There is a wide variety of wood stains, differing in color and composition. Wood will always be popular, because it is beautiful and environmentally friendly. clean material... However, like all natural decorative elements, boards are afraid of moisture and are a favorite habitat for insects, fungi, mold and other microorganisms. To increase the lifespan of things made from tree species various protective agents and antiseptics are used. Today we will talk about such a wonderful substance as stain, with its help you can not only solve some of the problems associated with premature defeat wood materials, but also to give their products an unusual and noble appearance.
What is wood stain
Wood is a strong and durable material that is susceptible to unfavorable factors the environment, therefore, in order to protect products from it from possible damage, it is necessary to process them special means... In the construction market, you can find great amount various antiseptics, varnishes and other impregnations that change the color and some properties of wood, the most popular and inexpensive commodity is wood stain. Some people think that stains are used only to change the color of an object, but this wonderful preparation has other properties as well.
The color of wood stain should be chosen depending on the interior design
The properties of wood stains can vary depending on their composition. However, even if you do this with your own hands, it will still have some protective properties.
Properties of wood stains:
- If you want to change not only the color of the wood, but also to highlight its texture, then the stain is just what you need. It does not completely paint over the drawing, like paint, but gives the whole product a pleasant shade.
- Staining wood will protect furniture from insects and decay, while maintaining the texture and grain of the wood.
- Stain is protective agent, which increases the durability of wooden objects and costs several times cheaper than varnish and paint. In addition, due to its watery consistency, it penetrates deeper into the wood structure.
- With the help of stain, you can make even an inexpensive pine, painted with a colored stain, look like a noble and strong oak and exotic mahogany.
- Stain tinting can lighten wood. This technique is especially often used before painting wood products.
- Impregnation with wood stain will strengthen the structure of the tree and give it a light moisture-proof property.
Not all stains have the above qualities. To understand what kind of stain you need, you need to read its composition, and see what the instructions for use say. By the way, you can handle not only whole wooden planks, but also chipboard, plywood or parquet items and other wooden crafts.
Water-based wood stain and alcohol stains
Stains on water based Are the most environmentally friendly stains. They do not have a sharp bad smell and easy to use.
This product can be sold as dry or ready-mix. Such dyes are most popular due to their low price and the possibility of their use, both for indoor and outdoor work.
Water-based wood stain can significantly improve the appearance wood covering
Main characteristics of water stain:
- The colors of water-based stains are very varied. With their help, you can create a very interesting iridescent effect.
- You can use water stains without fear for your health. Even at the highest temperatures, such products do not emit harmful fumes.
- If you decide to experiment and ask the question: "What kind of stain to choose so that it can be washed off?" - then the water stain is what you need. Such a tinting agent can be easily washed off with water, therefore it is impossible to paint the floor with it.
- Tinting a wooden surface with such a tool makes its texture more visible. Unfortunately, this makes the product more sensitive to moisture, so it will need to be varnished.
It is highly undesirable to tint resinous tree species with such impregnation, as ugly stains can appear on them. For such products, it is better to use alcohol impregnation.
How long does alcohol impregnation dry? Almost a few seconds! This property is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Thanks to it, you can cover the butt of a sports rifle with an alcohol stain and use it in a few minutes, however, a large area can only be stained with a spray gun, otherwise the surface of the product will be covered with unpleasant stains and stains, even varnish will not help fix the situation. Consists of alcohol impregnation of alcohol and dyes.
Processing wood with such an impregnation will make it more resistant to ultraviolet light and high humidity. However, due to the unpleasant smell of such a product, work with it is possible only in an open space.
Benefits of oil-based stains and wax and acrylic stains
Oil-based stain has a wide range of colors and shades. It costs more than water stains, but also useful properties she has more. Such a preparation can be used not only to change the color of the product, but also to emphasize its texture.
