How To Stain Wood – A Guide To Staining Wood By Nebula Paints

Looking to renovate an older piece of wooden furniture? Or maybe you have a wooden interior space you would like to modernise? Wood stains are perfect for these situations, recapturing the past glory and aesthetic appeal of wood while often keeping the character of the piece.

Alternatively, you can entirely and updated or modernise wooden items this way. Take a look through our handy guide to staining wood to find out all the tips and tricks you need to successfully apply wood stains.

What Is a Wood Stain?

Don’t worry, when we say stain, we don’t mean the spill kind. Wood stains are a popular finish that enhances the natural beauty of wood. Unlike paint, which sits on the surface, wood stain is a semi-transparent coating that penetrates the wood's fibres. This process allows the natural grain and texture of the wood to remain visible, creating a rich, authentic appearance.

The difference between wood stains and other wood coatings and finishes is that wood stains enhance the natural look of the wood, accentuating the grain, rather than covering its features. This makes them perfect for refurbishing, recapturing the past glory of your wooden furniture or other items.

However, it is a misconception that wood stains are only for vintage or classic colours. You can also get modern wood stains that can reinvent older looking wood for new spaces, such as our metallic wood stains. This is partly what makes them so great, they are much more versatile than most people realise.

How Do Wood Stains Work?

We are going to get a little technical here, but bear with it, it’s all useful to know! Wood stains work by carrying pigment deep into the wood using a solvent. This process saturates the wood with colour, rather than simply covering it in the way that a wood paint wood.

This method provides some level of protection against UV rays, which helps to slow down the natural greying process of wood. However, for long-term durability and full protection a topcoat, such as a clear coat, is highly recommended.

Wood Stains come in a wide variety of colours and finishes, from natural wood tones to vibrant hues. You can also find different types of stains, including oil-based and water-based stains, each with unique application methods and drying times. There’s a wide range of stains suitable for many different surfaces, including specialised fence paints.

Advantages and Considerations of Wood Stains

Advantages of Wood Stains

There are plenty of benefits to wood stains which, make them a popular choice for DIY and home projects as well as much more:

Highlights Natural Beauty: The most significant advantage of a wood stain is its ability to enhance the wood's natural grain and texture without obscuring it.

Wide Variety of Wood Stain Colours: Wood stains colours are highly researched, and a vast array of formulations are available to suit any project or aesthetic.

Easy to Apply: Wood stains are generally easy to apply and doesn't require extensive technical knowledge, making it great for DIYers.

 

Considerations of Wood Stains

Just like any wood coating or finish, there are ideal times to use wood stains and times when not to use wood stains. Here’s a few wood stain considerations.

Limited Protection When Used Alone: Wood stains don't offer long-term protection against the elements by themselves. Over time, UV exposure will cause the colour to fade and discolour. But this doesn’t mean you should discount them. The right topcoat will negate this almost entirely.

No Physical Barrier: Wood stains provide no protection against water, scratches, or general wear and tear. Again, a protective clear topcoat will handle these threats.

Difficult to Remove: Because stain penetrates deep into the wood, it can be very difficult to completely remove, making it a more permanent choice than paint. It can be done through sanding off the top layer of wood stain, but it can be difficult, messy work.

 

How To Stain Wood

Now we’re getting into the fun bit. You’ve looked at all the wood stain colours available and made your selection, great! Now we’ll take you on a step-by-step guide of how to apply your stain to wood.

As with anything DIY, proper preparation and application are key to achieving a beautiful and durable finish. Always consult our technical and safety data sheets for specific recommendations for your chosen product.

Step-By-Step Wood Stain Guide:

1. Preparation is Key: Start with a clean, dry, and properly sanded surface. Remove any old finishes, dust, and debris. This will ensure the best bonding between the stain and the wood it is being applied to.

2. Stir Thoroughly: Before and during application, stir the stain to ensure the pigment is evenly distributed.

3. Application: Apply the stain in stripes, working in the direction of the wood grain. For vertical surfaces, it's best to work from the bottom up to prevent drips and streaks.

4. Wipe Away Excess: After allowing the stain to penetrate for the recommended time (check the label), use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any excess. This is a crucial step to prevent a blotchy finish. Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain.

5. Drying: Allow the stain to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be mindful of dust during this time, as it can get stuck in the finish and create blemishes. Avoid staining or drying near an oven or in direct sunlight.

6. Topcoat Finish: For extra durability and long-lasting protection, we highly recommend applying a protective clear topcoat in conjunction with your stain.

And that’s it! Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have finished applying your new wood stain and be able to enjoy your fine handiwork.

Where Can I Buy Good Quality Wood Stains?

You’re in the right place! Here at Nebula Paints, we have a very wide selection of wood stains for virtually any application. Explore the full range and find the perfect fit for your project today!

Our Wood Stain Recommendations

For light wood: Mipa Paints WBS Wood Stain 1080 Colourless 2.5L

For dark wood: Mipa WBS Wood Stain 1070 Walnut 2.5 Ltr

For a light, metallic finish: Rosner Metallic Stain Aluminium 1ltr

For a copper metallic finish: Rosner Metallic Stain Copper 1ltr

What Alternatives To Wood Stains Are There?

If wood stains are not quite what you’re looking for, no worry! There are so many options out there when it comes to wood finishes and coatings. Some of the most popular are:

Wood Paints: A versatile option with a massive choice of colours and finish types, wood paints offer an unparalleled level of freedom.

Wood Wax: Similar to wood stains in the way they enhance the natural beauty of your wood, accentuating its natural qualities.

Wood Varnish & Lacquer: Wood varnishes and lacquer create a protective layer above your wood surface, sitting on top rather than soaking in like a wood stain for a finish.

Nebula Paints stock a full range of all of these, providing you with plenty of options to get the perfect finish for your wood project.

 

About the Author

The Nebula Paints team have combined decades worth of experience, including an in-house team of technical professionals who provide a wealth of expert knowledge. The editorial team draws on this fantastic, industry earned, first-hand technical information to create expert articles such as these. We hope they help you complete your project in the best possible way, but you can always contact us for any expert advice you need for your project.