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How to properly stain wood. Making wood stain with your own hands: recipes of folk craftsmen

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 completely 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"). A visual assessment of wood treated with stain gives 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: distribution by groups

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.

How to stain wood

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, evenness of the stroke - all these are signs of both good material and the professionalism of the master.

Stains for wood, wood color of any type or other shades give excellent results only when applied correctly. To make the cabinet look not only decent, but also stylish, you need to learn a few simple nuances of woodwork.

  1. When processing material from conifers, the tree must first be de-resinated, otherwise there will be no use from staining - the resin will not let the tinting liquid inside the wood.
  2. Apply the colorant along the grain of the wood, as longitudinal and transverse penetration will produce very different results.
  3. The tools for applying stain are used based on the area of ​​the material being processed: small pieces of furniture or doors are stained with brushes, foam sponges, cloth tampons, but if the processing area is extensive, it is advisable to use sprayers.
  4. Dissolve powdered water stain only in soft water (distilled or boiled with the addition of soda).
  5. Before processing, the wooden surface should be degreased, cleaned of dust and dirt.
  6. It is necessary to work very carefully: color stain on wood can give smudges, which are very difficult to get rid of and which can significantly spoil the appearance of the painted object.
  7. The main secret of the stain: if it is heated before use, it will penetrate deeper into the structure of the tree and provide more reliable protection.
  8. Stains can be added to varnishes and primers, the protective effect of the substance will work in the same way as when directly applied to the surface.

Colored stains as a design change tool

Not so long ago, aged wooden things came into fashion: grandmother's chests, kitchen cabinets made in the 60s of the last century, "antediluvian" chairs and stools.

Today, there is such a variety of impregnating agents for wood on sale that even a specialized specialist will not be able to unequivocally answer the question of what is their fundamental difference. If you read the instructions for the preparations, then the conclusion suggests itself that most of them protect the wood literally "from everything." So what is wood stain for? Is it only for toning it, as is commonly believed?

  • Wood toning while preserving its texture.
  • Reliable protection of the material when other means are ineffective or their use from an economic point of view is impractical. The reasoning is that the stains are characterized by greater depth penetration, while being cheaper than paints, varnishes and a number of other preparations used for wood processing (at least 2.5 times).
  • Imitation of another, more expensive breed.
  • Bleaching wood. This is often done either in the process of its restoration, or in preparation for painting (applying colored varnish).
  • Preservation of material from decay (antiseptic function) and destruction by wood-boring insects.
  • Combining shades, creating the effect of surface finishing with various woods.
  • Some stains strengthen its structure.
  • Giving (partial) moisture-repellent properties to sawn timber.
  • Any stain, regardless of its composition, definitely increases the shelf life of the tree.

But is it that simple? Is it enough to buy any of the commercially available wood stains, and all the problems with reliable wood processing are solved? An exhaustive answer can be obtained if you familiarize yourself with all types of liquids in this group. By the way, stains are often called differently - stains - and they are used not only for protection and preparation for further use. natural wood, but also building materials based on it (plywood, MDF, fiberboard, OSV, chipboard).

Wood stain modifications

They are classified according to what they are based on. They go on sale in the form of ready-made liquids, gels or powders, but the properties of wood stains depend only on the components and their proportions.

Water stains

  • Such stains are distinguished by a wide variety of shades, so you can choose the composition for almost any type of wood and make it the required tint in relation to the interior of a particular room.
  • "Environmental Safety". For those who care about the "purity" of the product, water stains - the best option... No harmful fumes, regardless of external factors... First of all, temperatures.
  • Given the basis, it is clear that it is not difficult to wash off such a stain with water. In some cases, this is relevant if in the process of working with wood it is necessary to slightly change the resulting shade.

