Types of wood stains. Benefits of using wood stain and its main types. Stain for wood: additional processing of conifers

The tree will always be popular, because it is beautiful and environmentally friendly. pure material. However, like all natural elements decor, boards are afraid of moisture, and are a favorite habitat for insects, fungi, mold and other microorganisms. To increase the service life of things made from wood species, various protective agents and antiseptics are used. Today we will talk about such a wonderful substance as stain, with its help you can not only solve some problems associated with premature damage wooden materials, but also to give your products an unusual and noble appearance.

Wood is durable and durable material, which is influenced by unfavorable factors environment, therefore, in order to protect products from it from possible damage, it is necessary to process them by special means. In the construction market you can find great amount various antiseptics, varnishes and other impregnations that change the color and some properties of wood, the most popular and inexpensive product is wood stain. Some people think that stains are used only to change the color of an object, but this wonderful drug has other properties.

The properties of stains may vary depending on their composition. However, even if you make such a tint with your own hands, it will still have some protective properties.

Wood stain properties:

  1. If you want to change not only the color of the wood, but also highlight its texture, then stain is just what you need. It does not completely cover the drawing, like paint, but gives the whole product a pleasant shade.
  2. Wood staining will protect furniture from insects and rot, while preserving the texture and pattern of the wood.
  3. The stain is protective agent, which increases the service life of wooden objects and costs several times cheaper than varnish and paint. In addition, due to its watery consistency, it penetrates deeper into the wood structure.
  4. With the help of a stain, you can make even inexpensive pine, painted with colored stain, look like a noble and strong oak and exotic mahogany.
  5. Stain toning can lighten the wood. This technique is especially often used before painting wooden products.
  6. Impregnation with stain will strengthen the structure of the tree and give it a light moisture-proof property.

Not all stains have the above qualities. To understand which stain you need, you need to read its composition, and see what the instructions for use say. By the way, you can process not only whole wooden planks, but also chipboard, plywood or parquet items and other wooden crafts.

Water-based wood stain and alcohol stains

Wood stains on water based- These are the most environmentally friendly beys. They don't have a sharp bad smell and easy to use.

Such a product can be sold as dry, or already ready mix. Such dyes are most popular due to their low price and the possibility of their use, both for indoor and outdoor use.

The main characteristics of water stain:

  1. The colors of the water-based stain are very diverse. With their help, you can create a very interesting iridescent effect.
  2. You can use water beytsy without fear for your health. Even with the most high temperatures, such products do not emit harmful fumes.
  3. If you decide to experiment, and are wondering: “Which stain to choose so that it can be washed?” - then a water stain is what you need. Such a tinting agent can be easily washed off with water, so it is impossible to paint the floor with it.
  4. Toning a wooden surface with such a tool makes its texture more noticeable. Unfortunately, because of this, the product becomes more sensitive to moisture, so it will need to be varnished.

It is highly undesirable to tint resinous tree species with such an impregnation, as ugly spots can appear on them. For such products, it is better to use alcohol impregnation.

How long does alcohol impregnation dry? Almost a few seconds! This property is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Thanks to it, you can coat the butt of a sporting rifle with alcohol stain, and use it in a few minutes, however large area you can only stain with an airbrush, otherwise the surface of the product will be covered with unpleasant stains and stains, even varnish will not help to correct the situation. Consists of alcohol impregnation of alcohol and dyes.

Treating wood with such an impregnation will make it more resistant to ultraviolet radiation and high humidity. However, due to the unpleasant smell of such a product, working with it is possible only in open space.

Benefits of oil-based stains and wax and acrylic stains

Oil-based stain has a wide range of colors and shades. It costs more than water beys, but useful properties she has more. Such a preparation can be used not only to change the color of the product, but also to emphasize its texture.

Treating wood with an oil-based stain is easy and convenient, it is applied thin layer and does not lift the fibers of the product. Also, such tinting does not fade under the influence of sunlight, gives the tree resistance to temperature extremes and protects it from moisture. You can remove stains of oil stain with the help of White Spirit solvent, it can also lighten the painted wood a little. It differs from compositions similar in properties in that varnish is not needed to fix it. The disadvantages of staining with oil include: long drying of the tint and its toxicity.