It is easy and convenient to treat wood with an oil-based stain, it is applied in a thin layer and does not raise the fibers of the product. Also, this tinting does not fade under the influence of sunlight, makes the tree resistant to temperature extremes and protects it from moisture. You can remove oil stain stains with White Spirit thinner, or you can lighten painted wood a little with it. It differs from compositions with similar properties in that no varnish is needed to fix it. The disadvantages of oil staining include: long drying of the tinting and its toxicity.
You can apply an oil-based stain using a regular brush.
It is very important to find the stain of a responsible and conscientious manufacturer. Judging by the reviews, the most popular firms are Vartan, Latek, Novbytkhim and Herlak.
Acrylic and wax stains are very easy to apply, they lay in a uniform layer and do not leave stains or streaks. However, due to the rapid drying of such stains, you need to work with them very quickly.
Wax stain is used to protect wood from moisture. It can be used to process parquet. This stain is not resistant to mechanical damage, therefore, to extend its service life, it is better to use varnish.
Acrylic, it is also rustic, the stain perfectly emphasizes the texture of the wood. With its help, you can get a variety of shades, which is why this drug is so popular. A tree painted with such a stain will still need to be opened with several layers of varnish.
Wood stain colors
Wood stains differ not only in composition, they are different colors and shades. Most often, a dark mixture is used, it gives the products a more noble look. With the help of these wood stains, ordinary larch and maple can be turned into oak planks.
Modern stains can give wood the most unusual shade. However, to this day, the most popular is the range of natural wood flowers.
Before choosing the color of wood stain, it is worth studying the recommendations of the designers.
The most popular color range of wood stains:
- Pine;
- Birch;
- Bleached walnut;
- Plum; Red tree;
- Olive;
- Rosewood;
There are a lot of such examples. At the same time, it is noteworthy that the names of the same shade from different companies can be very different. When choosing a stain color, first of all, do not pay attention to color palette, which is printed on the packaging, and the samples are printed on birch boards.
It is also important to consider that the intensity of the stain color depends on the type of wood to which it is applied. Darkening a piece if the wood is light can be more difficult than darkening an oak piece. Non-aqueous stain will not paint over well enough pine board, if it is not first demineralized, but water-based stains are generally unsuitable for resinous tree species.
White wood stain
To give furniture White color, it is not necessary to paint it. A lightening stain is also suitable for such work, which will not only make the product lighter, but also emphasize its structure.
Wood stain is designed not only to give the product a lighter shade, but also to protect it from the adverse conditions of the surrounding world. It is very important to consider when considering different types such a tool, how and on what you will apply it. If there is a risk that moisture will spill onto the surface of the bleached object, then it is best to use wax, oil and acrylic preparations, but if your craft will be in a dry and ventilated place, then a water stain will do.
With the help of a white stain, you can visually expand the room by applying it to flooring or on the walls of wood
With the help of a white stain, you can achieve a very interesting effect and make an aged finish. It must first be painted with a white water-based stain, after it has dried, the object must be brushed with a stiff brush. A dark colored wax or oil stain is rubbed into the pores formed on the wood.
When using water stain, do not forget about protective layer... The dyed product must be treated with wax or oil.
Light stains do not always have a pronounced color. There is a colorless stain, which is applied exclusively to protect the tree from adverse natural factors.
How to make a stain with your own hands
It is not necessary to buy a ready-made stain. By mixing dyes, such as coffee, a few drops of iodine or shavings of black bark, and some chemical elements, you can make it at home. Homemade stain is not only effective, it is also natural.
- Boil a glass of larch bark in a glass of water. The resulting product can be used to cover birch products, it will give them a beautiful reddish tint.
- Crush dried shells walnut into powder and boil for ten minutes. The resulting broth must be mixed with soda. Cover the light wood with the solution and it will take on a brown tint. If you want to change the color of the product, you can treat it with vinegar or potassium dichromate. In the first case, the shade will be gray, and in the second, red.
- With custard tea or coffee, you can give the wood different shades. The intensity of the colors depends on the strength of the brew.
- With a solution of potassium permanganate, you will paint the product in cherry color.
- A red hue can be achieved by soaking rusty nails in vinegar for several days. Black stain is obtained by adding a decoction of oak or walnut leaves to a vinegar solution.