  • Water stains are deep penetrating agents. This property also has a negative component. In the process of processing, the tree is additionally saturated with liquid. What does this mean? First, it becomes more susceptible to moisture absorption. Secondly, shrinkage lasts longer, and often initiates twisting of the processed workpiece. Therefore, the use of wood stains of this group requires both experience and accuracy.
  • The need for subsequent application of a protective layer to the tree. For example, varnish, which is most often practiced.

Alcohol stains

  • The impregnation dries quickly. Someone considers this a disadvantage, but the ease of use is obvious. Especially when working outdoors when the weather is unstable and there is a chance of precipitation.
  • High-quality protection of wood from ultraviolet radiation and dampness.

  • Pungent specific odor. When organizing work in the room, it is necessary to ensure its effective ventilation. Will it be possible to do this in winter?
  • Fast absorption into the structure of the material. This somewhat complicates the processing of wood with alcohol stains, since due to the uneven application of the impregnation, there is a risk of stains appearing on the general background. Experts advise using a spray gun, since it is almost impossible to achieve a uniform shade of wood manually (with a brush) without proper experience.

Oil stains

Pros:

  • Do not fill the wood with moisture.
  • Easily change shade when adding dyes.
  • Stains of this group lie on the tree thin layer, evenly, so there are no difficulties in working with them.
  • Does not fade when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
  • Application of additional protective coating(varnish, wax) on wood is not required.
  • Inert to changes in ambient temperature and humidity.
  • Certain toxicity.
  • Long drying time (depends on the conditions of use).

Wax and nitro stains (acrylic)

Their characteristics are very similar.

  • After drying of such wood stains, the thinnest protective film appears on the wood.
  • The uniformity of the shade is guaranteed over the entire treated area. The presence of spots, bald spots is excluded.
  • The structure of the tree stands out especially clearly.
  • The difficulty of working with these stains. Mainly due to the fast "setting" of the impregnation. Therefore, any further alterations are no longer possible.
  • One of the advantages of wood is lost - the ability to "breathe". The reason is the resulting film. Not all users note this, but nevertheless. How permeable it is is a big question.

Rustic stains

Quite new drugs. Their main purpose is to emphasize the structure of the material, to achieve several shades in one area. The use of such compositions requires high professionalism, so the author does not focus on them. For the information of the reader only, as to produce self-processing wood is unlikely to work. If, of course, we mean a quality result.

What to consider when choosing a wood stain

Knowing the features of various modifications of these solutions, it is not difficult to understand. Therefore, the author only summarizes all of the above:

  • Application specificity - inside or outside the building; temperature, humidity; weather.
  • The structure (species) of the tree. The lower the density, the more deeply the stain penetrates. For example, the use of formulations for water based will significantly increase their consumption per m2. To what extent is this justified, expedient, and so on? There is one more nuance. After processing, the color of the wood will be somewhat "lighter" than expected. This is due to the fact that a significant part of the stain will be absorbed, and together with the liquid and the dye.
  • The condition of the wood. Does the lumber have defects that need to be leveled, or, on the contrary, is it necessary to emphasize all its advantages? This should also be taken into account when choosing a stain by shade.
  • Personal experience and opportunities. With the first it is clear - not everyone will be able to apply the required layer of stain with high quality, which dries quickly (absorbed). It depends on practical skills. More difficult with possibilities. As a rule, most “home craftsmen” work with a brush. It is recommended to use tampons for applying wax stains. Also - nothing special. But does everyone have not only a spray gun, but also a "source" compressed air? Before choosing alcohol stains, you should think carefully.
  • General interior. This mainly applies to internal finishing works... As a rule, no one deals with the surface design of wooden parts of a building or individual structural elements, otherwise one of the advantages of lumber is lost - naturalness. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on the shade that the wood stain will give the tree, and how much it will emphasize its structure (or change).