It is very important to find a stain from a responsible and conscientious manufacturer. Judging by the reviews, the most popular firms are Vartan, Latek, Novbytkhim and Herlak.

Acrylic and wax stains are very easy to apply, they lay down in a uniform layer and do not leave stains and streaks. However, due to the rapid drying of such stains, you need to work with them very quickly.

Wax stain is used to protect wood from moisture. It can process parquet. Such a stain is not resistant to mechanical damage, therefore, in order to extend its service life, it is better to use varnish.

Acrylic, it is also rustic, stain perfectly emphasizes the texture of the tree. With its help, you can get the most different shades which is why this drug is so popular. A tree stained with such stain will still need to be opened with several layers of varnish.

Wood stain colors

Wood stains differ not only in composition, they are different colors and shades. The most commonly used dark mixture, it gives the products a more noble look. With the help of such stains, ordinary larch and maple can turn into an oak board.

Modern stains can give the tree the most unusual shade. However, to this day, the range of natural woody colors is considered the most popular.

The most popular stain colors:

  • Pine;
  • Birch;
  • Bleached walnut;
  • Plum; Red tree;
  • Olive;
  • rosewood;

There are many such examples. It is noteworthy that the names of the same shade in different firms may differ greatly. When choosing a baize color, first of all, pay attention not to color palette, which is printed on the packaging, and samples printed on birch boards.

It is also important to consider that the intensity of the color of the stain depends on the type of wood on which it is applied. give dark shade for a product, if the wood from which it is made is light, it will be more difficult than darkening an oak object. Non-aqueous stain will not be able to paint over well enough pine board, if it is not previously desalted, but water-based stains are generally unsuitable for resinous tree species.

White wood stain

To make furniture white, it is not necessary to paint it. A brightening stain is also suitable for such work, which will not only make the product lighter, but also emphasize its structure.

Wood stain is designed not only to give the product a lighter shade, but also to protect it from the adverse conditions of the outside world. It is very important to consider, when considering different types of such a product, how and on what you will apply it. If there is a risk that moisture will spill onto the surface of the bleached object, then it is best to use wax, oil and acrylic preparations, but if your craft is in a dry and ventilated place, then a water stain will do.

With the help of white stain, you can achieve a very interesting effect and make an aged coating. It must first be painted with stain white color water-based, after it dries, the item must be treated with a stiff brush. A dark-colored wax or oil stain is rubbed into the formed pores on the wood.

Using water stain, do not forget about the protective layer. The dyed product must be treated with wax or oil.

Light stains do not always have a pronounced color. There is a colorless stain, which is applied solely to protect the tree from adverse natural factors.

How to make a stain with your own hands

It is not necessary to buy a ready-made stain. By mixing dyes, such as coffee, a few drops of iodine or shavings of black bark, and some chemical elements, you can make it at home. Homemade stain is not only effective, it is also natural.

  1. Boil a glass of larch bark in a glass of water. The resulting product can be coated with birch products, it will give them a beautiful reddish tint.
  2. Crush the dried shell walnut powder and boil for ten minutes. The resulting broth must be mixed with soda. Coat light-colored wood with the solution, and it will take on a brown tint. If you want to change the color of the product, you can treat it with vinegar or potassium bichromate. In the first case, the shade will be gray, and in the second, red.
  3. Brewed tea or coffee can give the tree different shades. The intensity of the colors depends on the strength of the tea leaves.
  4. With a solution of potassium permanganate, you will color the product in a cherry color.
  5. A red tint can be achieved by soaking rusty nails in vinegar for several days. Black stain is obtained by adding a decoction of oak or walnut leaves to the vinegar solution.

Self-stains are made quite often. They are environmentally friendly and harmless. Unfortunately, they all tend to fade, so to preserve the color of the product, a layer of varnish must be applied over the stain.

Wood tinting with wood stain: step by step instructions

To make the product look neat and beautiful, you need to cover it with stain correctly. If the stain is applied poorly, it can fade after a few weeks, and if you do not follow the staining technology, you risk getting a surface covered with stains.