To correctly make a stain with your own hands, you must first watch the training video
Stains are made on their own quite often. They turn out to be environmentally friendly and harmless. Unfortunately, they all tend to fade, so to preserve the color of the product, a layer of varnish must be applied over the stain.
Wood staining with wood stain: step by step instructions
To make the product look neat and beautiful, you need to cover it with stain correctly. If the stain is applied poorly, it can fade in a few weeks, and if you do not follow the staining technology, you risk getting the surface covered with stains.
How to properly stain objects:
- First of all, it is necessary to remove the layer from the surface of the product. old paint... This can be done using sandpaper.
- Further, the surface is degreased with alcohol, White spirit or gasoline. If the product is made of resinous tree species, then it is de-resinous.
- The stain is heated and applied in a thin layer to the surface of the product. The top of the item is processed first. Layers are applied on top, one on top of the other, until the the desired shade.
After the stain has dried, the product must be covered with several layers of varnish. Before applying a new layer, the dried varnish is treated with fine-grained sandpaper.
Wood stain (video)
Stain is a great way to replace one wood color with another. Such funds are of different types, they can have different compositions and colors. Use the stain correctly and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful piece.
Detail: wood stain colors (photo examples)
Using in home interior wood, you think about how long it will last. The answer depends on whether you know how to choose stains and varnishes for internal works on wood. It is worth considering further use: for furniture, choose non-toxic compounds, for the floor - resistant to abrasion.
Choosing a mixture according to the type of surface and its further use
Each surface has its own characteristics and risks of damage. To preserve the tree and preserve its beauty, you need to carefully choose the composition of the mixture covering it.
The coating can have the following properties:
- toxicity - the safest ones are made on the basis of water, wax and oils. Nitrol and polyurethane varnishes are applied in a respirator;
- drying speed - alcohol-based formulations dry the fastest (almost instantly). Varnishes and stains on water and nitro varnishes are slightly inferior to them (about three hours). Oil solutions dry the longest (at least a day);
- the ability to prime small irregularities and porous wood - they are conditionally divided into ready-made self-priming compounds, nitrovarnishes with a large solid residue and varnishes with the addition of a filler;
- wear resistance - the most resistant to any damage polyurethane varnish, but with careless use, it tightly glues the strips. The most unstable nitrocellulose;
- fire resistance - ready-made fire-resistant varnishes. Fire resistance directly depends on the thickness of the layer;
- lack of smell - there is no fuse in acrylic varnishes and water-based stains. Smell from epoxy and oil formulations disappears up to three days.
They differ in the type of application:
- with a brush - viscous compositions based on oil, resins and wax are applied;
- spray gun - a mixture based on alcohol and water.
We select a stain for interior work with wood
The first thing that interests any person is what visual effect the stain will give, and they are repelled from it, choosing the composition.
Selection by visual effect
Wood staining with wood stain is used not only as decorative coating, sometimes toning hides the mistakes of previous experiments or helps to achieve a uniform color for a porous wood product. Powder stains are used for toning, mixing them with a solution to which a pigment is added.
If you are a follower of old technologies, use organic dyes, they will retain color for centuries. Their color scheme is more meager, but if you have a recipe, you can create the same shade after decades.
Using herbal ingredients, you can achieve the following shades:
- red - a decoction of larch bark or onion husks;
- brown - nutshell powder with the addition of soda. If you need a rich color, mix willow and oak bark, alder catkins and walnuts shells, boil the tincture with the addition of soda on this composition;
- gray - after applying the stain with nut broth, soak the surface with vinegar;
- black - with the addition of a decoction of oak or alder bark;
- yellow - mix the broth from the barberry root with alum and boil;
- scarlet - juice composition wolf berries and Glauber's salt;
- blue - juice of wolf berries with the addition of soda;
- green - potash with wolf berry juice.
Powder stain is diluted with a decoction and applied as if diluted with water.