  • If planned further processing wood with polyurethane paint or varnish, which contains acid, then wax stain cannot be used as an impregnation.
  • When choosing a tool, you must purchase it with a certain margin. Practice shows that it will not be possible to accurately determine its consumption per m². Even a specialist will not tell you how much stain will be needed, especially if it comes about processing large area(lumber volume). And if you make a second purchase in the same store, and impregnation from the same manufacturer, then it is not a fact that the shade will be identical. From batch to batch of goods, it partially changes - these are the costs (features) of the technology.
  • Effective wood protection is achieved if the stain is applied in at least 2 coats. One-time processing of the required result does not give, therefore, such savings are absolutely pointless.

Stain - a coloring compound, usually soluble in water, used to paint the surfaces of wood products. Another name for stains is stain.

The composition of wood stains is designed in such a way that during surface treatment, the substance does not impregnate the structure of the wood, but simply gives it a different color.

The stain is used to hide the natural color of wood. Also to give surfaces a newer look.

All stains according to the main material used for their manufacture are divided into 3 categories:

  1. Water based wood stain

    The base of the stain is water. The product is produced in several varieties: ready-to-use, as well as in the form of a powder, which must be dissolved in water. This variety is the most common and allows you to paint surfaces in any color shades, to a greater extent shades of wood. The disadvantage of water-based stains is that when applied, the material lifts the grain of the wood. This fact emphasizes the structure of the tree, but at the same time, the expanded fibers perfectly absorb moisture. To avoid such a phenomenon, it is necessary to moisten the tree with water before applying the stain, keeping it in water for some time. Next, the product is rubbed with an abrasive material and the last step is stained. The advantage of water-based wood stains is that they do not have any odors, which does not harm human health;

  2. Alcohol based wood stain

    The main component of the stain is alcohol. In this embodiment, the stain is a solution of the dye of aniline in denatured alcohol. The described variety is produced in the same way as the stain with a base of water, in two versions - finished product to use and in powder form. The disadvantage of this variety of wood stains is their rapid drying, which is the reason for the appearance of stains. Application of such material by hand presents difficulties due to the uneven color of the resulting coating. The best result will be observed when using spray guns;

  3. Oil based wood stain

    The base of the stain is oil. This framework allows you to give the processed object any of the available color shades of wood. This is made possible by mixing dyes that dissolve in oils. To prepare wood stains for consumption, they must be diluted with white spirit. This variety presents no difficulty in applying them. The treated surface dries quickly, the coating is applied evenly, without swelling the wood fibers.

There are also acrylic and wax based stains. These types are designed in such a way that they do not have the disadvantages that are described in the above listed varieties: they do not swell wood fibers, do not leave stains, and the applied coating protects the wood from moisture. When water is poured onto surfaces treated with acrylic and wax stains, water droplets scatter.

Acrylic wood stain

Acrylic-based stains do not have specific odors and are also fireproof. When applying them, it is necessary not to "go over" with the thickness of the applied coating

Wax wood stain

Wax stains add brightness to surfaces, and are applied to the surface using a flexible or non-coarse fabric by rubbing, applying little force.

But in addition to the fact that these species protect surfaces, they themselves also need protective treatment... Wood varnishes are used as a protective coating for wood stains. Only acrylic and wax based stains have a variety of colors, ideally highlighting the structure of the wood surface. For this reason, both varieties are called rustic.

Self-made wood stains transform wood surfaces to a greater extent. A strong broth of foliage bark looks good, bearing a red tint.

Various color colors are obtained by decoction of finely chopped shells walnut... Next, baking soda is added to the solution through a fine sieve. A tree covered with a similar composition has Brown color... To give a reddish tint, after the surface has dried, it can be treated with a solution of potassium dichromate.

Gray tones for wood treated with a nut-shell solution. Can be applied by rubbing with dilute acetic acid solution.

Alder bark, or rather its decoction, gives the processed objects deeply dark colors. An even shade of brown is obtained by combining equal amounts of oak bark, willow and walnut shells. All components are filled with water and brought to a boil. The next step is to add 0.5 teaspoon of baking soda and cook for another 10 minutes.

