The type of wood stain you require will depend on the type of wood you're using and the object itself. Staining is a quick and easy way to update furniture and breathe newer life into old objects. Preserve products from the landfill and transform family heirlooms with a bit of TLC. Learn which stains are well suited for certain types of projects. There are numerous finishes and colors to help you achieve specific looks.



Wood Stains

Stains work as colored sealants that are put on the wood to seal it and give protection. Stains soak pigment into the wood fiber and are also considerably lighter than paints. The chemical reaction with solvent translates into the binding process. Once the stain cures or dries, the colour attaches to the wood. There are many distinctive kinds of wood stains. Interior wood stains will allow you to refinish that coffee table or your kitchen table and chairs. You need to realize the different applications for wood stain projects. The types of stains vary based upon their solvent base.

Oil-Based Stains

Interior oil-based stain is often what springs to mind when individuals hear “wood stain.” Straightforward to apply, these stain items are widely available. Know that oil-based products are created from noxious chemicals and care needs to be taken when using. You will need to wear a respirator mask to safeguard your lungs when you use oil-based items.

Formulated with a linseed oil binder, this enables one to easily clean up before the product dries. You can apply oil stain with a cloth, a brush, or a rag.

These stains are preferred for wood items. It is much easier to attain a uniform finish thanks to the slower drying time this item delivers. This stain is known to penetrate deeper than water-based stains. Apply your stain in numerous coats until you achieve the rich, warm tone you desire.

These stains offer excellent surface adhesion and resistance to peeling. A bonus is you are not required to remove the existing finish beforehand. You can thin the first layer with mineral spirits.

Water-Based Stains

Indoor water-based stains are supposed to dry quickly and can be cleaned without difficulty. The single binding agent in this product is water. Water-based stains are really easy to clean or thin out just by adding water. These stains are better for the natural environment when compared with oil-based products. They reject mold and mildew. Their rapid drying time makes them excellent for small projects. They're very easy to apply with a brush or a rag. This stain doesn’t sink into wood that deeply. This allows you to obtain a light shade or increase the coats to achieve a darker selection. Apply to raw wood when possible which has no wood finish.

Varnish

Varnish can be used generally for only a finish or top coat. Varnishes range from polyurethane, shellac and lacquer. It may contain lacquer, polyurethane, or shellac. This clear, hard finish is applied as the final sealant to wooden items. It generates a precise, protective coat. It seals in the stain and concludes your project. Varnishes provide little colour. Varnishes consist of a thinner or solvent mixed with resin and drying oil. This stain is a bit thicker compared to oil-based stains. These products take approximately four to six hours to dry completely. Varnish can add new life to your next interior wood build. It contains more moisture protection in comparison to lacquer.

Gel-Based Stains

Gel stains fall in the middle of traditional stain and paint. They allow some of the wood’s special markings and textures come through. Like oil-based products, these gel items require mineral spirits for cleaning. Gel stains require less preparation in comparison to traditional stain or paint. They are sloppy and dense and easy to apply. For the best application success, use a rag or a cloth to employ the gel stain. Gel stains absolutely are a wise choice for wood that is subject to blotchy finishes such as pine and is a good choice for tinting pine flooring and pine furniture objects. Blotchiness takes place when different wood has a variety of resin densities located throughout it.



Lacquer

Lacquer delivers a strong finish with an rigorous shine. It is a topcoat that produces a protective barrier. Once your staining is completed, lacquer will be the last thing you apply to seal the deal. It dries rapidly and is typically applied with a spray gun. Often used for trim, mouldings, interior woodwork, construction, cabinetry, etc. Lacquer isn't made for exterior use.

Food-Grade Finishes

When you're refinishing an item such as the countertop of a bar, an island, or a kitchen table, ensure you buy food-grade safe finishes. Check 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 selected a non-food-grade-safe product. Simply get creative with some placemats or possibly a tablecloth to place some distance in between the chemicals and your food.