Colorless stain to enhance the natural beauty of wood
This category includes all types of wood stains, no additives. True, they shade the color of the boards a little. This is due to the type of wood - on dense wood the natural color will remain, and in the porous structure it will become darker by several tones.
Antique rustic stain
There are two ways to get this effect. Buying a ready-made composition with increased percolation into deep layers or applying a regular stain on a sanded surface and then removing it on convex areas. To enhance the contrast, walk along the grain of the wood. metal brush, then the softer areas will become deeper and darker.
Compositions for multi-colored application
They are used to obtain the color “Arctic oak”, “bleached oak” and other variants with bleaching. For work, purchase a water-based stain with white pigment, oil stain and wax. The first layer is applied for bleaching, and the second with a mixture of stain with the addition of melted wax. The excess is removed with a rag. The oil is absorbed into the veins, accentuating the wood structure.
Not all solvents are universal, some are not suitable for a nursery, but they are indispensable for parquet processing. Before purchasing a compound, decide where it will be used.
Which breeding base is right for you:
- alcohol - resistant to ultraviolet light, does not require additional protection with varnish;
- oil - perfect option for beginners without special tools, environmentally friendly and abrasion resistant;
- wax - not suitable for further coating with polyurethane and two-component acid-curing varnish;
- nitro - applied with a spray gun due to moodiness and frequent stains;
- water - requires sanding after application due to the lifting of the fibers.
It is better to purchase several types than spoil the product in pursuit of savings.
Protecting wood with varnish
The stain is not able to protect the wood from contact with other objects, therefore, after it has completely dried, it is recommended to varnish the product.
Desired effect at the end of the work:
- glossy - looks good in rooms with poor lighting, giving the surface depth. Indoors with bright light creates mirror shine hiding the beauty of the tree;
- matte - retains its natural look;
- mother-of-pearl - during the play of light, an internal flicker appears;
- tinted - with the addition of pigment to change the shade.
When applying pearlescent and tinted varnish, do not forget that color saturation depends on the number of coats.
Types of varnishes
Like wood stain, varnishes have different bases, some of them emit toxic substances during operation and require long ventilation.
They are divided into the following types:
- alcohol - most often used for small items by restorers or when processing musical instruments;
- water soluble - odorless and not afraid detergents suitable for children's furniture;
- oil - used to cover the floor, set off wood yellow;
- alkyd - glyphthalic and pentaphthalic synthetic resin is used as a base;
- polyester - suitable for items with frequent use, form a protective film. Withstand not only washing, but also the ingress of reagents;
- epoxy - the same resistant as polyester, but with a faster drying rate;
- polyurethane - one of the most resistant, most often cover parquet in in public places and yachts;
- acrylic - used for processing children's toys and furniture, the safest for health.
When mixing, make sure that the components of the stain and varnish do not conflict, but it is better to apply them separately. The varnish prevents the stain from penetrating into the wood, so such experiments end up with ugly dark stains and stains on the surface.
Modern building materials are striking in their variety. The stain, although it has been known for a long time, has not lost its popularity, thanks to innovations in this group.
What is wood stain?
There are a lot of construction products on the shelves of stores that you can get confused, for which some of them are intended, for example, wood stain or stain.
The history of the origin of the dye goes back to the nineteenth century. The stain was called "Cologne soil". Since humus soil, rather loose in composition, was found on the territory of Cologne in a non-hamlet.
She had amazing properties. If the earth is dissolved in water and applied to a paper or wood surface, it becomes saturated Brown color.
The deposits of the "Cologne land" turned out to be scarce, so they began to develop a substitute for natural stain. Natural dye today it is made on the basis of oil and coal. Wood contains substances that will dye it brown without the addition of chemical components.
The uniqueness of the stain lies in the fact that it does not make a film, as is the case with oil dyes, but reveals a natural pattern on the wood. The surface acquires a juicy and contrasting texture. To the question, what is the stain for, you can answer simply - to give the desired tone to the natural surface.
There is a concept like mordant staining. Some confuse it with surface staining. There are, of course, external similarities, but in the first case, the layer is more waterproof.
