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How to properly stain a tree. Making a stain with your own hands: recipes for craftsmen

If, in your understanding, wood stain is nothing more than a type of paint, then you are very, very mistaken and you should become more deeply and specifically familiar 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 an 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, giving it the desired shade (from light walnut to dark “mahogany”). When visually evaluating wood stained, it seems that there was no staining process at all, that this is a natural, from nature, color.

Moreover, some types of stains have the ability to lift the fibers, outlining the structure of the tree.

Wood stains: distribution by groups

Beits (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 stain wood in any color. The shades used are exclusively woody, so “any” color means light and dark browns. A significant disadvantage is that water stain for wood helps to lift the fibers and exposes them to moisture. To limit the access of moist air or water inside the treated wood, do this: moisten the surface of the wooden product with water, soak for some time, sand it, and only after these manipulations cover it with stain.

Alcohol dyes are aniline dyes dissolved in denatured alcohol. Manufacturers produce this type of stain ready-to-use or in powder form. Their main disadvantage is that they dry too quickly. On the one hand, it’s hard to call this a disadvantage when, after an hour and a half after treatment, you can already fearlessly touch the surface, but, on the other hand, “lightning-fast” drying provokes the appearance of spots on the surface that look like splashes of grease or dirt.

Oil stains are the most convenient to use, since they can be applied with any tool, from a brush to a spray gun, they lie flat, do not lift wood fibers, and the range of colors of this type of stain is richer and more saturated than the others.

Acrylic and wax are new developments in tinting material, made taking into account all the shortcomings of previous generations of stains. The latest wood stains give the wooden surface any color and do not force it to change its structure under its influence, and also serve as its reliable protection. Try dropping a little water on the treated object: the stain will repel it so powerfully that the liquid will scatter into mini-droplets, but none of them can seep inside.

Another characteristic feature of the new type of wood stains is that they give the tree any shade, including uncharacteristic and exotic ones, while emphasizing the structure of the material (that is, wood). Try to imagine your updated kitchen cabinet in transparent blue with a typical wood pattern. Original, right?

The only thing that an economical consumer may not like is an acrylic analogue of water-based stain - its price. If you can buy a water stain 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 cannot be compared with new developments, but it's only your choice - either cheap or convenient.

How to stain wood

A beautiful door, closet, floor depend on the quality of not only the wood, but also the stain with which it is processed. It is very noticeable to the eye what type of impregnating liquid was used: rich deep pleasant color, evenness of the stroke - all these are signs of both good material and the professionalism of the master.

Wood stains, wood colors of any type or other shades give an excellent effect only when applied correctly. To make the locker look not only decent, but also stylish, you need to learn a few simple nuances of woodworking.

  1. When processing material from coniferous species, the tree must first be deresined, otherwise there will be no sense in staining - the resin will not let the tinting liquid into the wood.
  2. Apply the dye along the wood fibers, as the result of processing is completely different with longitudinal and transverse penetration.
  3. The tools for applying the stain are used based on the area of ​​the material being processed: small pieces of furniture or doors are stained with brushes, foam sponges, fabric swabs, but if the treatment area is extensive, it is advisable to use sprayers.
  4. Dissolve powdered water stain only in soft water (distilled or boiled with soda).
  5. Before processing, the wooden surface should be degreased, cleaned of dust and dirt.
  6. It is necessary to work very carefully: color wood stain 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 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 applied directly to the surface.

Colored stains as a means of design change

Not so long ago, aged wooden things came into fashion: grandmother's chests, kitchen cabinets made back 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 unambiguously answer the question of what is their fundamental difference. If you read the instructions for preparations, then the conclusion suggests itself that most of them protect wood literally “from everything”. So why do you need wood stain? Is it only for its toning, as is commonly believed?