Coffee lends wood unusual color... The different shades of brown are determined by the amount of coffee added. Coffee is brewed with baking soda and the solution is applied hot.

There is also a classification of stains according to their intended use: for surface treatment indoors, as well as for external processing... Stains for outdoor use contain a special substance that does not allow it to fade when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

When choosing a staining tool, you should pay attention to the following factors:

  1. Depending on the size of the area of ​​the object being treated, an ordinary brush, a foam rubber swab, as well as pneumatic sprayers can be used. There are no special indications for the use of the object for application. But when using nitro-based stains, which tend to dry quickly, the use of brushes and tampons is accompanied by the appearance of stains, and therefore it is better to use sprayers, not paying attention to the area of ​​the treated surfaces. The remaining varieties of wood stains are applied using any tool, paying attention only to the surface area;
  2. To achieve a saturated color of the surface, the surface should be treated in several layers. The next layer must be applied without fail after the previous one has completely dried. It is also necessary to dry completely before applying the finishing coat of stain or varnish.

Wood stain colors

Few know the fact that one surface can be treated with stains. different colors. This method it is used to emphasize the structure of the tree, as well as to give the effect of antiquity. White oak and Arctic oak are reproduced by mixing two varieties of wood stains.

First of all, wood coating bleach is used ( white wood stain, the main component of which is water), then, after this layer has dried, all defects in the wood are filled with an oil-based stain containing hard wax. Wax, getting into these pores, clogs them and gives a gray or black tint, depending on the selected color of the oil. Attention is drawn to the fact that the remaining bleached part has a constant color, even when treated with a thin protective film wax or oil coating.

When combining various types and colors of wood stains, it is possible to get unusual effects. The bottom line is that first of all, a general surface layer is applied, and then the final touches are applied when applying wood stains of other colors. It cannot be done in the reverse order, since the treated wooden surface can no longer absorb the stain. Also, do not forget about the finishing stage of finishing - varnishing.

It is no secret to anyone that the number of layers of wood stain determines the final color of the wood. The choice of a suitable shade of color can only be determined after a test painting.

First of all, the wooden "stub" must be sanded and cleaned. Next, the first layer of stain is applied. It is necessary to wait until it is completely dry, after which a second layer is applied, but not over the entire length of the board, but on a certain part of it. The third layer is also applied to a smaller part of the second layer. After the final drying of all layers of the stain, it is possible to determine the desired color of the treated coating.

It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that deciduous woods absorb various compositions of wood stains, and coniferous varieties, due to the presence of a considerable amount of resins, have the least absorbency.

materials on the topic

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Fashion on natural materials in construction, furniture production, interior decoration has already become a tradition. And it is wood that continues to remain in trend due to its ecological and aesthetic properties... But unlike artificial materials, wooden coverings and structures can deteriorate under the influence unfavorable factors external environment such as moisture, direct sunlight.

For many people, the word "stain" is associated with a kind of liquid, with which you can give a wooden surface a particular shade. This property is present, but not only. Wood stains have excellent antiseptic properties and can make wood more durable.

The material is not a topcoat like paints and varnishes. Stains belong to the category of impregnations, as they can penetrate deeply into the structure of the tree. They are used to process new wood products or coatings, as well as in the restoration of old wood items.

Varieties of wood stains

So what is wood stain? It's ready liquid composition based on water, alcohol or oil, as well as a special powder that must be dissolved in water or alcohol-containing liquids.

  • Water stain is considered the cheapest. It penetrates the wood quite deeply. Produced in a wide colors, with its help you can give any color to a wooden product or structure. A significant drawback of water-based wood stain is its ability to lift the villi from the surface, thereby reducing moisture resistance. Decrease Negative influence this impregnation can be done by pre-soaking the surface clean water... After aging, the product is processed with sandpaper and only then covered with stain.
  • Oil stain for wood can give a wooden surface any color shade. It is easy to apply to the surface and spread evenly over it. Dries quickly and does not pick up lint. Produced by mixing oil-soluble dyes. To the desired consistency, it is diluted with white spirit.
  • An alcohol-based stain is a solution of aniline dyes in any alcohol. Most often it is used with a spray bottle. It is difficult to distribute this liquid with a brush, since due to the almost instantaneous drying of the solution, the color is uneven, spots.

