There are three major types of wood stains: resin, alkyd, and oil. (Tip: If you’re working with a smaller piece, you don’t need to use a brush. Do you Need to Seal Wood After Staining it? The headboard itself is rough/rustic … You don’t want to be trapped in a room with this stuff! Topcoat/Finish. I was intimidated when I first started learning how to stain wood, but I actually think staining is an easier process than painting. Wipe it with a clean rag until the surface is relatively smooth. Basically, conditioner will stabilize the wood to allow stain to penetrate more evenly. It will bubble as you brush it on. I didn’t think I needed it because the wood wasn’t soft but the stain soaked in so unevenly and looked pretty awful. After the panels are done, do … With those you would be better off to stop at 120 or 150. Dry faster, enabling you to stain and finish in one day. If using a paintbrush, apply the … Thanks for signing up! Removing Stain Set out a drop cloth or a thick layer of newspapers and place the wood object on top of it. Once you have finished your staining you will need to apply a coat of clear, either varnish or polyurethane, without a coat of clear the stain will slowly be worn away with wear and tear. Do I need to further finish the wood with a finish/top coat or similar product to protect my bedding? Quickly brush or wipe on the conditioner, let it penetrate and wipe it off, just like stain. You need to wait for one to two days in most cases. You DO NOT need to sand down to bare wood. … Again, watch for side drips! A wood stain helps to protect your wooden project. It doesn't need much added in to get it to spray evenly. Note: There are a number of finishes you can use. [CDATA[ amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "bybrigol-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Supplies:"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "504998ad125a482e7cc7df2304506c6a"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B00CXCG08O,B00LI166GC,B00FMKABZ2,B003L2DDAI,B01GWD3LVS,B01GEUA2PC,B01D8UD70I,B01FRNXTAM"; // ]]> Can I use same process from going from a darker stain to a white stain. Wipe the stain on with a rag, and brush it into the corners and grooves. Medium grits are typically best for removing finishes (#120 and #150), and very fine grits (like#220) are used to buff a piece of wood before sanding or between finish coats. Talk to you soon! And that can sometimes reveal additional imperfections that you didn’t see before. That way, you won’t have sticky buildup to deal with when it’s time to move on and add a fresh layer. The higher the number, the finer the grade. Make sure you apply your stain (and polyurethane) in a well-ventilated area. I put this on my Ikea Rast dresser to upgrade it. If you do find you need … Just make sure the existing finish is totally sanded down to the bare wood! So if you want additional control over your coloring, you can think about adjusting the type of sandpaper you are using. Just dip the rag in the stain and wipe it on the piece!) After the stain has dried, it’s time for the first finishing coat. Allow the stain to dry 6 to 8 hours. Apply the stain to the wood liberally with a sponge or soft cloth. Are lower in odor than oil-based stains. Some manufacturers may include recommendations for sanding after staining or between coats, while others do not. It’s such a nice way to upgrade a low-end piece of furniture. Cherry, mahogany, and similar woods don’t need much or any color, so it’s best to use light or transparent stains, so the natural grain and colors shine through. If it isn’t unfinished, the stain won’t be able to soak into the wood. In fact, many experts claim that sanding at the right stages is actually the most important element in achieving a truly professional-looking piece with the color and texture you want. If this is one of your first woodworking projects, and you are not confident handling the staining or sanding portion of the project by yourself, we would suggest enlisting a knowledgeable friend or family member to help you through each stage. Use your fingers to feel the surface before and after sanding to see the difference. Although a wood stain is … Staining over a varnish is possible, but set your expectations right. The higher or finer the grit, the more easily you can smooth out and eliminate all those little imperfections. The aggressive scratches of the sandpaper leave more scratches, so when you add stain on top of that, the pigment particles in the stain have more places to lodge and add that darkening effect. Another pro tip is to test your stain product on samples of the wood you are using, to see how it reacts. If you take a look at three different pieces of wood, all the same type of lumber, that have been sanding at different points during the finishing process, or with a different grit level of sandpaper, you will find that every one of them has a slightly different hue to the grain. I’m just using polyurethane for this tutorial. It is best to sand very lightly, using very fine sandpaper like 220 grit. Stain can also protect against the deteriorating effects of sunlight and strength the wood a bit more against impact and damage. - I want to make sure that the stain will not rub off on the bedding. You can read more about that here. Step 5: When you’re done sanding, wipe down the piece with your tack cloth and apply a second coat of polyurethane. In this guide, we will talk about the necessity of sanding and the points at which you should sand during a project, specifically a piece of furniture. Below are before and after photos of a bench I used an electric sander to sand the finish off of. Wood must be unfinished to be stained. Brush the stain. It’s okay if you want to stain a finished piece of wood…you just have to sand everything off first! What you probably have from using the birch ply, even with the minwax stain… As you’re sanding the finish off, use a dry paint brush to brush the dust off every few minutes to monitor your progress. To counteract this, you can sand a bit. Ultimately, our recommendation is that you avoid sanding after staining or simply use a very gentle scuff sanding method if you notice roughness. Others will need additional protection from wear and the