How to properly stain objects:

  1. First of all, it is necessary to remove a layer from the surface of the product old paint. You can do this with sandpaper.
  2. Next, the surface is degreased with alcohol, white spirit or gasoline. If the product is made from resinous tree species, then it is deresined.
  3. The stain is heated and applied in a thin layer to the surface of the product. The top of the item is processed first. Layers are applied from above, one on top of the other, until the desired shade is achieved.

After the stain dries, the product must be covered with several layers of varnish. Before applying a new layer, the dried varnish is treated with fine-grained sandpaper.

Wood stain (video)

The stain is great way to replace one tree color with another. Such funds are different types, they may have various formulations and colors. Use the stain correctly, and you will be rewarded with a beautiful product.

  1. What is she for?
  2. Types of wood stain
  3. Creating Effects
  4. Work technology
  5. Working with Defects

Wood stain combines the function of protecting the surface from dampness and reproduction of microflora and gives the product saturated color. However, this is more than varnish for furniture and interior items - with its help you can create a unique decoration of the room by updating a couple of wooden surfaces.

What is she for?

Wood stain does not work miracles, but it works according to a certain principle:

  • Colored or colorless stain lacquer penetrates into the wood structure, creating a protective film not only above the surface, but also below it.
  • Naturally lifts the fibers of the wood, highlighting the structure.

Natural shades of impregnation create an imitation of noble and unusual tree species even on the most ordinary boards, for example, ebony or oak .

Types of wood stain

Impregnations for wood are divided into types according to the base material for their manufacture.

Water

Water based stain is the most common foundation ingredient. This is the largest group of impregnations. Produced in ready-made or in powder, which is dissolved in water at home.

Her virtues:

  • The solution is non-toxic due to the neutral base;
  • A wide range of natural shades from the lightest to deep dark will help emphasize the naturalness or deepen the tone, make the surface of the product more expressive and noble;
  • Easy to apply, low consumption;
  • Affordable.

A significant drawback is the ability to lift the fibers of the tree, opening the way for moisture.

The solution is to keep the surface wet for a while, then remove the raised fibers with sandpaper and then impregnate. Another method of preventing wetting is the subsequent coating of the painted layer with varnish.

In addition, the water base dries relatively long.

Alcohol stain

Aniline dye dissolved in denatured alcohol. Wood stain is also sold dry or ready-made.

Its main advantage is the layer, like alcohol, it dries quickly. We will attribute the same quality to the disadvantages: in order to obtain a uniform color, it is necessary to use an airbrush, with manual application often alcohol impregnation forms greasy stains.

Oil stain

Pigments dissolved in oil (White Spirit) allow you to tint wooden surfaces in all possible shades. Such a tool is convenient for use at home - the oil stain fits well, it can be applied with any tool, it evenly penetrates into the depths, the texture of the wood is not disturbed, a protective film is formed.

Acrylic and wax

Wood stain made of wax or acrylic belongs to a new generation of materials for the treatment and protection of wood surfaces. Impregnation not only forms an insulating film. Stain colors are expanded compared to other types - from natural to bright exotic. The effect of a bright colored coating with a natural wood structure is called stain.

Reception is used by many designers modern furniture– the appearance of the fronts of cabinets made of oak or other species with unusual color causes unusual sensations. The main drawback of the material is that stain is more expensive than its counterparts.

Stain with whitening effect

Not all types of wood need dark saturation, in some cases it is necessary to give a lighter and cleaner shade. For this, stains based on acids or hydrogen peroxide have been developed. With their help, bleached timber is obtained, slightly discolored. Thus, the gray surface can be prepared for subsequent painting and processing.

Creating Effects

Alcohol or water stain can create an imitation of the naturalness of the coating without obvious traces of processing. When choosing a material for protection and painting, be guided by the desired effect: choose a shade of oak, pine or ebony (as in the photo) - the interior will be instantly ennobled.

Products made of ash or oak do not have to be tinted - leave their structure and shade open by choosing the shade of this breed that is as close to nature as possible.

The properties of each type of wood are different. In order not to make a mistake when buying, pay attention to the flower palette: a composition is applied to the boards of different breeds, where you can see the final result.

