Solid wood furniture is a timeless option that is sure to bring style to your home. The only problem with utilizing wood furniture is that it’s especially vulnerable to humidity, moisture, and changes in temperature.
One solution to these problems is with wood finishing or a wood stain. Anyone that works in this medium will tell you that staining is an essential part of your wood projects. However, there are both right and wrong ways to stain your wood.
Here’s what you need to know about wood staining for your next project.
Benefits of a Wood Stain
There are a few different reasons to use stained wood in your next home redesign.
To begin with, paints and stains are useful when restoring older furniture. They both help to cover up any imperfections and make the pieces look brand new.
Another reason to use wood staining is that it can completely change the appearance of your furnishings and disguise the wood trim. You can find wood stains in a variety of different colors and shades to match your home’s aesthetic.
Finally, wood staining can protect your wood projects from future damage and give them extra longevity. It acts as a sealant that prevents moisture from penetrating the wood. It’ll also help preserve the wood’s appearance against sun damage.
Dark vs Light Wood Stain
Before you decide to stain your wood, you’ll need to choose the type of stain to use. As the names imply, a light wood stain will give your project a much brighter tone. A dark wood stain gives more depth and contrast.
Use the same design sense as you would with dark or light hardwood.
Lighter wood adds a casual feeling to a space but dirties easier. Darker wood shades work well with lighter furnishings but may make a room feel smaller.
How to Apply a Wood Finishing
If you want to apply a wood stain, you’ll need to first sand the bare wood. This is important for achieving a uniform wood surface.
Stir the stain with a paint stick to blend any settled pigments. Next, you’ll apply the stain. Brush a liberal coat over the entire surface quickly and wipe off any excess with clean cotton rags.
Let it penetrate the wood for up to fifteen minutes depending on how dark you want it. You’ll then want to let the wood dry for up to twelve hours if you’re using a water-based stain. Solvent-based stains only take up to two hours.
A sealer is next applied to provide some extra protection after the stain. You may also want to use a varnish over the sealer or instead of it.
Improve Your Wood Projects
A wood stain is a great option for improving the look and feel of your wood projects. It adds a lot more variety, protects the surface of the wood, and is an inexpensive investment.
MAS Paints has everything you need to paint, dye, or stain your next project. Some of the services we offer include Decomas, workshops, and training. Take a look at our online catalogue and contact us with any questions.