The type of wood stain you require will depend on the type of wood you use and the object itself. Applying stain is a fun and simple way to give old wooden items new life and style. Help save items from the garbage dump and transform family heirlooms with some TLC. Learn which stains are appropriate for certain kinds of projects. There are several finishes and colors to help you achieve specific looks.



Wood Stains

Stains are coloured sealants put on the wood. This item is much lighter than paint. It's been designed to soak in the wood fiber and saturate it with pigment. This joining is the result of a chemical response with a solvent. The color is connected to the wood after it's dried and cured. You'll find loads of options for wood stain products. Interior wood stains will help you refinish that coffee table or your kitchen table and seats. There are a number of applications for various wood stain jobs. With regards to the solvent base, the types of stains vary.

Oil-Based Stains

Oil-based indoor stain is commonly what people first think of when they hear the term “wood stain.” Straightforward to apply, these stain products are widely available. These stains include noxious chemicals. Make sure to invest in a respirator mask to put on since oil-based products contain many harsh chemicals.

Formulated with a linseed oil binder, this allows one to easily clean up before the product dries. Often applied with a cloth or a rag, this stain can also be applied with a brush.

These stains are preferred for wood furnishings. It is much easier to attain a uniform finish thanks to the slower drying time this item provides. Oil stains saturate deeper compared to water-based stains. It gives you a rich tone that is capable of growing warmer with added coats.

Durable and lasting, oil stains are immune to peeling and deliver great surface adhesion. Not needing to get rid of other finishes before is yet another bonus of using oil stains. You can thin the previous layer with mineral spirits.

Water-Based Stains

Straightforward to clean and fast to dry, interior water-based stains are simple to work with. The only binding agent in this product is water. This really makes the product easy to thin or clean up with water. These stains are better for the atmosphere compared to oil-based products. Resistant to mold and mildew, water-based stains are fantastic for many applications. Their rapid drying time makes them excellent for small projects. Apply with a brush or a cloth. This stain doesn’t penetrate wood that deeply. You can achieve a darker shade with increased coats or opt for a light color. For ideal results, use on purely natural wood that doesn’t have a pre-existing finish.

Varnish

Varnish is used generally for only a finish or top coat. These items can be purchased as shellac, polyurethane, or lacquer. It may include lacquer, polyurethane, or shellac. This clear, hard finish is used as the final sealant to timber items. It generates a transparent, protective coat. It seals in the stain and completes your project. There's not much color presented by varnishes. These items are constructed with a resin mixed with drying oil and a thinner or solvent. This kind 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. Varnish can be added to any indoor wood project. It's a more moisture-resistant solution than lacquer.

Gel-Based Stains

Gel stains land in between paint and traditional stain. They permit much of the natural beauty and textures to come through the wood. This product is comparable to oil-based products and needs mineral spirits for cleanup. Gel stains call for less preparation compared to traditional stain or paint. These items are thick and untidy; however, they are simple to use. Use a cloth or rag for the most effective application. This product is great for pine flooring or furniture pieces or other kinds of wood that can be susceptible to a blotchy finish. Blotchiness occurs when different wood has varying resin densities located throughout it.



Lacquer

Lacquer delivers a durable finish that is extremely shiny. It is a topcoat that creates a protective barrier. This solution is applied as a finish coat over top of a stained item. It dries promptly and is often applied with a spray gun. Often used for trim, mouldings, interior woodworking, woodworking, cabinetry, etc. Lacquer is not a product for exterior items.

Food-Grade Finishes

If you're resurfacing a kitchen table, island, or bar countertop, be sure to use products that are considered food-grade safe. Examine your labels carefully or ask at the store 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. Simply be creative with some placemats or possibly a tablecloth to place some distance in between the chemicals and your food.