Precision Staining | Staining Different Types of Wood: Expert Advice

Staining different types of wood

Josh Richards • Dec 22, 2022

Wood is a porous material that takes stain differently depending on its type. If you’re an amateur, you may fail to get the results you want. However, it’s easy once you know the basics!

Why do some woods take stains differently?

Different types of wood absorb stain at a different rate. The reason for this is simple: The water-based pigments in stains are attracted to the pores and natural solvent in the wood, which allows them to absorb into the grain more easily. The more porous or open your finish is, the easier it will be for those pigments to penetrate.

A variety of factors affect a wood's porosity and therefore its ability to take stain:

Durability: If you've ever applied a coat of varnish over bare wood or used an oil-based lacquer or shellac finish on a piece that didn't need protection from moisture, you know what happens—the next time you try to apply anything else on top of that layer, nothing sticks well! Why? Because oils repel water-based products like stains and dyes (which also contain solvents). In order not to waste any money on expensive materials that won't stay put after just one application (or even two), make sure your furniture has been sealed with some kind of clear coat first so that your subsequent staining will be successful.

Grain pattern: Some kinds of grain patterns have more "open" pores than others do; thus they'll absorb dye faster and more thoroughly than harder woods will.* Finish type: A glossy sheen doesn't allow stains or dyes as much room as does an eggshell finish or matte paint job does; therefore these surfaces may need several coats before they show any color change.* Coloration: When stained pine (a light blonde color) is used with red oak (a dark brown), there may only need one coat because both colors are so close together; however if white ash were used instead then probably two coats would be necessary because each shade differs greatly from its neighbors

What are the different types of wood?

The different types of wood can be confusing, especially if you're not an expert. Here's a quick breakdown:

Hardwoods are woods that have dense, tight grain and are resilient to rot. These include oak, ash, maple and hickory.

Softwoods are made up mostly of coniferous trees such as pine and cedar. They tend to be less expensive than hardwood because they're easier to cut down and process into lumber without damaging the grain structure or making it weak.

How to stain hardwoods?

When it comes to staining hardwood floors, you have a lot of options. The first step is to determine which type of wood you have and what kind of stain will work best for your project. Here are some examples:

Wood conditioner or sealer can be used on all types of hardwoods. These products help protect the wood from scratches and moisture, which may cause damage over time. They also make it easier to apply a new finish later down the line.

A preserver is similar to a conditioner but has greater resistance against wear and tear than regular conditions do; they're often used in areas with high traffic or if there's already some damage present on the surface being treated with preservatives or sealers - like when someone slips on wet flooring! You'll find these products under several different names including "Wood Preservative" or "Waterproofing Sealant."

Brighteners can be applied directly onto stained wood without affecting its coloration too much—the effect is more subtle than using dyes (see below), but this might not always be ideal because brighteners aren't always safe for indoor use depending upon how often they're applied or how much dust settles onto furniture surfaces after cleaning off dust accumulations between applications; so unless you know exactly what kind will work best without harming living organisms around them too often--especially during application--it's probably better just stick with one type instead two different classes at once time period required before reapplying

Maple and cherry.

With maple and cherry you have to choose your stain carefully. If you use too much, the wood can end up looking greasy. You'll want to opt for a satin or semi-gloss finish on maple or cherry furniture. For floors, choose a satin or semi-gloss finish for both woods. Sugaring is also an option here but avoid it if you're going for a darker look like ebony or mahogany.

How to stain softwood?

Staining softwood is a great way to give it a new look. Softwood is the most common type of wood used in furniture, and it is also a popular choice for exterior applications. Wood stains can be found in many different styles and colors. The best way to stain softwood is with a professional paint brush or roller.

Begin by sanding down the surface of your wood piece with an 80-grit sandpaper set. Then wipe down the entire surface with a clean dry cloth to remove dust, dirt, debris and oils from your work surface.