  • Toning wood while preserving its texture.
  • Reliable material protection when other means are ineffective or their use is not economically feasible. Argumentation - stains are characterized greater depth penetration, while they are 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.
  • Wood bleaching. This is often done either in the process of its restoration, or in preparation for painting (application of colored varnish).
  • Protection of the material from decay (antiseptic function) and destruction by wood-boring insects.
  • Combining shades, creating the effect of surface finishes with different woods.
  • Some stains strengthen its structure.
  • Giving (partial) moisture-repellent properties to lumber.
  • Any stain, regardless of composition, definitely increases the life of the tree.

But is everything so simple? Is it enough to buy any of the stains available for sale, and all the problems with reliable wood processing are solved? An exhaustive answer can be obtained if you familiarize yourself with all the varieties of liquids in this group. By the way, stains are often referred to differently - beytsy - 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 stains depend only on the components and their proportion.

Water beets

  • 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 tinting in relation to the interior of a particular room.
  • "Environmental Safety". For those who care about the "purity" of the product, water stains - 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 a tree, it is necessary to slightly change the resulting shade.

  • Water stains are means of deep penetration. 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 machined workpiece. Therefore, the use of stains of this group requires both experience and accuracy.
  • The need for subsequent application of a protective layer on the tree. For example, varnish, which is most often practiced.

Alcohol stains

  • 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 a tree from an ultraviolet and dampness.

  • Sharp specific smell. When organizing work in the room, it is necessary to ensure its effective ventilation. Can this be done in the winter?
  • Rapid absorption into the structure of the material. This somewhat complicates the treatment of wood with alcohol stains, since due to the uneven application of the impregnation, there is a risk of stains 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 tree with moisture.
  • Easily change the shade when adding dyes.
  • The stains of this group lie on the tree thin layer, evenly, so there are no difficulties in working with them.
  • Do not fade under the influence of ultraviolet light.
  • Application of additional protective coating(varnish, wax) on wood is not required.
  • Inert to changes in temperature and humidity of the environment.
  • Certain toxicity.
  • Long drying time (depending on application conditions).

Wax and nitro stain (acrylic)

Their characteristics are largely similar.

  • After drying of such stains, the thinnest protective film appears on the wood.
  • Uniformity of a shade on all processed area is guaranteed. The presence of spots, bald spots is excluded.
  • The structure of the tree stands out especially clearly.
  • The complexity of working with these stains. Mainly due to the rapid "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 in the resulting film. Not all users notice this, but nevertheless. How permeable it is is a big question.

Rustic stains

Pretty 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 self-processing wood is unlikely. If, of course, we mean a qualitative result.

What to consider when choosing wood stain

Knowing the features of various modifications of these solutions, it is easy to understand. Therefore, the author only summarizes all of the above:

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

  • 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 some margin. Practice shows that it will not be possible to accurately determine its consumption per m². Even a specialist will not say exactly how much stain is needed, especially if we are talking about processing large area(volume of lumber). And if you make a second purchase in the same store, and impregnations 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 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 meaningless.

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

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

Stain is used to hide the natural color of wood. Also to give surfaces a new 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 that must be dissolved in water. This variety is the most common and allows you to paint surfaces in any color shades, more wood shades. The disadvantage of water-based stains is that when applied, the material lifts the fibers 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 the water for some time. Next, the product is rubbed with abrasive material and the stain is applied as the last step. The advantage of water-based stains is that they do not have any odors, which does not harm human health;

  2. Alcohol based wood stain

    The main component of stain is alcohol. In this embodiment, the stain is a solution of the aniline dye in denatured alcohol. The described variety is produced in the same way as stain with a base of water, in two versions - finished product for use in powder form. The disadvantage of this type of stain is their rapid drying, which is the cause 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 basis 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 stains for use, they must be diluted with white spirit. This variety is not difficult to apply. The treated surface dries quickly, the coating is applied evenly, without swelling the wood fibers.

