How to Stain Wood? A Simple Guide for DIY

As a professional, I will be able to help you understand that wood staining is both an art and a science. If done well, it dramatically improves the appearance of the wood, adding depth, richness, and character to any piece of wood. If you are an amateur at this task and looking to learn how to stain wood professionally and improve your interior or exterior design, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to perform it flawlessly, from preparation through application.

Wood staining is a method of applying a coloured liquid to wooden surfaces, consisting of steps, to highlight the natural pattern, deepen its colour, or give it a completely new look. 

This technique is commonly used in wood staining projects to give stairs, furniture, cabinets, and other wooden accessories a refreshed or customized look. You can follow almost the same steps for staining your deck.

Wood Staining in 7 Steps

Step-by-step introduction to the wood stain process:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you start, make sure you have the correct materials. Here is what I always use when staining wood:

• Sandpaper in 120, 180, and 220 grit
• Tack cloth or a microfiber cloth
• Wood conditioner, preferably, but optional for softwoods
• Your choice of wood stain
• Foam brush or a lint-free cloth
• Clear topcoat or sealer
• Drop cloth
• Gloves
• Stir stick

Having everything at hand ensures a ‘no-interruption’ staining process, keeping the wood smoother.

Step 2: Prepare the Wood Surface

The secret to professional-level wood staining lies in properly preparing the surface. I never skip these steps:

1. Sanding: Start with 120-grit sandpaper, then sand with 180-grit, then finish with 220-grit. Sanding opens the pores in the wood so that it can take the stain evenly.
2. Clean the Surface: Use a tack cloth or microfiber to wipe away all dust and debris. When staining wood, it is essential to get everything wiped away, as even the smallest particles will show up in the finish.
3. Apply Wood Conditioner (Optional): Many softwoods, such as pine, tend to take stains unevenly. To avoid blotches, I always use a pre-stain wood conditioner before staining. It really does make a huge difference when I stain softwoods.

Step 3: Choose Your Stain and Test It First

Choosing the right stain is crucial if you want to achieve a particular look. Here’s what I recommend when selecting and testing your wood stain:

1. Select the Right Stain: You’ll find water-based and oil-based stains, each with its own pros and cons. Oil-based stains will give a far richer colour and are a tad more forgiving. On the other side, water-based stains dry quicker and are easier to clean up.
2. Always Do a Test on Scrap Wood: Always test the staining on wood in a small, inconspicuous area or on scrap wood to get an idea of the colour in reality.

Step 4: Apply the Wood Stain

Time to apply the wood stain now. A fine application technique means everything for a professional finish, so follow these steps to the letter:

1. Stir the Stain Well: Before applying, stir the stain thoroughly with your stir stick. Stains can sit at the bottom of the can and need to be mixed for an even colour.
2. Lateral Application with a Brush or Cloth: On most projects, I use either a foam brush or a clean, lint-free cloth for application. Work in small sections, and apply the stain along the wood grain. Do not let the stain pool or remain too long on the surface to avoid uneven colour.
3. Wipe Off Excess Stain: Following the manufacturer’s instructions for a few minutes, use a clean cloth to wipe off excess stain. Remember, the longer it is on, the darker it becomes, so adjust the time according to your preference.
4. Let the Stain Dry Completely: Dry it as recommended by the manufacturer for the drying time. Rushing this step could make it tacky; hence, be very patient.

Step 5: Apply a Second Coat (Optional)

If you want a darker colour, you can apply a second coat of wood stain. Here is how I do it to achieve the best results:

1. Smooth Between Coats Lightly: Lightly sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper after the first coat has dried. This provides the second coat with good adhesion.
2. Apply and Wipe off Again: Repeat the second application of wood stain as you did the first, wipe off the excess, and let it dry thoroughly.

Step 6: Apply a Clear Topcoat

A clear topcoat or sealer is necessary for protecting your stained wood. It helps the wood stain maintain its beauty and durability for longer.

1. Selecting the Topcoat Finish: Normally, I use polyurethane because it’s very tough, but it works just fine with other finishes, such as varnish or lacquer. Decide on the finish: satin, matte, or whatever you feel like using.
2. Apply with Brush or Foam Applicator: Apply the topcoat using either a high-quality brush or foam applicator. I always make it a habit to go with the grain when I wood stain and finish a piece for a really smooth look.
3. Let It Dry and Sand Lightly Between Coats: Most topcoats require two to three coats for ultimate durability. Let each coat dry completely; lightly sand with 320-grit sandpaper before the next application.

Step 7: Final Buff and Clean-Up

Once you have applied your topcoat, follow this process to complete and ensure that your wood staining project looks professional:

1. Buff the Surface (Optional): Buff the surface lightly with fine 0000-grade steel wool after the final coat dries for an ultra-smooth finish. This step is not necessary, but it adds an extra level of refinement, giving the wood stain an ultra-smooth finish.
2. Clean Up and Dispose Properly: Be mindful of disposing of oily rags, which are potential fire hazards. Clean your brushes and tools immediately if an oil-based stain was used.

Additional Information for Better Wood Staining Result:

1. Types of Wood Stain

Choosing the right kind of wood stain is essential to achieving the desired result when staining wood by hand. Below are unusual styles of wood stains and their characteristics:

• Oil Stains
• Water-Based Stains
• Gel Stains
• Paint Stains
• Natural Stains

2. Popular Wood Stain Colours & Their Uses

• Dark Walnut: A rich, classic look that adds depth and class to any project. It is ideal for furniture, shelves, and floors, creating a timeless look.
• Golden Oak: Light, warm tones that emphasize the herbal beauty of the wood. This colouration works well in conventional and rustic settings, making it a popular choice for wood floors and panelling.
• Espresso: A deep, modern finish that gives furniture and cabinets an elegant, contemporary feel. It pairs well with light and dark wood types and offers a flexible option for various projects.
• Gray Wash: Rustic weathered impact that gives the wood an antique or commercial look. This stain shade is suitable for achieving the distressed or reclaimed wood look popular in modern agricultural and commercial designs.

These steps are complete, and your wood staining project is complete. Be it furniture, cabinets, or something else entirely, the stain really beautifies and adds much character to the wood by bringing out the grain and pattern that makes each different.

You’ll feel confident in wood staining and creating exceptional finishes every time by following these professional tips and techniques. Remember, wood staining is all about patience and paying attention to all the tiny details-the things that help in grabbing professional quality in projects. Now that you have learned how to wood stain like a pro, go ahead and convert your wood surfaces into art pieces.