Wood Finishing Tips from Professional Woodworkers
Preparing to Stain
Decide which type of stain to use. You can use an oil based stain OR acrylic based stain.
When staining, make sure the room temperature is between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
It’s very important to test your stain colors on smaller samples of wood so that you know exactly how the finish will appear.
Staining
Step 1. SANDING (if necessary)
Most of Outwater’s hardwoods are ready to be stained. However, there are times where the wood needs to be sanded down to remove scratches, etc. Brush off any debris once sanding is complete.
Step 2. PRE-STAINING WOODS
Not all woods are uniform in color or texture. Woods are porous with different densities; therefore, wood will absorb the stain in an uneven manner.
To get a consistent even finish, use a pre-stain wood conditioner found at any home store. Apply it to the raw wood using a cloth or brush. Let it penetrate for about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove any excess afterward. The stain should be applied within 2 hours.
Step 3. STAINING
NOTE: Stains produce fumes, so make sure your area is well ventilated!
Brushes are better for staining ornate carvings and other hard-to-reach areas. Rags are best for flat surfaces.
When applying stain, always go WITH the grain and AGAINST the grain as well. The goal is to cover all visible surfaces.
How light or dark do you want your wood to look? For a lighter tone, wipe off the stain immediately. For a darker tone, leave the stain for 5-10 minutes before wiping it.
TIP: When wiping stain residue, go in the direction of the grain so that the stain penetrates it. If a second coat is required, lightly sand the wood with the 120 Grit sandpaper and then wipe off any debris.
Want an antique finish? Water down black paint and brush it into the cracks and details of the wood ornaments. After a few minutes of applying the watered down black paint, wipe off any excess. This will add a beautiful accent to your carved wood ornaments.
Step 4. SEALING YOUR WOOD
Remember, stain is NOT a finish! It only provides color to your wood. So, you must apply a sealer. Sealers are mostly known as varnish, shellac or wood polish.
Remember to use the same base type of material. That is, oil-based stain to oil-based sealer, acrylic based stain to acrylic based sealer.
Apply using a brush or sprayer. Let it dry. If needed, sand with 220 grit sandpaper.
Wipe clean and apply another coat of polyurethane sealer.