There are also stains based on acrylic and wax. These types are designed in such a way that they do not have the disadvantages that are described in the above listed varieties: wood fibers do not swell, do not leave stains, and the applied coating protects the wood from moisture. When water is spilled on 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 “sort out” with the thickness of the applied coating

Wood stain wax

Wax stains add brightness to surfaces, and are applied to the surface by bending or rubbing with a soft cloth, applying a little effort.

But besides the fact that these varieties protect surfaces, they themselves also need protective treatment. Wood varnishes are used as a protective coating for wood stains. Only stains based on acrylic and wax have different colors, perfectly highlighting the structure of the wooden surface. For this reason, both varieties are called rustic.

Self-made stains to a greater extent transform wooden surfaces. Looks good strong fat larch bark, carrying a red tint.

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

Gray tones to wood treated with walnut shell mortar. Can be given by rubbing with a dilute solution of acetic acid.

Alder bark, or rather its decoction, gives the processed objects deep dark colors. A uniform shade of brown is obtained by combining uniform 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 attaches to wood unusual color. The various shades of brown are determined by the amount of coffee added. Coffee is brewed with soda and the solution is applied hot.

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

When choosing a stain application tool, it is necessary to pay attention to the following factors:

  1. Depending on the size of the area of ​​the treated object, 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 subject for application. But when using nitro-based stains, which tend to dry quickly, the use of brushes and swabs 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 types of stains are applied using any tool, paying attention only to the surface area;
  2. To achieve a rich surface color, surface treatment should be carried out in several layers. The next layer must be applied after the previous one has completely dried. It is also necessary to dry completely before applying the top coat of stain or varnish.

Wood stain colors

Few people know the fact that one surface can be treated with stains. different colors. This method used to emphasize the structure of the tree, as well as to give the effect of antiquity. The colors "white oak" and "arctic oak" are reproduced by mixing two types of stains.

First of all, wood bleach is used ( white color 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 chosen color of the oil. Attention is attracted by the fact that the remaining bleached part has an unchanged color, even when treated with a thin protective film of wax or oil coating.

When combining various types and colors of stains, it is possible to obtain unusual effects. The bottom line is that first of all, a general layer of the surface is applied, and then the final touches are already applied when applying stains of other colors. You can’t do it in the reverse order, since the treated wooden surface can no longer accept oil stain. Also, do not forget about the finishing stage of finishing - varnishing.

It is no secret to anyone that the number of layers of stain determines the final color of the tree. Choosing the right shade of color can be determined only after a test coloring.

First of all, the wooden "stub" must be sanded and cleaned. Next, the first layer of stain is applied. It is necessary to wait for it to dry completely, after which a second layer is applied, but not on 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 stain, it is possible to determine the desired color of the treated coating.

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

related materials

Olympic MAXIMUM® Weather-Ready Unique Improved Wood Paint

Olympic MAXIMUM ® Weather-Ready's unique advanced wood paint is made to special technology, which provides perfect painting of wooden surfaces even in high humidity, which can be applied to the surface in almost any weather conditions, both in heat and cold, and even if the wood is wet. And all this is now possible in a shorter period of time. Thanks to the unique Olympic MAXIMUM ® Weather-Ready paint, wood surface painting will no longer depend on weather conditions and consumers will not have to wait for good weather to implement. painting work. This paint opens up more possibilities for you, and you can paint wooden flooring when it suits you, not when the weather permits.

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

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

The material is not a coating, like paints and varnishes. Wood stains belong to the category of impregnations, as they are able to penetrate deep into the structure of the tree. They are used for processing new wood products or coatings, as well as in the process of restoring old wooden things.

Varieties of stains

So what is a 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 wide color scheme, with its help you can give a wooden product or structure any color. A significant disadvantage of water-based stain for wood is its ability to lift the villi from the surface, thereby reducing moisture resistance. Decrease Negative influence this impregnation can be pre-wetting the surface clean water. After exposure, the product is processed with sandpaper and only then covered with stain.
  • Oil stain for wood is able to give the wooden surface any color shade. It is easy to apply on the surface and spread evenly over it. Dries quickly and doesn't pick up lint. It is obtained by mixing dyes that are soluble in oil. Diluted with white spirit to desired consistency.
  • Alcohol-based stain is a solution of aniline dyes in any alcohol. Most often it is used with a spray gun. It is difficult to distribute this liquid with a brush, because due to the almost instantaneous drying of the solution, the color is uneven, stained.

