S
STAINING
WOOD
Tips for
taining wood can transform the look of everything from
fencing to decking. While wood can be beautiful in its natural
state, staining can protect the wood and complement land-
scaping and other home design elements.
Staining can seem like a simple project, and that is often true.
However, certain woods, such as pine, cherry, maple, and birch, can
be difficult to stain. Boards with attractive grain patterns also can
absorb stain differently, resulting in blotching and uneven tone.
Before beginning a staining project, it is important for home-
owners to test the stain chosen on a sample piece of wood to see
how the color and absorption turn out. This gives homeowners the
chance to understand what they’re dealing with and time to make
any necessary accommodations to achieve a more even look.
Begin by gathering the necessary supplies. A pair of latex or
vinyl gloves will protect your hands. Drop cloths will catch any
drips or spills. Safety goggles and a dust mask provide protection
if sanding is required prior to staining. If sanding is neces-
sary, homeowners will need an orbital sander, hand sander and
sandpape r. Start with the coarsest grit sandpaper and move to a
higher grit for a smooth finish. Wood that is covered in paint may
need to be stripped prior to sanding. Follow the directions care-
fully when using chemical strippers.
Natural bristle paint brushes are handy for oil-based stain
applications. Synthetic paint brushes can apply water-based
finishes. Many do-it-yourselfers find that foam brushes or paint
pads are the most handy because they provide a smooth finish
and there’s no need to clean up the brushes afterward.
Many professionals recommend using wood conditioners or
pre-treaters so that the stain will not leave blotches on the wood.
This is especially important for homeowners who determined
their wood is prone to uneven color absorption. Allow the condi-
tioner to dry according to product directions.
Stain should be applied so that it is evenly coated. Wipe off the
excess to get the preferred color. Apply more stain as necessary to
get the desired color. Many stains only offer color, so you’ll need
to apply a finishing coat to protect the wood. Otherwise, look for a
product that combines stain color and a finish to save time.
Remember to remove knobs, hinges, and handles from a piece
before staining, as the stain may affect the color of any metal
hardware and damage it.
❇❇
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