Work technology

Staining a wood surface is not a complicated process, but it requires a responsible approach. In order for the varnish coating to be uniform, the consumption to be minimal, and the smear to lie evenly, it is necessary to get acquainted with the intricacies of the work.

How best to apply stain on the surface: a master class

  1. Spraying is the most effective method. The coating lays down evenly, even gray wood will instantly acquire new shade. Reduces the risk of smudges and oil marks.
  2. Rubbing the stain over a piece of porous wood with a rag will help to get the effect of oak or pine even on the most ordinary piece of non-noble raw materials. The composition must be applied carefully, because quick-drying solutions should be excluded.

  1. A roller or swab for applying stain is useful in case of covering a small area of ​​​​wood. Thus, it will be possible to highlight and emphasize the cut pattern, the stain will evenly penetrate deep into the product, creating a protective screen.

  1. The brush is most often used for work - the tool is easy to use, wood stains lie flat, in the chosen direction. The master can play with natural ornaments and play with existing patterns by saturating colors in certain areas.

Which method is better to use and paint - the master decides based on his skills, the type of stain and the surface of the wood. To determine which stain in a particular case - when choosing, pay attention to the instructions for the preparation, which describes the conditions for application and operation.

Basic rules for work

Often it does not matter how many layers of wood stain will be applied. The main thing is to observe the technique and take into account some of the nuances:

  • It is necessary to paint the product strictly according to the fibers of the wood. So it will be possible to reduce the consumption of the solution for smudges and emphasize the pattern.
  • Wood stain should be of a comfortable consistency. Non-aqueous dissolves with white spirit to the optimum density.
  • How many layers to apply - the master determines depending on the desired shade and effect. Usually 2-3 layers, each of which is thoroughly dried.

Make the first layer thin - here it is important to stain gradually and evenly. The layer will create a base for subsequent applications and reduce the consumption of stain solution.

  • To avoid dark areas, varnish should not be applied twice in the same place.
  • When dried, water stain on wood raises the fibers. They are cleaned with a coarse cloth in the longitudinal or diagonal direction.
  • Water and alcohol solutions dry out after 2-3 hours, oil solutions - after 2-3 days.

For indoor and outdoor work, the rules are the same.

Master class on surface tinting

  1. Clean the wood of dirt and remove protruding fibers sandpaper;
  2. Pour the stain, pre-diluted according to the instructions, into a small tray. Cooking can be done in small batches.
  3. Take the tool and, gradually picking up a solution on it, distribute the varnish over the wood.

Do not try to take a lot of paint - this increases consumption and reduces the quality of the coating.

Working with Defects

Lacquer stain lay wrong? There are several ways to fix defects. Master Class:

A streak has formed

We cover the place with varnish, which will dissolve the bottom layer. Now we clean the area with a rag. Work must be carried out immediately after a defect is discovered.

If the smudge is dry, soften it with paint thinner. The seal can also be removed with an emery or planer.

Spots

How many exactly did not remove the solution, but still stains formed? The problem may be in the wood itself - the array sometimes absorbs the solution unevenly. In this case, a planer will help. On plywood, you will have to remove all the veneer.

For re- coating is suitable non-aqueous gel impregnation. It does not penetrate into the depth of the wood, lays down evenly and dries for a long time. Its consumption is reduced due to surface distribution.

If, in your understanding, wood stain is nothing more than a type of paint, then you are very, very mistaken and you should become more deeply and specifically familiar with this substance and the methods of finishing with it. After all, this substance gives a second life to shabby furniture and unpresentable doors and window sills. Having a jar of stain on hand, you can change an old interior beyond recognition, without the obligatory replacement of windows and doors.

Wood stain, unlike the same paint, does not form an opaque layer on the surface, but penetrates into the wood, impregnates it, giving it the desired shade (from light walnut to dark “mahogany”). When visually evaluating wood stained, it seems that there was no staining process at all, that this is a natural color from nature.

Moreover, some types of stains have the ability to lift the fibers, outlining the structure of the tree.

Wood stains: distribution by groups

Beits (the second name of the substance) are divided into two types: for internal and external work and are divided into groups, according to their chemical composition.