If the above types of stains impregnate a wooden surface, tinting, strengthening and disinfecting, then new, acrylic and wax impregnations, in addition to this, are created on 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 stain processing is not such a simple process as it may 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 compositions, it is necessary to prepare an airbrush or other sprayer. You can work with oil, water or acrylic stains with a brush, sponges, swabs. It all depends on the size of the finished surface and the expected effect.
  2. Training wooden product to coloring 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 grinding machine. 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 treated surface is brought to a completely smooth state. Then the dust and removed fibers are cleaned. 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 main composition, especially the water stain, the product must be moistened with clean water. And go through the sanding again.

Some nuances take place when preparing coniferous wood products for work with stains, especially with high resin content. The fact is that after applying the stain, resinous places can appear through the coating with ugly spots. Such wood is best to get rid of such manifestations first. 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 50g of potash (potassium carbonate).

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

Coloring technology

How to paint a wood stain correctly? Work should be carried out at an air temperature above + 15 ° C, this will allow the stain to penetrate deep into the pores of the wood. Manufacturers recommend that before applying the main substance, cover the surface with an air conditioner of the same brand. The stain should be thoroughly mixed so that the dye does not remain on the bottom or walls of the vessel. When using any tool (brush, roller or sponge), a sufficient amount of stain should be applied to the surface. Let it be better to have an excess (it can be removed after staining) than a deficiency.

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

It is necessary to carry out staining of one part or surface in one approach, without interruptions. Otherwise, spots and uneven staining 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? The drying time depends on many factors: the composition of the stain, the ambient temperature, the degree of humidity of the base. On average, compositions based on alcohol dry out in 1-2 hours, aqueous solutions - at least a day.

After the final drying of the impregnation, the surface is subjected to the finishing 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 glory and brilliance. 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 completed. 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 long been known. But the question remains open for many. Staining of wooden surfaces is carried out in order to give them a certain shade, emphasizing the texture of wood. In addition, the stain makes the wood stronger and more resistant to damage from dampness, mold, fungi and woodworms. But the possibilities of staining do not end there. The use of stains different colors You can create various effects on a wooden surface:

  • bleaching;
  • aging;
  • colored divorces.

In order to create a bleached surface, two compositions of different quality are used. First, a continuous coating is made with a white water stain, which is thoroughly dried. And then all the recesses 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 in gray only 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 shades on a separate piece of a sanded board. When it is possible to achieve the desired combination of colors, proceed to the processing of the product. First, the main background is applied. Then chaotic or ordered strokes are performed on it with 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 wood, but also strengthens it. decorative properties. With the help of stain, inexpensive wood species can be turned 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 over, favorably emphasizes its structure. It consists of a pigment and a base, which can be water, alcohol, oil. AT recent times water stains based on acrylic resins 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 is formed when the surface is covered with stain, 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 interior work). The composition of the stain for outdoor use includes pigments that are resistant to ultraviolet rays.
  2. Composition safety. In children's rooms or children's household items, wood stains without harmful compounds are used. These include stains on a water, oil or wax basis.
  3. Powdered or ready-made stain. Water and alcohol stains are also available in dry form. They need to be bred at home. If there is any doubt that the desired result will be obtained, then it is better to give preference to the finished stain.
  4. The method of applying stain to the surface. Alcohol stains are best applied with a spray gun, as they dry very quickly, and achieve even coverage complicated. Small objects and surfaces are covered with brushes, foam or fabric swabs. With a large area of ​​\u200b\u200bfinishing, a sprayer is used.
  5. Design decision interior or exterior. It is important to know that the sample presented in the store often differs in color from what is obtained when finishing. The reason for this can be a different breed and structure of the tree, illumination. Even different production batches of the same type of stain have differences in shades when coated.

