealants used on the wood. Stains bathe pigment into the wood fiber and tend to be considerably lighter than paints. The chemical response with solvent brings about the binding process. The color saturates in the wood after the stain dries and becomes cured. There are many distinct types of wood stains. For kitchen stools and tables, select interior wood stains. Wood stains concentrate on different applications. There are different wood stains that vary by their solvent base.

Oil-Based Stains

Oil-based indoor stain is commonly what people first consider of when they hear the term “wood stain.” They are easy to find and simple to apply. Be aware that oil-based products are made from noxious chemicals and care has to be taken when using. You'll want to wear a respirator mask whenever using this product.

Oil-based stains usually have a linseed oil binder which provides lots of time to cleanup any excess prior to it drying. Oil-based stains can be implemented with a rag, or a cloth, or a brush.

Oil-based stains breathe fresh life into wood furniture. It is preferable to attain a uniform finish thanks to the slower drying time this item delivers. Oil stains saturate deeper compared to water-based stains. It offers a rich tone that is capable of growing warmer with additional coats.

Oil-based stain delivers a durable wood finish due to superior surface adhesion, supplying peeling resistance. One good reason everyone loves this product is that you don’t have to take off the previous finish entirely before using it. You can thin the first layer with mineral spirits.

Water-Based Stains

Water-based interior stains dry fast and are super easy to clean up. They rely on water as the binding agent. These items can be easily cleaned up with water and thinned out. These stains are better for the ecosystem when compared with oil-based products. Immune to mold and mildew, water-based stains are perfect for many applications. Small projects really benefit from these stains’ fast drying time. Apply by using a brush or a rag. These stains don’t penetrate the wood nearly as much as oil-based stains. You can achieve a darker shade with increased coats or opt for a gentle color. When doable, apply directly on raw wood that doesn’t have any finish.

Varnish

The varnish is commonly used as a final coat or a finish. These products can be purchased as shellac, polyurethane, or lacquer. It may contain lacquer, polyurethane, or shellac. This hard, clear finish is applied as a final touch to wood. It generates a clear, protective coat. It seals in the stain and wraps up your project. There's not much color offered by varnishes. The products are made of a resin mixed with drying oil and a thinner or solvent. This type of stain is a bit thicker in consistency in comparison to oil-based stains. On the average, they take 4 to 6 hours to dry. Varnish is extremely moisture-resistant in contrast to lacquer and is capable of being applied to every interior wood item.

Gel-Based Stains

The gel stain products are halfway in between paint and stain products. They permit some of the wood’s unique markings and textures come through. Gel stains also require mineral spirits for cleaning just like oil-based items. Gel stains require less preparation in comparison to traditional stain or paint. These items are thick and sloppy; however, they are easy to use. For the greatest application, count on a cloth or a rag. This product is fantastic for pine flooring or furniture or other varieties of wood that can be susceptible to a blotchy finish. Blotchiness takes place when different wood has varying resin densities located throughout it.



Lacquer

Lacquer provides a durable finish that is extremely shiny. Lacquer happens last as the safeguarding topcoat. When the staining is done, the lacquer is the last item you apply to shield and seal the project. It is applied with spray equipment and dries quickly. Often useful for trim, mouldings, interior woodwork, carpentry, cabinetry, etc. Lacquer is not suitable for exterior use.

Food-Grade Finishes

Select 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 selected a non-food-grade-safe product. Simply get creative with some placemats or perhaps a tablecloth to place some distance between the chemicals and your food.