If the above varieties of wood stains impregnate a wooden surface, highlighting, strengthening and disinfecting, then new, acrylic and wax impregnations, in addition to this, are created on the wood protective film... The surface treated in this way does not require additional coating with varnishes or paints.

How to prepare wood for processing

Wood staining is not such a simple process as it might seem to an ignorant person. To achieve the desired result, it is necessary to take into account some of the subtleties and nuances of this procedure, as well as perform all the stages of staining in order.

  1. First you need to choose a color, suitable composition solution and tools for its application. For quick-drying compounds, you need to prepare an airbrush or other spray. You can work with oil, water or acrylic stains with a brush, sponges, tampons. It all depends on the size of the surface to be finished and the expected effect.
  2. Preparation wooden product to staining consists in drying new surface or cleaning the old from the old finish to the body of the tree. A dry product must be carefully processed with sandpaper or a grinder. To avoid the appearance of new defects, movements should be carried out along the fibers. Scratches, dents, chips on an untreated surface may be inconspicuous, but after coating with wood stain, they appear quite noticeably.
  3. Grinding the surface to be treated is brought to a perfectly smooth state. Then, dust and removed fibers are removed. To do this, you can use a vacuum cleaner or a soft cloth.
  4. The next stage is degreasing, most often it is performed with white spirit.
  5. Before applying the base composition, especially water stain, the product must be moistened with clean water. And once again go through the grinding.

Some nuances take place when preparing to work with stains from coniferous wood products, especially with increased resin content. The fact is that after applying the stain, resinous places can appear through the coating with ugly spots. It is best to preliminarily get rid of such manifestations of such wood. To do this, use one of the compositions:

  • an aqueous solution of acetone, for this mix 750 g of water and 250 g of acetone;
  • soda mixture, consisting of one liter warm water, 60g soda ash and 50 g of potash (potassium carbonate).

To get rid of the resin completely, the treatment must be carried out several times. Then rinse the product thoroughly with soapy water, then clean water. Dry and then carry out the traditional staining preparation.

Dyeing technology

How to stain wood correctly? You should work at an air temperature above + 15 ° C, this will allow the stain to penetrate deeply into the pores of the wood. Manufacturers recommend covering the surface with conditioner of the same brand before applying the base substance. Stir the stain thoroughly so that the stain does not remain on the bottom or walls of the container. When using any tool (brush, roller or sponge), a sufficient amount of stain should be applied to the surface. Let its excess be better (it can be removed after staining) than a deficiency.

When processing a vertical surface, work with movements from the bottom up. If a horizontal part is stained, then first you need to move the brush along the grain of the wood, then across, then again along. Thus, you can achieve uniform application and avoid unnecessary smudges.

It is necessary to stain one part or surface in one go, without interruptions. Otherwise, stains and uneven coloring may appear.

To obtain an even tone and a high-quality result, the staining process is repeated several times. Each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one has completely dried. How long does the stain dry? Drying time depends on many factors: the composition of the stain, the ambient temperature, the degree of humidity of the base. On average, alcohol-based formulations dry in 1-2 hours, aqueous solutions - at least a day.

After the final drying of the impregnation, the surface is subjected to the final stage of wood processing, which is called washing. This action removes the excess stain that the tree has not accepted. The procedure helps the wood to show itself in all its beauty and shine. Washing is done with acetone and a large paint brush... The product is installed at an angle on a soft substrate. The brush must be moistened with acetone and brush off excess stain with movements from top to bottom. As soon as the treated surface acquires a uniform appearance, the procedure is over. Now the product needs to be dried and can be varnished.