Summer and spring woods differ in density. Annual rings on spring wood are colored weaker than on a dense summer wood board. This contrast can be clearly seen in spruce and pine. Wet surfaces are obtained with a uniform tone, rather than dry paint.
Types and properties of stain
Special dyes that dissolve in liquids are stains of different tones. It is produced in powder and liquid state. Water, alcohol, wax acts as a liquid, so it was subdivided into different types.
Water stains... The most popular water-based group. Wood is able to acquire light and dark tones after staining. Available for sale in two states: liquid, dry. Liquid stains are used immediately, while powder stains should be preliminarily diluted with heated water.
Advantages:
- does not emit a poisonous odor, which allows you to work without fear of poisoning in a closed room;
- great possibility of color matching. To achieve darker tones, you can use several layers of stain, after drying each layer;
- low cost;
- long shelf life.
Disadvantages:
- drying takes a long time;
- varnishing mandatory procedure;
- during dyeing, wood fibers rise, due to this, moisture resistance is lost. To prevent this from happening, the surface is moistened and polished before work;
- excess stain on the surface can provoke cracks. Therefore, it is in this form that the tampon is slightly moistened before application.
Alcohol stains... Stains of this kind dissolve in alcohol. Aniline dyes are used as the main components. The mixture quickly penetrates deep into the wood, where the alcohol evaporates within half an hour.
If you need to paint large areas, it is better to use a spray gun. Such an application does not allow the formation of spots, erosion. The disadvantage of this type is fast drying, a pungent odor. A positive characteristic is that the wood does not swell, unlike water mixtures, ultraviolet rays are not terrible.
Oil stains... Dyes of this group dissolve in linseed oil.
Positive characteristics:
- any dyes are combined;
— uniform application, without lifting the fibers;
- do not fade;
- retain their original color for a long period;
- drying time from 2 to 4 hours;
- mixtures are resistant to moisture, temperature extremes.
Disadvantages:
- toxicity.
Nitro-stains... A solvent acts as a liquid, which dries very quickly after staining. It can be compared to an alcohol group. The characteristics are similar. Also difficult to apply, but resistant to washout and UV rays.
Wax stains... Dyes are diluted with wax. After applying the mixture, a waterproof film forms. After using this group of stains, it is not required to open it with varnish.
Acrylic stains... Dyes dissolve in acrylic resins. The mixture is perfectly applied to the surface, does not create stains, streaks, well reveals the wood pattern, is not toxic. The only drawback is the high cost.
Stain gels... The mixture is thick and suitable for soft wood species. In the work, a swab is used to apply the stain in an even layer. This group allows you to remove as much as possible spotting on the surface.
Varnishes stains... Coloring components based on alkyd varnish. No finishing varnish is required here. The tree receives reliable protection from external influences. The work is complicated with varnish stain for several factors:
- volatile compounds, require the mandatory use of a respirator and goggles;
- fire hazardous. Strict fire safety measures cannot be dispensed with.
Stain application
When staining, you should adhere to the right technology... Wood placed vertically is painted from bottom to top. This will prevent splashing on clean places, and will not leave stains in the future.
Horizontal arrangement boards require painting at the first stage along the grain. Next, brush across them and, at the third stage, repeat the original movement.
In work, you can use a spray gun, brush or foam swab. The first option is suitable for large areas, as well as for alcohol and nitro-based stains. The pi nozzle does not exceed 1.5 mm.
Brushes can be with natural and synthetic bristles. Natural fiber is good for oil-based stains, synthetic fiber is water-based.
Before use, the brush should be checked for strength. If, upon contact with it, no lint remains in the hand, then the product good quality and is suitable for coloring. The width of the brush should be 100 mm.
Water stains applied except for the two described more with a tampon or rag. The material should not crumble and leave marks on the wood, so cotton, foam rubber is worth choosing.
The wood absorbs the dye just as much as it needs. Do not be afraid that there will be an overabundance, you just need to remove the excess liquid with a napkin. The stain may look quite different after drying and the color is an order of magnitude lighter. In order not to take risks and get the desired result, you need to take a piece of the board and make a test.
