WOOD STAIN VS. WOOD FINISH
One of the first things a new woodcrafter will need to learn is the difference between a wood stain and wood finish. The difference is really quite simple. Wood stains add color to natural wood, while finishes seal the wood and protect it from moisture. THAT’S IT! If you take a stroll through a furniture store, you’ll notice the wood items have a shiny wet-look. This look is attributed to the finish. Common finishes for wood decor are polyurethane or lacquer.
WHAT DOES “FINISH WOOD” OR “FINISHING WOOD” MEAN?
Wood finishing is the process of cleaning, sanding, and adding color to wooden furniture, cabinets, or floors and then adding a clear finish for added protection. Both exterior and interior wood requires some sort of finishing.
Since you can combine different stains and finishes to your project, there is an infinite number of looks that can be appleid to a wooden surface. Wood finishing is an art form.
BENEFITS OF WOOD STAIN
The biggest reason people stain wood is aesthetics. One of the characteristics that make wood so beautiful is the grain. Different types of wood have different grain patterns that are unique to that species. Natural wood stains are made of pigment, a binding agent, and thinner. The pigment penetrates the grain, adding contrast and definition to help the grain really stand out.
Wood stains also protect the wood from weakening. Stain penetrates the first few layers of wood, keeping moisture from getting in there and leading to rot. Some might think that paint would do that job better, but paint only sits on the surface. Stain actually sinks into the wood, giving it much more protection.
TYPES OF WOOD STAINS
Stains are either water-based and solvent based or oil-based. (I prefer water-based stains).
Water-Based and Solvent-Based Wood Stains
These are actually the most popular stains. Water-based and solvent-based stains are applied with a natural bristle brush or a cloth, and they dry very quickly, usually within fifteen to thirty minutes. It usually requires multiple coats to get the look you want. The catch is that the grain of the wood soaks up moisture. After you apply the first coat of stain, it will raise the wood’s grain, causing it to feel rough to the touch. This requires one to lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper after application to maintain a smooth feel before finishing. Using this popular stain will require some sort of finishing coat once the wood is dry.
Oil-based Wood Stains
Oil-based stains create a more traditional look when finishing furniture. A top coat will not be required, because the stain alone creates a much deeper color and definition to the wood grain. Oil-based stains take longer to dry. Some may need more than 72 hours, depending on your environment. They also allow for a more natural feel once finishing is complete. One good reason to use this type of stain is that you can easily re-coat the wood every six months to refresh the wood finish. You can also soften the look of an oil stain by adding a layer of wax to the top.
Gel Wood Stains
Gel stain is thick, almost the consistency of pudding. It’s different from traditional stains because it actually sits on top of the wood. You apply it with a rag or a foam brush, and it’s great for novices because it requires several coats. By the time you get to the final coat, the surface will look nice and smooth. I have never used a gel stain, so I can’t provide any personal opinion or feedback on this medium.
THE WOOD FINISH
As mentioned earlier, staining wood provides some protection, but to really seal the deal, you’ll need a clear finish top coat. Wood finishes keep moisture out of the wood and prevent swelling and cracking. There are two types of finishes – penetrating and surface finishes.
Penetrating Finishes
A penetrating finish dries inside the wood and gives it a more natural look and feel. Once upon a time, linseed oil was the standard wood finishing product but it isn’t used as much nowadays because it has a tendency to become tacky in humid weather. One of the most popular penetrating finishes is danish oil. Danish oil, which is a mix of tung oil ad varnish, is easy to use. It’s applied with a rag and rubbed into the wood.
Surface Finishes
Surface finishes dry on the wood’s surface. There are four types of surface finishes – varnish, polyurethane, lacquer and shellac.
Varnish is great for use outdoors because it’s very strong and provides great UV protection.
Polyurethane comes in both oil and water formulations and is essentially plastic in liquid form. It’s available in satin, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes making it a good option for any woodworking project.
Water-based polyurethane is easy to work with, but the oil version is more durable. Lacquer is famous for its super high-gloss look and is one of the smoothest clear finishes available. Wood finishing with lacquer requires a high-volume sprayer as it cannot be applied with a brush without leaving noticeable brush marks. Shellac is actually a natural product made from secretions from the female lac bug. It’s not a perfectly clear coat but gives the wood a warm amber color when applied. All of these wood finishing products will give the wood an important final barrier from the elements.
IT’S YOUR CHOICE
One of the great things about Lil Bit of Decor is that all of my home decor and furniture is available in a variety of different stains. Because everything is built to order by hand, you have your choice of 6 stain colors to choose from. If you’re interested in a color that is not currently an option in the Lil Bit of Decor store, reach out to me and i’d be glad to discuss other options.
Browse our store and custom order your Lil Bit of Decor piece today.