Multi-colored staining

Wood stain, what is it for? It would seem that the technology and material have been known for a long time. But the question remains open for many. Staining of wood surfaces is carried out in order to give them a certain shade that emphasizes the texture of the wood. In addition, wood stain makes wood stronger and more resistant to damage from dampness, mold, fungi and wood-boring insects. But the possibilities of staining do not end there. Using wood stains different colors you can create various effects on a wooden surface:

  • whitening;
  • aging;
  • colored stains.

The purpose of creating a bleached surface is using two compositions of different qualities. First, a continuous coating is made with a white water stain, which is thoroughly dried. And then all the depressions and pores are filled with an oil-based stain with the addition of hard wax. This forms a very thin waxy film that gives off black or gray only the pores, and the rest of the surface remains whitish.

If it is necessary to obtain a multi-colored effect, then first a test is made to select the shades on a separate piece of the polished board. When it is possible to achieve the desired color combination, they begin to process the product. First, the main background is applied. Then chaotic or ordered strokes are performed on it by others color shades stains. The final will be - the final coating with a colorless or tinted varnish.

Stain, as a coating of wooden surfaces, not only preserves the wood, but also strengthens it decorative properties... Stain can be used to turn inexpensive wood species into valuable exotic wood... Let's talk about how to properly stain a wooden surface.

How to choose the right stain

Stain or, as it is also called, stain is a finishing coating for wood, which, without painting, favorably emphasizes its structure. It contains a pigment and a base, which can be water, alcohol, oil. V recent times Acrylic-based water-based stains are becoming very popular. In addition to being decorative, they have the properties of a good antiseptic.

Another type of stain is wax. A thin film of wax, which forms when the surface is stained, gives not only a decorative effect natural wood, but also reliably protect it from water.

When choosing a stain, you must be guided by the following criteria:

  1. Operating environment (outdoor or internal work). The exterior stain contains UV-resistant pigments.
  2. Composition safety. In children's rooms or children's household items, stains are used without harmful compounds. These include stains on a water, oil or wax base.
  3. Powdered or ready-made stain. Water and alcohol stains are also available dry. They need to be bred at home. If in doubt that the desired result will be obtained, then it is better to give preference to the finished stain.
  4. Method of applying stain to the surface. It is better to apply alcohol stains with a spray gun, as they dry very quickly, and achieve even coverage hard. Small objects and surfaces are covered with brushes, foam or fabric tampons. For a large finish area, use a spray gun.
  5. Design solution interior or exterior. It is important to know that a sample presented in a store often differs in color from what is obtained during finishing. The reason for this may be the different species and structure of the tree, illumination. Even different batches of the same type of stain have differences in shades when coating.

Sequence of work

Surface preparation

A high-quality finish is obtained only on a surface free from dust, dirt and grease, without defects in wood processing. If the surface of the tree has already been painted with something, then old finish must be removed completely. Conifers trees need to be degummed.

The cleaned surface is sanded twice. This is done first with a coarser sandpaper (no. 120), then with a finer one (no. 220). Grinding wood is carried out only along the grain. The resulting dust is removed with a damp cloth, and dirt with some kind of solvent or alcohol.

Only apply the stain on a clean, dry wood surface. In order not to be mistaken with the color of the coating, a test painting is done. A small sample should be taken. First, cover it with one layer of stain, after complete drying, cover 2/3 of the sample with a second layer. The third layer should cover 1/3 of the piece of wood. This will allow you to choose the finish you like.

Application methods

The brush can be applied to the prepared surface with almost any stain. Difficulties arise only with an alcohol-based stain due to its rapid drying. They begin to cover the vertical surface from below so that the smudges are not absorbed by unpainted wood. This significantly improves the uniformity of the coating.