To do this, sand it and cover it with the first layer - this will be the base. After complete drying, apply the second layer to a part of the board. Apply the third layer to the remaining part.
When the paint is dry, cover the entire surface with varnish. Now you can define the color. A sample for conifers, as they do not absorb the stain well and a problem may arise with the color. Minimal amount layers at least two. It is a good idea to prepare several samples with different colors.
Water-based stain has the ability to straighten wood fibers. After complete drying, sand the boards additionally with fine-grain sandpaper, but without much pressure.
Drying time from 15 to 24 hours. Alcohol stain works differently. It will not pick up fibers, but it dries very quickly, forms streaks, so for an even coating it is better to work with a spray gun.
If a brush is used, pre-wet the surface warm water... This also applies to the end parts of the board. They should be wetted, as they absorb a lot of paint, which will make them look darker. Drying time from 5 to 25 minutes.
Algorithm of work:
- the surface is sanded before painting;
- cleaned from greasy stains if spruce or pine - resin. You can use water (370 ml), combined with acetone (125 ml). Method 2. Add 25 g of caustic soda to 500 ml of water. Method 3. hot water(500 ml), about 60 degrees C, dissolve 25 g of sodium carbonate. Treat the surface thoroughly with one of the mixtures obtained and leave for 30 minutes. Wipe dry with cotton cloth. Now walk again clean water, preferably warmed up;
- slightly warm the stain;
- do not wet the tampon too much and apply to the wood;
- if streaks appear, gently stretch them along the surface along the fibers;
- the number of layers depends on the selected color on the test board;
- as soon as the board is dry, wipe the board well with a cloth. It will remove dried dye that did not get into the pores of the object;
- the final stage is varnishing in several layers. Sanding after each layer.
Wood can be dyed in different colors... Today, the fashionable colors are considered “ bleached oak". In order to obtain this effect, 2 types are used. The first layer is applied white stain, it bleaches wood.
Moreover, the dye is taken on a water basis. The second type on a wax base is the next layer. Not the other way around. Since after the wax oak stain, you will not be able to achieve the desired effect.
Stain color the top layer can be any: brown, black, gray. Only annual rings will be colored, the field will remain snow-white ... Photo stains different types... Their contrast is clearly visible here.
Price and reviews
Water buy stain can be in any hardware store at the price of 30 rubles. for 500 ml. The best stain, judging by the reviews, it is considered an acrylic group. Stain price of the same capacity - 78.5 rubles. Only buyers are disappointed that they do not write the composition on the jar.
If, in your understanding, wood stain is nothing more than a kind of paint, then you are very, very mistaken and you should more deeply and specifically familiarize yourself with this substance and the methods of finishing with it. After all, this substance gives a second life to shabby furniture and unpresentable doors and window sills. Having a jar of stain on hand, you can change the old interior beyond recognition, without the obligatory replacement of windows and doors.
