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How to Apply Wood Stain | Wood Staining Tips

Transforming your wood requires proper application of stain, stain color sampling, and proper preparation (see related articles). With the wood grain highlighted and protected, your dull, gray, or unfinished yellow wood will become the home or deck your neighbor’s envy.

Follow these steps for a perfect staining job, done right the first time:

Stay Dry

Use a moisture meter to make sure wood is at orĀ below 19% moisture wp-content level before applying stain.Ā Damp wood can prevent the stain from penetrating properlyĀ and can eventually lead to peeling.

Just Say No to Mildew

Help keep surface mold and mildew at bay by adding more mildewcidesto the stain. We recommend Stay Clean I/E. And are you wondering if it’s really mildew? Check out this article to determine what the best use of treatment is.

Mix it Up

Thoroughly mix the stain. The preferred method is to use a drill-driven, squirrel-cage type mixer. No matter what method is used to mix the stain, you can ensure the most consistent color by:

WarmĀ Feelings

Apply stain toĀ wood surfaces that are no colder than 40Ā°F (4Ā°C) and noĀ hotter than 90Ā°F (32Ā°C). Extreme temperatures will preventĀ proper penetration and drying of the stain. Plan your work so that surface temperatures fall within this range. Do not apply to surfaces in direct intense sunlight and work in sections to avoid lap marks.

Spray it again, please*

  1. Spray on one heavy coat ofĀ stain. If only a brush is used, be sure to drench-apply theĀ stain. Donā€™t skimp.
  2. Vigorously brush the stain, pushing it into the wood and allĀ cracks and checks in the wood, catching any drips. This promotes theĀ best adhesion and penetration, and leaves an even, consistentĀ coat of stain.
  3. Wait until the first coat is dry (24 hrs.), then apply a lightĀ second coat of stain, spraying and back brushing as withĀ the first coat.

* Note: These application instructions apply to many wood stains; however, instructions do vary by manufacturer, so be sure to read through their specific instructions.

Clean-up and storage

Clean brushes and equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In general, water-based stains and be cleaned up with soap and water while still wet. For oil-based stains and dried-on water-based stains, citrus-based cleaners or mineral spirits will be required. And, of course, be sure to follow local, state and federal guidelinesĀ for disposing of empty cans or any unused product.

TightlyĀ reseal opened containers and store at temperatures between 50ĖšF and 90ĖšF (10ĖšC – 32ĖšC). If skinned over, remove the skinĀ before thoroughly stirring the product and applying.

Bask InĀ It

Enjoy your beautiful stain job!

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