Water-based - the most common water-based impregnation for wood and can stain wood in any color. The shades used are exclusively woody, so “any” color means light and dark browns. A significant disadvantage is that water stain for wood helps to lift the fibers and exposes them to moisture. To limit the access of moist air or water inside the treated wood, do this: moisten the surface of the wooden product with water, soak for some time, sand it, and only after these manipulations cover it with stain.

Alcohol dyes are aniline dyes dissolved in denatured alcohol. Manufacturers produce this type of stain ready-to-use or in powder form. Their main disadvantage is that they dry too quickly. On the one hand, it’s hard to call this a disadvantage when, after an hour and a half after treatment, you can already fearlessly touch the surface, but, on the other hand, “lightning-fast” drying provokes the appearance of spots on the surface that look like splashes of grease or dirt.

Oil stains are the most convenient to use, since they can be applied with any tool, from a brush to a spray gun, they lie flat, do not lift wood fibers, and the range of colors of this type of stain is richer and more saturated than the others.

Acrylic and wax are new developments in tinting material, made taking into account all the shortcomings of previous generations of stains. The latest wood stains give the wooden surface any color and do not force it to change its structure under its influence, and also serve as its reliable protection. Try dropping a little water on the treated object: the stain will repel it so powerfully that the liquid will scatter into mini-droplets, but none of them can seep inside.

Another characteristic feature of the new type of wood stains is that they give the tree any shade, including uncharacteristic and exotic ones, while emphasizing the structure of the material (that is, wood). Try to imagine your updated kitchen cabinet in transparent blue with a typical wood pattern. Original, right?

The only thing that an economical consumer may not like is an acrylic analogue of water-based stain - its price. If you can buy a water stain for 50 rubles, then for acrylic, if you please, lay out all 300. Of course, both the drying time and the quality of processing of the first cannot be compared with new developments, but it's only your choice - either cheap or convenient.

How to stain wood

A beautiful door, closet, floor depend on the quality of not only the wood, but also the stain with which it is processed. It is very noticeable to the eye what type of impregnating liquid was used: rich deep pleasant color, evenness of the stroke - all these are signs of both good material and the professionalism of the master.

Wood stains, wood colors of any type or other shades give an excellent effect only when applied correctly. To make the locker look not only decent, but also stylish, you need to learn a few simple nuances of woodworking.

  1. When processing material from coniferous species, the tree must first be deresined, otherwise there will be no sense in staining - the resin will not let the tinting liquid into the wood.
  2. Apply the dye along the wood fibers, as the result of processing is completely different with longitudinal and transverse penetration.
  3. The tools for applying the stain are used based on the area of ​​the material being processed: small pieces of furniture or doors are stained with brushes, foam sponges, fabric swabs, but if the treatment area is extensive, it is advisable to use sprayers.
  4. Dissolve powdered water stain only in soft water (distilled or boiled with soda).
  5. Before processing, the wooden surface should be degreased, cleaned of dust and dirt.
  6. It is necessary to work very carefully: color wood stain can give smudges, which are very difficult to get rid of and which can significantly spoil the appearance of the painted object.
  7. The main secret of stain: if it is heated before use, it will penetrate deeper into the structure of the tree, and provide more reliable protection.
  8. Stains can be added to varnishes and primers, the protective effect of the substance will work in the same way as when applied directly to the surface.

Colored stains as a means of design change

Not so long ago, aged wooden things came into fashion: grandmother's chests, kitchen cabinets made back in the 60s of the last century, "antediluvian" chairs and stools.

Stain is a composition with tinting properties. It is used for wood processing, under the influence of wood stain, the tree changes its shade. It is also used when working with fiberboard, chipboard, plywood, MDF. There are two separate types: for indoor and outdoor work. A pigment is added to the compositions for external use, which protects the coating from fading when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

Types of stains

If, when working with wood, you need to give it a different shade, you can’t do without stain. Wondering what kind of stain better fit for a specific purpose, and when considering options in stores, keep in mind that there are different types. Let's consider each of them separately.

Water-based stain

Colors wood in completely different shades: from light to very dark. From existing species- the most common. Available in liquid or dry (powder form). The use of powder requires dilution before starting work in warm water, the liquid composition is sold ready-made.