Wood stain, unlike the same paint, does not form an opaque layer on the surface, but penetrates into the wood, impregnates it, imparting the desired shade (from light walnut to dark "mahogany"). When visually assessing wood treated with stain, one gets the impression that there was no staining process and there was no trace of it that it was a natural, by nature, color. Moreover, some types of wood stains have the ability to lift fibers, outlining the structure of the tree. Stains (the second name of the substance) are divided into two types: for internal and external work and are divided into groups according to their chemical composition. Water-based - the most common water-based impregnation for wood and can paint wood in any color. The shades are exclusively woody, so "any" color means light and dark browns. A significant disadvantage is that the water stain for wood helps to raise the fibers and expose them to moisture. To restrict the access of moist air or water to the inside of the treated wood, proceed as follows: moisten the surface of the wooden product with water, hold it for a while, sand it and only after these manipulations cover it with stain. Alcohol are aniline dyes dissolved in denatured alcohol. Manufacturers produce this type of wood stains ready-to-use or in powder form. Their main drawback is that they dry too quickly. On the one hand, it is difficult to call this a disadvantage, when in an hour and a half after treatment you can safely touch the surface, but, on the other hand, "lightning-fast" drying provokes the appearance of spots on the surface, similar to splashes of fat or dirt. Oil-based ones are the most convenient to work with, since they can be applied with any tool, from a brush to a spray gun, they lie flat, do not raise wood fibers and the spectrum of colors of this type of wood stain is richer and richer than others. Acrylic and wax - new developments of tinting material, made taking into account all the shortcomings of previous generations of stains. The newest wood stains give a wooden surface any color and do not force it to change its structure under its influence, but also serve as its reliable protection. Try to drip a little water onto the treated object: the stain will push it away so hard that the liquid will scatter in mini-droplets, but none of them can seep inside. Another characteristic feature of the new type of wood stains is that they give the wood any shade, including uncharacteristic and exotic ones, while emphasizing the structure of the material (that is, wood). Try to imagine your refurbished kitchen cabinet in a clear blue with the typical woody "pattern". Original, right? The only thing that an economical consumer may not like is the acrylic analogue of a water-based stain - its price. If a water stain can be bought for 50 rubles, then for acrylic, if you please lay out all 300. Of course, both the drying time and the quality of processing of the first can not be compared with new developments, but this is only your choice - either cheap or convenient. A beautiful door, wardrobe, floor depend not only on the quality of the wood, but also on the stain with which it is processed. It is very noticeable to the eye what type of impregnating liquid was used: a rich deep pleasant color, an even stroke - all these are signs of both good material and the professionalism of the master.
Stains: distribution by groups
How to stain wood
Wooden houses are in great demand, it is worth remembering that they require special care... To protect buildings from external factors, you should pay attention to wood stains. In the home, almost all wooden surfaces and furniture can be coated with this product.
Peculiarities
Wood stain is a dark liquid that is applied to a wood surface to achieve a specific color, tint a more even texture, or to enhance the structure of a desired object. It is often used as a protective agent for plywood, fiberboard and chipboard against various negative factors, such as mold and rot.
There are many varieties of this remedy. Each has its own properties that should be taken into account, because the final result depends on this. The features of a substance are different, for example, fast drying, toxicity, the ability to prime some irregularities. There are liquids that have an odor, while others are characterized by its complete absence.
And also do not forget that different kinds stains should be applied in different ways. For example, a thinner mixture is best applied with a spray gun, and for a very thick solution, a brush is better.
The most important condition for preparing the mixture for application to working materials is a clean surface of the building material. It should be free of old paint or other coatings. It is advisable to get rid of debris and dust, otherwise this application will be meaningless. In order for the stain to fit well on the material, it is best to grind it, and in many cases also sand it, then the color will turn out to be more saturated, and the tint will not necessarily be applied a second time. Of course, to be sure of the effect, you should try how easy it is to apply and how well it lays on the surface. Stains are budget option, which is another indisputable advantage.
It is not necessary to use the stain as a tinting; it can be used as protection from external factors: ultraviolet radiation, moisture and other whims of nature. If you want to give the wooden surface a different color, then after a certain surface preparation, you can use any paint. The choice is individual. It will fit perfectly on stained surfaces.
Diversity
Today many modern manufacturers wood stains offer wide range of products. Among the offered assortment you can easily choose the best option depending on the purpose of use. The following types of wood stains can be distinguished:
- alkyd liquid is the densest wood stain used for both exterior and interior wood finishing. It is also called oil;
- water tinting is the easiest to use. It is easy to apply, absorbs almost instantly (approximate drying time is 12 hours), is completely non-toxic and does not have a pungent odor;
- rustic the stain is ideal for lovers of parquet floors in old style... It gives any floor a beautiful antiquity shade;
- alcohol toning enjoys in great demand, characterized by fast drying;
- powder options require compliance correct proportion preparing the stain for use without departing from the instructions in the instructions;
- nitro models are based on solvent.
Liquids are used for both external and internal work.
Choosing a painting tool
When applying a stain on a wooden surface, it is necessary to take into account not only its properties and qualities, but also the specifics of materials, and even the quality of the brush.