Sequence of work

Surface preparation

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

The cleaned surface is polished twice. First, this is done using a larger sandpaper (No. 120), then a smaller one (No. 220). Wood grinding is carried out only along the fibers. The resulting dust is removed with a damp cloth, and dirt with some solvent or alcohol.

It is possible to apply stain only on a clean and dry surface of the tree. In order not to make a mistake with the color of the coating, make a test paint. You need to take a small sample. 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 wood piece. This will allow you to choose your favorite finish.

Application methods

With a brush, you can apply almost any stain to the prepared surface. Difficulties arise only with alcohol-based stains due to rapid drying. The vertical surface begins to be covered from below so that smudges are not absorbed by unpainted wood. This greatly 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. The coating is applied along the grain of the wood. When painting the surface with a brush, it is important not to go into neighboring areas that have already been stained. This way you can avoid unwanted stains.

A water-based stain can lift the hairs of the wood. After the first layer, wait for the stain to dry and sand the surface with sandpaper. Then remove the resulting dust and cover the surface with the next layer.

A swab is applied stain by rubbing. This method is only suitable for small surfaces. A tampon can be made from a piece of foam rubber or a dense fabric. Wax stains are applied with this method. It allows you to achieve a uniform surface coverage. This is especially true for rocks with a porous structure.

Spraying stain on a wooden surface is most often used for large areas coatings. Alcohol-based stains dry quickly and it is difficult to avoid spotting during application, for example with a brush or swab. Spraying with an airbrush allows you to achieve a high decorative quality of the finish, regardless of the stain base.

Defects in work and ways to eliminate them

It is very important when applying the stain to avoid smudges, which are quickly absorbed into the wood and significantly impair the appearance of the finish. Not a large number of the stain on the brush and a thin layer of coating help to avoid this defect.

You can remove unwanted stains from the stain with the help of sandpaper, in a more complex case - a planer. You will have to act carefully, gradually removing the darkened area of ​​\u200b\u200bwood and smoothing out sharp transitions.

For porous wood species, in which the absorption of the coating occurs unevenly, it is better to use wax-based stains or gel stains. They cover the surface with a thin layer and do not penetrate deep into the structure of the tree. You can also treat the surface of the wood with a special conditioning compound that will prevent the stain from being actively absorbed.

The “apple” defect occurs when poor-quality pigment diluents or lack of skill in applying stain by spraying. Spots form on the surface covered with stain.

When applying the stain with an airbrush, in order to avoid coating defects, it is necessary to adjust the material supply torch. It should be oval in shape and the spray angle should be approximately 90°.

Coating defects can occur from poor-quality grinding 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 applying stain. Here, too, it is necessary to remove the poor-quality layer by grinding, clean and degrease the surface. Apply a new coat of paint to clean, dry wood.

Making a stain with your own hands

There is a large number folk recipes making stains at home. Various shades of brown can be obtained by preparing a solution of ordinary potassium permanganate. You need 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 a simple means stained wood is a strong brew of tea. It will give the wood a rich brown tint. You can also dry the tree with strong brewed coffee. Natural brown color is obtained by wood treated with a rich decoction of walnut shells, crushed to a powder.

A decoction of oak bark will give the surface of the tree a shade of black. Golden color is obtained by processing wood with a decoction of buckthorn fruits. A red-brown tint can be obtained by treating a wooden surface with a concentrated decoction of onion peel.

How to achieve a special effect when staining a tree

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 tone 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 boards 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 part of the stain, simulating abrasion. After complete drying, cover the surface of the product with a second layer.

The stained surface of the wood is lightly fired to reveal the texture. gas burner. You can do the firing only after the stain has dried. Next, the surface is cleaned with a shoe brush.

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

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