The second and subsequent layers can be applied after the previous one has dried. For oil-based stains, the drying process lasts up to 3 days, for water stains - up to 3 hours. Coating is applied along the grain of the wood. When painting the surface with a brush, it is important not to go into adjacent areas that have already been stained. This way, unwanted stains can be avoided.

Water-based stains can lift the fibers of the wood. After the first layer, wait until the stain is dry and sand the surface with sandpaper. Then the resulting dust is removed and the surface is covered with the next layer.

The stain is applied with a swab using the rubbing method. This method is only suitable for small surfaces. A tampon can be made from a piece of foam rubber or thick cloth. This method is used to apply wax stains. It allows you to achieve an even surface coverage. This is especially true for rocks with a porous structure.

Spraying wood stain on a wooden surface is most often used for large areas cover. Alcohol-based stains dry quickly and are difficult to avoid when applied, for example with a brush or swab. Spraying with a spray gun allows you to achieve a high decorative quality of the finish, regardless of the base of the stain.

Defects in work and ways to eliminate them

When applying the stain, it is very important to avoid smudges, which are quickly absorbed into the wood and significantly impair the appearance of the finish. Not a large number of A stain on the wrist and a thin layer of coating prevent this defect.

To remove unwanted stains from stains, use sandpaper, in a more difficult case - with a plane. You will have to act carefully, gradually removing the darkened area of ​​the wood and smoothing out sharp transitions.

For porous wood species, in which the absorption of the coating is uneven, it is better to use wax-based stains or gels stains. They cover the surface with a thin layer and do not penetrate deeply into the structure of the tree. You can also treat the surface of the wood with a special conditioner, which will prevent the active absorption of the stain.

The "apple" defect occurs when poor-quality pigment thinners or the lack of the skill of applying stain by spraying. Stains form on the stained surface.

When applying stain with a spray gun, to avoid coating defects, it is necessary to adjust the material flow torch. It should be oval and the spray angle should be approximately 90 °.

Coating defects can arise from poor-quality sanding of the wood surface. In this case, it is necessary to remove the layer and sand it again. Then cover the surface with stain.

The remaining stains of grease, dirt with poor cleaning will appear when the stain is applied. Here, too, it is necessary to remove the low-quality layer by grinding, clean and degrease the surface. Apply a new coat on clean, dry wood.

Making wood stain with your own hands

There are many folk recipes making wood stain at home. Various shades of brown can be obtained by preparing a solution of ordinary potassium permanganate. It is necessary to experiment a little to achieve the desired result, choosing the concentration of the solution. The surface stained with potassium permanganate must be protected from fading, for example, with varnish.

Another simple means staining wood is a strong tea brewing. It will give the wood a rich brown hue. Strongly brewed coffee can also be darkened. Natural brown color is obtained by wood treated with a saturated decoction of walnut shells, crushed to a powdery state.

A decoction of oak bark will give the surface of the wood a shade of black. A golden color is obtained when processing wood with a decoction of buckthorn fruits. A reddish-brown hue can be obtained by treating a wooden surface with a concentrated decoction of onion peels.

How to achieve a special effect when staining wood

An interesting effect of aged boards can be obtained by using, for example, a white water stain as the main tone. After drying this layer, a layer of gray or black tones of thick wax stain is applied, which will emphasize the texture of the wood. In this way, you can combine stains of different colors.

The appearance of worn, worn planks is obtained by applying a water stain to the surface as a background. Without letting it dry, in the right places it is necessary to wipe off a part of the stain, imitating abrasion. After complete drying, cover the surface of the product with a second layer.

The soaked wood surface is lightly fired to reveal the texture gas burner... Firing can only be done after the stain has dried. Next, the surface is brushed with a shoe brush.

A beautiful effect with a pronounced wood structure is obtained by applying the first coat with a white water-based stain. After drying, an oil stain is applied to the main background with the addition of melted wax.

Not all stains have antiseptic properties and can protect wood from environmental influences, so it is better to cover the treated wood with varnish on top to extend its service life.