To apply the liquid, you need to use brushes made of artificial fibers, since they are stronger, their fibers will not crumble during painting. A natural fiber brush will leave fine hairs on the surface, which will look very ugly. Natural brushes are unreliable because they will stick to the surface. It is necessary to paint with a brush along the grain for better absorption into the surface.
Spray guns or spray guns are used for staining if the liquid is not suitable for brushing. Some liquids need to be applied evenly to avoid stains on the wood.
The spray gun can be adjusted to fit your hand, so as not to catch a comfortable distance when painting, but it is convenient to use this equipment.
Color solutions
The stain is presented in many different shades, allowing you to quickly and easily give the desired shade of wood. The range of colors is diverse. There is a wide selection of water stain colors available.
Colored stain allows you to completely change the appearance of the wood flooring. It is made in the following colors:
- pine - very close to the original shade, it makes the coating almost invisible;
- marigold is a very beautiful dark color;
- oak is a very commonly used dark brown shade;
- mahogany - often used as a coating on tables and chairs, after application they look more noble;
- ebony - after coating, it gives the wood a visually ancient texture, the floor covering after using this shade is also called a living floor, since every strip, every knot stands out;
- light walnut - the treated surface resembles freshly sawn wood, it is usually applied to protect the wood, since the color of the wood practically does not change;
- cherry - there are two types: ordinary and dark;
- bleached oak - gives a very interesting white color to the wood, lays down well without painting over the texture of the wood;
- fern - this color received such an unusual name, because it has a similarity to the plant after which it is named. It is presented in a pleasant green color, which is well suited for furniture in kindergartens;
- blue - cool texture warms when applied to surfaces and looks great;
- wenge is a noble, dark brown color that is similar to the color of oak;
- mahogany - does not require reapplication, fits snugly and tints the surface well;
- lemon - yellow color becomes more contrasting with repeated application;
- plum - a pleasant dark pink color, very warm shade;
- black - often used in the manufacture of ship models, as well as to give antiquity to floors or furniture;
- mountain ash is a pale beige, nondescript color that requires reapplication, and sometimes it looks more like a pale pink;
- maple is a delicate, beautiful peach shade;
- mocha - the color of freshly brewed coffee;
- larch - represented by a dark yellow or orange tint;
- bog oak or gray - has a matte shade, after application it is better to varnish it, used for painting modern furniture;
- ash - practically leaves its original appearance, only gives a light pink tint;
- hazelnuts - looks like a nut shell, it is applied to the array for a deep effect.
- blue - resembles wolf berries.
How to cook with your own hands?
Another unexpected solution in the world of renovation is homemade stain. Usually it is used by amateurs of experiments. If the required stain color is not on sale, then you can create such a product on an acrylic base of a certain color yourself. Like alcohol-based liquids, acrylic-based stains are easy to use and very easy to mix. It is also suitable for both interior and exterior use, and is no different from a simple solution.
To make your own wood stain, you need to take a regular jam jar small size... You also need iron shavings or small nails of a size that will fit in the jar. Send the iron to a jar and pour vinegar over it. Leave on for 5-6 days. The vinegar will take on the color of the stain, but may be darker or lighter. This will depend on how long the iron is in the liquid. After the appearance of the shade, the iron must be removed from the can and you can try to apply the stain on the desired surface.
To prepare the stain, you can use a colorant - this is acrylic paint very thick composition, so its colors are clear without mixing. The recipe is simple: to create a liquid, it is necessary to dilute paint and water in a 2: 1 ratio. This option is characterized by density, therefore it is used to create dark shades. When stirring, it is recommended to achieve a creamy liquid. When it works out, you need to check if this concentration of the solution is suitable. If you want the effect of a store-bought liquid, it should be diluted as watery as possible.
Try to apply the stain made with your own hands on the surface with a brush, like a regular alcohol. There are many ways to make liquid with your own hands, but this one is one of the simplest and most reliable. When using it, you can get the desired shade without a doubt.
