How to Get the Best Results with Wood Stain - Even If You're a Complete Beginner!

Woodworking can be an enjoyable hobby, but if you want to achieve a professional-looking finish on your projects, you'll need to put in some effort. Today, we'll be discussing how to get better results on your next stained project. We'll show you some products and techniques that you should be using, as well as a few things that you might want to avoid.

First, it's important to note that wood stain isn't actually necessary on your project. In fact, most of the time, it's better to let the natural beauty of the wood speak for itself. However, if you're looking to make a bold statement with color that doesn't occur naturally in the wood, or if you need to match an existing piece of furniture, then wood stain can come in handy.

When it comes to applying wood stain, preparation is key. Sanding your project before applying the stain is necessary if you want professional-looking results. This will prevent a rough and inconsistent look on the finished piece. We recommend sanding from 100 all the way up to 180 grit and vacuuming up the dust and particles that break off from the sandpaper between each grit. This will help prevent scratches and swirl marks as you progress through the finer grits of paper.

There are several tools you can use to apply wood stain, including a regular bristle brush, foam brush, or a cotton rag. Our personal preference is the cotton rag, as it allows you to work the stain into the grains of the wood from multiple directions. After a few minutes, use a clean rag to wipe away any excess stain.

One common issue with wood stain is blotching, which occurs when certain areas of the wood soak up more stain than others, resulting in an uneven finish. To avoid this, we recommend using a pre-stained wood conditioner. Apply this after sanding, but before applying the stain. Wait 15-20 minutes for it to dry before applying the stain. This will result in a much more muted and even effect.

After the stain has had a chance to dry, it's time to apply a top coat to protect the wood and finish from damage or watermarks. There are many options for top coats, but we'll be discussing two common ones: a wipe-on oil-based poly and a water-based poly. Both of these products require multiple coats, with sanding in between. The oil-based wipe-on poly adds a bit of an amber color to the wood, while the water-based finish dries faster but doesn't add as much depth or color.

In conclusion, achieving a high-quality finish on a stained project isn't difficult, but it does require some effort and attention to detail. By following the steps we've laid out, you can get great results that you'll be proud of. Just remember to take your time, use the right products and tools, and enjoy the process!