elements. So the stain doesn’t lodge and collects as heavily across the wood surface. If you worry about the grain raising after staining i would recommend wetting the surface evenly with water after doing initial sanding then finish sand when dry. It is such an easy way to give a piece more depth or to add a classic touch to a piece and make it look more expensive. Sometimes referred to generically, lacquer and varnish are not the same thing. For more details, review my privacy policy. They can become splotchy and discolored when you try to stain them. Pour some varnish into the tray and use it just like a paint rolling tray. Thank you! Apply the stain to the panels first, you will need to use a brush to get the stain into the grooves and corners. I love staining wood. The right level of opacity depends on the type of surface and your personal preference. Some projects may be fine with only a coat of stain. We will also discuss the important question, “Do you sand after staining?”. … One more thing to keep in mind is that sandpaper, while it has a smoothing effect overall, tends to open up the grain of the wood more, especially when you are using a coarser type of sandpaper. You will need to let the stain dry for about 48 hours before you can varnish … (This post contains affiliate links. So if you want to learn how to stain and finish wood, sit down and start taking some notes! When using exterior stains … Sand a few times, with progressively finer grit sandpaper. Overlapping stain … If you do not sand well, and you simply do a rough job of it, you will have exposed, open cells in the grain that soak in too much stain and create a much greater, darker contrast than you are probably looking for. you don’t need to sand after staining. But you do need to remove all of the lacquer, varnish or anything that will prevent new stain from absorbing into the wood. You can just lightly pass the sandpaper over the surface, working with the grain of the wood. Saturate the wood with stain by brushing a liberal coat quickly over the entire surface. Press Esc to cancel. Brush in the direction of the grain. It is not recommended and should really be avoided if possible as it will peel and blister. For previously finished wood, yes, you need to sand before applying gel stain. Those bubbles drive me insane ;) Hope to see it on your Ikea dresser. Me too. Continue applying thin layers of stain and allow each layer to dry thoroughly before you add the next one. 5. If you like woodworking projects that involve staining, check out my doll house book case build plans, my DIY paver and wood outdoor coffee table, and our AC unit screen. Here’s where we talk about what NOT to do when staining butcher block counters. Since Water Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner causes the wood fibers to swell, you will need to lightly sand the surface with a fine grade sandpaper 15-30 minutes after … For additional water resistance and durability, you can add a layer of polyurethane, shellac, lacquer, or some other type of sealer. Some people like to begin with 100 grit, then move to 150 grit, and end with a round of 220 grit. Do not use any tools without proper training, precautions, and supervision.). Read about the differences between polyurethane and polycrylic. Isn’t it pretty? First, let’s talk about how sanding can affect wood when you do it between coats of stain or right before a coat of stain. Cherry, mahogany, and similar woods don’t need much or any color, so it’s best to use light or transparent stains, so the natural grain and colors shine through. Otherwise, you end up with darker overlapping edges where you ended and then picked up again. Applying polyurethane after staining is a little trickier, but the ability to sand out issues and apply multiple coats makes it pretty forgiving as well. ), (Remember to wear a mask and eye protection while sanding and working with wood, and wear an appropriate mask while working with paints, stains, and finishes. Remember, you put the stain on unfinished wood, so you need to seal the stain to protect it. Oak, ash, and chestnut handle stain well, but wood such as maple, poplar, and birch do not handle stain … Come in a wider range of vibrant stain … I’d love to update it with fresh paint and new hardware, but I’ve heard that you can’t get good results painting over stain. Stain manufacturers will recommend their own conditioners. If you are not sure how firmly to sand, watch a video that demonstrates the “scuff sanding” technique. Lacquer and varnish are film-forming top coats used to protect and add luster to wood, and are typically applied over stain after it's dry. That will only raise the grain of the wood even more, and you will simply have to repeat the entire process again. Certain types of wood just don’t work well with traditional stains. I used 5 gallon paint … When you are staining, make sure you keep a wet edge and stain the entire project in one session without stopping if at all possible. Polyurethane forms a thicker, hard coating that is very durable and more waterproof than varnish. Be sure that you pay attention to the recommendations including on the label of the product you are using. For a darker look, you can do multiple layers of stain … When applied, the stain acts as a binder, securing the wood against humidity, rot, and other types of decay. Stain actually soaks into the wood, changing it chemically and preventing the encroachment of moisture, which could cause mold and decay. Open and stir your stain. Work in manageable areas. When you apply the stain … However, keep in mind that if you sand too much, you are going to lose the color and protective nature of the layer of stain that you just put on. If you are planning to use white pine, limit yourself to light stains only. You don’t need to remove or sand out all the color from a stain… This is what makes using gel stain … But the result in the end is worth it! Two coats is often enough, but you can repeat step #4 and do a third coat if you’d like. Varnish … It’s important to wipe away excess stain as you apply each coat. differences between polyurethane and polycrylic, Miscellaneous: Drop cloth for work area, screw driver to open cans and stir, disposable gloves. This way, you will create