A huge plus when working with such a stain is that it has no smell. This is a very important factor when working indoors. However, it takes 12 hours or more to dry. It can lift the wood fibers, additional sanding of the wood will be required.


After processing, varnishing is required. acrylic stain belongs to the same type of compounds. Working with it is somewhat more convenient, but it is also more expensive.

Oil stain

It is a composition of a mixture of oils and dyes. The most commonly used oil is flaxseed. Distinctive features– easy and uniform application, easy to use, it does not have the property of lifting wood fibers. The dyes in the composition are highly resistant to light, it is not subject to fading.

The original color of the surface retains its brightness for a very long time. long period. The coating is resistant to temperature extremes, perfectly protects the tree from moisture.

As for the application - you can use an airbrush, brush or rags. The stain dries quickly, within 2-4 hours. Great for restoration and minor touch-ups.

Alcohol stain

The liquid consists of denatured alcohol and aniline dyes. Thanks to alcohol, the pigment quickly penetrates into the wood and dries within 15-20 minutes. This type of stain requires a fast enough application to prevent uneven staining. It is best to work with a spray gun.

Nitromordant

Produced on the basis of solvents, properties and action are almost the same as alcohol. It dries quickly, forming a coating that is resistant to sunbeams. It must be applied with a sprayer to avoid unevenness and difference in tone when staining.


Wood stain color selection

In accordance with international classification the color of each stain is assigned its own code, as well as a name identical to the type of wood, the shade of which you will receive by applying the composition. But, choosing a stain only based on the name on the label, you run the risk of encountering an unexpected result. This can happen for various reasons.

Made by different manufacturers, stains of the same color can give a different shade. In specialty stores there are samples of wood stained various types stains. They convey the color as accurately as possible, unlike the picture presented on the label, so it is better to focus on them.

Any wood has its own special color, density and texture. All these factors affect the final result, and coloring may not give quite the effect you expected.

The darker the shade of the tree itself, the more dark color It turns out in the end, when using the same stain.

Consider porosity as well: the softer the wood, the more intense the staining result will be. The composition will penetrate deeper and faster into the porous structure. If we compare, for example, pine and maple - pine is more porous, respectively, and the staining results will be different.


The structure of wood in the form of a natural pattern (veins) is also important when staining, affecting the intensity of the result. For example, when staining oak, pigments easily penetrate deep into the veins, due to which they darken faster than the rest of the wood. The hue on the veins will look more saturated.

Before starting work, it is advisable to conduct a color test on a separate board, treated in the same way as the material for painting. First, treat the entire board in one layer, then apply a second layer on 2/3 of the part, and a third layer on 1/3. You can see how the composition is suitable for a particular surface.

Photo stain

If wood stain in your concept is a kind of liquid that can give wood Brown color or its shades, then you can say that you know nothing about this material. Modern stains are able to paint wood in almost any color. Moreover, they are an excellent antiseptic and allow you to extend the service life of wooden products by almost half. It is with such material that we will get acquainted, as they say, again. In this article, together with the site site, we will study the varieties of modern wood stains and deal with the properties, thereby fully revealing their capabilities.

Varieties of stain for wood photo

Stain for wood: varieties and their features

All modern liquid impregnations for wood, referred to as "mordant", according to the basis from which they are made, can be divided into three main groups - this is an alcohol stain, water and oil. They should be studied in more detail.

  1. Water-based stain. It is produced in two forms - in a ready-to-use state and in the form of a powder that dissolves in water. This is the most common type of wood impregnation, which allows you to paint wood in almost any color, but in most cases these are shades of wood, ranging from the lightest to dark mahogany. Water-based stains have one significant drawback - they lift the fibers of the tree. On the one hand, this is good, as the structure of the wood is emphasized, and on the other hand, not so much - the raised fibers make the wood more susceptible to moisture. There is only one way to deal with this phenomenon - before applying stain wooden product you need to wet it superficially, stand it for a while, sand it, and only then open it with a stain.
  2. Alcohol stain is nothing more than a solution of aniline dye in denatured alcohol. Like water-based stain, it is produced in two forms - ready-to-use and in powder form. The disadvantage of alcohol stain is its ability to dry quickly, resulting in stains. It is rather problematic to apply this type of stain manually - in order to obtain a uniform coloration of wood, it is sprayed from a manual or pneumatic spray gun.
  3. Oil stain - it is she who allows you to give the wood any shade of all known to man colors. This is achieved by mixing oil-soluble dyes. To dilute this type of stain, the White Spirit solvent is used. In work, the oil stain is the most unpretentious - it dries quickly, is applied evenly and does not lift the fibers.