Mix one part of water with one part of food coloring in an empty spray bottle or cup. Shake well before using each time you apply stain to your project

Spray an even coat over all surfaces of your project until completely covered in color

Allow it to dry thoroughly before applying another coat if necessary

Remove any excess stain by wiping off excess liquid with a clean cloth

Staining pine, cedar and fir.

Pine, cedar and fir are all softwoods. They’re also all very porous and absorbent, which makes them more difficult to stain than hardwoods. That’s why it’s important to use a stain that penetrates deeper into the wood grain. Oil-based stains do this best because they keep the pigments suspended in oil longer than water-based products do, allowing them to soak into the wood pores better.

For example: if you were trying to give your pine furniture a dark red finish using an oil-based product like Cabot Redwood Stains (which is what I did), you could expect it to turn out closer in color when compared with the same color applied over a water-based product like Minwax Wood Finish Sealer & Stain Conditioner before applying any pigment at all (as seen here).

Redwood and cedar.

Redwood and cedar are two softwoods that have a similar grain pattern. Both are light in color, but redwood is a bit more red than cedar. They're both very easy to stain, which makes them popular for many projects.

For example: If you want your flooring to look like it was made from reclaimed wood (but without the cost), you could use a darker stain on your redwood or cedar floors to make them appear older than they really are!

How to stain wood furniture.

Use a water-based stain. Water-based stains are the most versatile and easiest to use, but oil-based stains are also available. If you choose an oil-based stain, make sure that it's labeled for use on wood; some oils may be harmful to the environment or people.

Apply the stain with a brush or rag. Use a soft, lint-free cloth if you're using a brush, and apply a thin coat of stain to all surfaces of your piece at once before wiping away excess with another cloth or paper towel. If you're using rags, dip them in the container of stain first so that they have time to absorb it before applying directly onto your wood surface—this prevents spillage due to overbrushing and ensures more even coverage across your entire piece.

Don't let it dry on its own; wipe off any excess immediately after applying so that no part of the finish has time to set into place yet! This will ensure uniform coverage when all is said and done (which means fewer touchups later). It's best practice here too: don't put down large quantities all at once either because this can lead again towards unevenness later on down road—instead only use enough product needed per area being worked upon at any given time during application process."

When staining wood, remember...

Don't forget to sand the surface. In order for stain to really soak into the wood and achieve a smooth, even finish, you need to sand it first. Use a fine grit sandpaper (around 100 or 120 is good) and be sure not to sand in circular motions; instead, keep your strokes straight so as not to create scratches or gouges in the wood.

Don't forget to clean the surface before staining it. Most woods will benefit from having any dirt or grime removed with a soft cloth and some mild soap and warm water—just don't use harsh chemicals like bleach! An old toothbrush can help remove stubborn stains on corners where dirt tends congregate between planks of wood flooring; just be sure not to scrub too hard so that you don't damage your flooring or strip any varnish off its finish (if there's any).

Don't forget about ventilation if needed when staining different types of woods around furniture pieces like tables or shelves—if you're looking for advice on what type(s) would work best in particular rooms based on their dimensions alone then check out this article here!

Wood is unique so there are a few things you should know before staining

Staining your wood is a task that can be completed by anyone. However, there are a few things you should know before staining that will help you achieve the look you want. First of all, wood is unique and every piece has a different grain, color and texture which means each stain job will also be unique. The color of the wood can change depending on where it comes from (i.e., red oak versus white oak). You’ll need to make sure that whatever stain you use matches your existing furniture or room décor so it doesn’t stand out too much.

Also keep in mind that when using any kind of finish over bare hardwood floors or other types of flooring such as laminate and tile, you may want to consider selecting products with low VOCs (volatile organic compound) content because they emit fewer fumes than standard finishes do during application

Conclusion

Taking the time to learn about how different types of wood take stain differently will allow you to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing your project's stain. The most important thing is that if you decide on using a darker stain, it may not look as good with some woods. Also, lighter stains are always recommended for harder woods because they help accentuate their natural grain and color. That being said, don’t be afraid of trying something new!

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