more surface texture for the stain … Apply a generous amount of stain to the floor or project and work it into the grain and then wipe it right off. Pine is another species of tree whose natural and open grain may be more susceptible to a rough, unattractive look when you try to stain it. If you want a very smooth, finely sanded surface, try a higher grit, like 150 or 180, or even higher depending on the project. Q: My childhood dresser is beautiful but the wood stain looks faded. Imagine that the first piece of wood was sanded with 120-grit sandpaper. I started with maybe 1 part thinner to 4 parts polyurethane and adjusted the mix along the way. Do NOT skip wood conditioner. Many of the bubbles will also pop as the finish dries. Open and stir your polyurethane then brush a coat on. Thank you, Angie!! The polyurethane with smooth it out further as you apply additional coats. As far as wood conditioners go, many experts and DIYers swear by Minwax. So, understand what type of finish or stain you are using and let it dry accordingly. Follow the directions and warnings from your particular brand. No spam; unsubscribe anytime. This will smooth out the surface and get rid of the bubbles that didn’t pop when the first coat was drying. And yes, staining is a fantastic way to add character and warmth to your project! Great stain color! In  the second photo, I had completely finished sanding down the top, but I only gave a light sand to the body since I wasn’t staining that part–just painting it. Staining and finishing wood is an easy way to make it beautiful and durable for any project. Couple of suggestions. That’s okay, just slowly brush over the bubbles to smooth them out. For the best outcome, remove any grime, dust, or debris by roughing-up and cleaning the old coat of varnish first. There are a few important things to remember, do not sand at this stage if you do you will risk sanding through the stain … If the stain begins to dry before you wipe it off, you're tackling too much area; this is more likely to happen using water-based stain. This post shares tips about how to stain and finish wood. Varnishes protect with a thin coating. Stir the stain well, then use a clean cloth to rub the stain into the wood in a circular motion. For example, the piece I’m working with for this post will be the new top to an Ikea dresser. There are also water-based stains available. Step 2: When you’ve finished painting the stain on, let it sit for 5–15 minutes to soak in, then grab your rag and gently wipe the piece down. Varnishing. After this, let the stain dry for about 24 hours (up to 48 hours if you’re working in a super humid environment). You can use an electric sander, a handle hand sander, or even just a piece of sand paper. This coarser type of sandpaper leaves a different scratch pattern on the surface of the wood. After the stain has dried, it’s time for the first finishing coat. Brush a coat of polyurethane varnish onto the surface, then finish … Require only soap and water for clean-up. Ace's recommendation is good to build up a few layers then sand with 320. Keep adding varnish as you need it, but try to plan so you end up with an empty tray. And the process isn’t as difficult as you probably think it is, either. Rebrush the length of the stain with a dry white china bristle brush to soften and even out the staining as needed. Just dip the rag in the stain and wipe it on the piece!). To avoid or lessen this effect you can use a wood conditioner. Do not raise the grain, eliminating the need for additional sanding. Try aluminum oxide sandpaper if you have a large surface to work over. That means that it has no primer, paint, or finish of any kind on it. Paint thinner works best for thinning varnish. Have a piece I want to to change to a white washed look..your piece is beautiful!! Posted on Last updated: October 5, 2020 Categories DIY, DIY Furniture. After applying the stain, you won’t need to sand between coats of oil-based stain. Some hardwoods will "close up" and hardly except your stain if you sand all the way to 220 grit. You may be wondering if you can simply use paint over the wood and leave it at that. Some finish also needs around 72 hours of the drying process. Some soft woods, such as the less expensive pine you buy at the box stores can become blotchy after you stain them. Sandpaper comes in grades (or grits). Generally, you need to sand enough to scuff up the existing finish and make the surface even. You have to have the right tools, the right kind of wood for the project, and plenty of time for the longer stages of the process, like sanding and finishing. Once you have sanded the surface to your satisfaction, you may notice a fine layer of dust on the wood. Start at the top and work your way down. Apply 2 Coats Of The Stain. Now you need to apply the stain … Type above and press Enter to search. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This removes any excess stain. For many people, the sanding part of the job is the least favorite. However, it is incredibly important if you want a truly beautiful, smooth result at the end of the project. Then, beginning on one side of the piece, start painting the stain on in the direction of the wood grain. Step 1: If you didn’t have to strip a finish off of your piece, go ahead and use a fine grit (like#220) sandpaper to polish your piece. It can serve as a barrier to some moisture, especially if you use a water-resistant exterior paint, but it will eventually chip, thin, or flake off, and then the wood underneath will be completely vulnerable. Applying a stain is a bit trickier than sealers, and is best left to professionals. With 150 or 180 sandpaper, there is less of a scratch pattern, fewer marks. Just use a paintbrush or a rag to lay a thin layer of the stain and let it dry. That is certainly an option; however, it is important to note that paint does not provide the same kind of protection that stain does. Fills in wood grain after staining for a smooth finish. Step 4: When the first coat of polyurethane dries, grab the #220 grit or higher sandpaper and very lightly do a quick sand over the entire piece. When you’ve removed the finish completely, brush off the bulk of the dust and wipe down the entire piece using tack cloth. //