Wood stain photo

Since we are talking about the types of stain, it would not be superfluous to mention such a variety of this tinting material as acrylic and wax. These are new developments that have taken into account all the shortcomings of the above stains. They do not lift the fibers, stain the wood without stains - in addition, they form a protective film on the surface of the wood that protects the material from moisture. If you pour a little water on, covered with these types of stain, it will scatter drop by drop - this is an excellent sign that speaks of reliable protection wood. But, despite this, the film itself also requires protection, especially when it comes to flooring. Like other types of stains, the wood treated with them must be varnished. By the way, it is acrylic and wax stains for wood, they can have any color - moreover, they perfectly emphasize the structure of the tree, which is why they are called rustic.

wood bleach photo

Do-it-yourself stain application: subtleties and nuances of the process

Approaching the issue of treating wood with stain, or rather, choosing a tool for applying it, it should be understood that several factors can influence it. Depending on the area of ​​the treated surface and the type of stain used, it can be applied either with a brush or with a foam swab or even with a sprayer. In principle, there are no special contraindications in this regard. The only “but” is the so-called solvent-based nitro stains. They dry quickly and as a result, stains are obtained when using a brush or swab - this type of stain is best applied from a sprayer, regardless of the volume of the treated surface.

As for all other types of stain, they can be applied with any tool - the choice depends on the area of ​​the treated surface. You yourself understand that it will not be possible to quickly cover a large amount of wood with a brush or a foam rubber swab.

What else you need to know about the question of how to apply the wood stain is that in order to achieve the desired coloration of the wood, it must be covered with at least two layers, and each of these layers must be completely dry. The same approach should be taken for finishing wood. Before varnishing it, the stain must dry completely. Especially when it comes to its water compositions.

Wood stain colors photo

Possibilities of wood stain: multi-colored painting technique

Few people know that the same surface can be stained different color- this technique is often used to emphasize the structure of wood or artificially age it. Take, for example, newfangled colors " bleached oak”or“ arctic oak ”- this coloring and structure is achieved using two types of stain. First, the so-called wood bleach (white water-based stain) is used, and after it dries, all the pits and pores in the wood structure are filled with oil stain containing hard wax. Colored wax clogs these pores, turning them gray or black, depending on which color of oil you choose. The most interesting thing is that the rest of the bleached surface remains unchanged in color, despite the fact that it is covered with a thin protective film from wax and oil.

How to apply stain photo

In this way, by combining the types of stain and their colors, you can achieve interesting effects. The main thing is to understand the basic principle of performing such work - first, the whole tree is covered with stain, the so-called main background is laid, and only then finishing touches are applied to it in the form of staining with a different color of the wood structure. But not vice versa - a tree opened with wax oil is no longer able to absorb stain. Also, don't forget about protective coating from varnish - you can not do without it.

In conclusion, a few words about how to properly make a color sample and choose exactly the right shade of wood. It's no secret that the final color of the wood depends entirely on the number of applied layers of stain - you can decide on it only by making a color sample. First you need to prepare a piece of board and carefully sand it. After that, the entire plank is covered with one layer of stain. After it dries, the second layer covers only two-thirds of the board. And the next layer covers only one third. When the last layer of stain dries, the board is varnished in two layers, allowing each of them to dry thoroughly. Only then can you choose the shade that suits you best.

Do-it-yourself wood stain processing photo

That, in principle, is everything you need to know about stain and how to work with it. Of course, each type of wood reacts differently to this type of impregnation - deciduous trees well absorb any compounds, but conifers thanks to a large number resins are not very absorbent. It is for this reason that the color test is very important and relevant. Without it, wood stain can create a lot of problems.