Staining of wood is an essential procedure in woodworking, be it for showing the natural beauty and character of timber or just adding durability to the finish. A well-stained wooden table improves the ambience of every room with its warmth, elegance and style. Whoever wants to finish or refinish their wood needs to know all the little details about staining if they want good results. So, let’s learn a bit more about this process that makes your furniture and other wooden things look better.
What is Wood Stain?
Wood stain is a liquid with colourant applied on wood mainly to change its colour, enrich its natural grain and protect its surface. Unlike pain, which remains on the surface of the wood, stains steep into the pores of the surface to bring about a permanent colour change that highlights the organic texture and patterns in the wood. Stins are available from clear formulas that enhance natural wood tones. Stain comes in varying colours, including non-wood shades, however, the most popular choices are oak, mahogany and teak.
Types of Wood Stain
Clear Wood Stain
Let’s discuss the first type of stain, which is the clear one. For those who want to let the wood’s natural colour shine through, high-quality clear wood stains are the way to go. Unlike traditional coloured stains, clear stains protect without hiding the grain and tone of the wood, they leave the wood in its natural, original look. This type of stain will be great if applied to woods such as oak, walnut and mahogany, wherein the organic colours and patterns will be best preserved in full display.
So, what is the point of clear stain and what are its benefits? Probably the biggest benefit of clear wood stains is that they still can offer the essential advantages typical of any stain, including UV and moisture protection. Most of these clear stains have additional UV-blocking properties to prevent yellowing or greying in woods over some time, making them best for outdoor furniture, decks or indoor furniture that could be exposed to plenty of natural lights. The clear types offer protection against moisture, they create a barrier against spills and humidity that may help avoid all the problems associated with untreated wood, such as warping and cracking.
These clear wood stains are also quite versatile and can work well with other finishes. You can finish with the desired colour after using a clear stain with a sealant or a varnish, anything from matte to gloss and this combination will ensure that the colour stays for a longer period and doesn’t fade over time. But, if you decide to use just the stain, clear wood stains are ideal for anyone who wants to preserve wood surfaces while maintaining a natural look. They allow the wood’s character to shine through, offering a durable yet subtle finish that’s both functional and visually appealing. This is one of the most popular wood stains.
Wood Stain Colours 
Aside from the clear finishes, there are coloured wood stains that are a great way to add character and sparkle to your wood furniture and decor. These stains are ideal for those wh want to add to the beauty of wood without overwhelming it. With shades like oak, honey, golden and amber, chestnut and tea, they all add a rich glow to wood, ideal for creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Each stain brings out a unique aspect of the wood, allowing you to match your choice to the desired style and ambience.
How To Choose
When it’s time to choose a wood stain for your furniture or deck, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The first thing is the type of wood you’re going to be staining. Each wood species reacts differently to stain, with porous woods like pine and oak absorbing more stain and producing a deeper colour than dense hardwoods like maple and cherry. Testing the stain on a hidden area is a good idea and can help you determine how the final colour will appear. It’s also important to know what you want from the stain. Do you want to enhance the natural appearance or transform the wood’s existing colour? How much of the wood’s natural grain do you want to show through? All of these questions will help you select the best option for your staining.
How to Apply
Applying wood stain can be rather simple if you’re prepared with the right tools and equipment. First, you need to sand the wood. This will provide a smooth finish, allowing the wood to soak the stain. After sanding, wipe down the surface to remove dust and debris and then apply the stain using a clean cloth, brush or sponge. Use a light, even coat and let it sit for the recommended amount of time.
Staining furniture is a process that converts even the plainest furniture into something nicer, durable and stylish. Understanding the different types and how to stain will leave you with furniture or decks that will look fabulous and shiny for years to come. So, grab the wood stains and transform your home.