Why do you need wood stain and how to use it? Wood stains for wooden floors: a review of compositions for tinting parquet and solid boards Water-based wood stain and alcohol stains.

How to paint plywood is now of interest to many, because this material is different good characteristics and a wide range of applications in construction work.

Preparatory work for the surface

grinding;
priming process;
drying process;
puttying with drying afterwards;
use of grinding robots;
priming process with drying after it;
coloring.

Priming process

The main stages of this process are noted:

To prevent the possibility of contamination of the raw material by types of fungal bacteria and swelling under the influence of humidity, it is recommended to prime it with alkyd materials;
The primer is applied with special rollers;
Afterwards the surface is covered with acrylic or alkyd paint.

Attention! When developing the relief structure, there is no interference; painting is reduced to some processes, because it becomes enough to complete just one layer of primer and paint.

Grinding process

Grinding is carried out manually or using a special-purpose electric machine:

Using coarse sandpaper No. 80 - 100, the upper part of the material is sanded in a direction perpendicular to its structure;
Fine-grained paper is then used to create ideal evenness, which is necessary for the subsequent varnishing process;
After sanding, it is recommended to remove any unevenness that is present.

Process the edges

It is necessary to plan the edges of building materials from the outer part to the central one, then sand and cover the ends with acrylic paint with additives, repeat the painting process 2-3 times.

Primer and putty

If you have a question about how to paint plywood on the floor, you need to pay attention to the fact that acrylic primer applied to a sanded surface, this process is necessary for:

leveling wood surfaces;
closing existing cracks along the inner part of the surface;
increasing service life and protection from mechanical damage.

Coloring

If you are wondering how to paint plywood inside a house, this process depends on the purpose of the plywood before painting. Covering the material with layers of paint helps to create its safety from the influence of humidity.

Attention! For possible use of plywood sheets indoors with high levels of moisture or outdoors, the material must be coated on all sides in several layers.

Varnishing of plywood is carried out in a number of the following processes:

Initially, the surface must be sanded with fine-grained sheets of sandpaper;

Note! The resulting dust formations after processing are qualitatively removed, only after this the material is coated with varnish.

This is followed by the application of paint;
After the paint has dried, varnish is applied to create additional shine. When using glossy paint, varnish should not be used.

Tools

To figure out how to paint plywood correctly, you first need to note what types of tools in this process you need to use:

spray;

roller;

brush.

When using a sprayer, a sufficient level of quality of the result is achieved, because the coloring liquid can be evenly distributed over the surface. The cost of this type of tool can be quite high, so it is recommended to use standard lint-free foam rollers. It is recommended to paint hard-to-reach areas of the surface with a brush.

This process will require the use of masking tape if sheets are painted in multiple colors.

Important! To avoid contamination of the room, it is recommended to cover flooring and furniture with film.

Paints for plywood sheets

By type of thinners, paints are divided into the following categories:

Alkyd type. On this basis, paints have fairly high durability and retain their appearance for a long period of time. The negative qualities include the fact that white spirit, turpentine and drying oil, which have a pungent odor, are used as their solvent. This product is not considered environmentally friendly, and it is better to use it for outdoor painting procedures. This option is suitable for those interested in how to paint plywood against moisture.
Water-dispersed. Can be diluted with water. They are environmentally friendly, odorless and, after drying, contribute to the formation of a fairly durable thin film.

The second version of paints, in turn, is divided into the following types:

Water-based. Can be applied to almost any surface. Resistant to temperature changes. Another type of paint can easily be applied to it. The material is non-toxic.
Latex. They have high moisture-resistant properties and abrasion resistance. Helps close cracks up to 1 mm. Creates a glossy finish. Disadvantages include the ability to form fungus and mold. Does not tolerate low temperatures.
Silicate. Relatively low price and a high level of coating quality. Disadvantages include the presence of alkali in the composition, which requires the use of safety measures during operation, as well as incompatibility with other types of paints.
Silicone. High level elasticity of the coating, capable of hiding cracks up to 2 mm. The material is durable. Differs in water-repellent characteristics. Resistant to changes high temperatures. Accordingly, a considerable price.
Acrylic. When dry, it creates a high-quality layer that is resistant to moisture.
Polyvinyl acetate. Used for homes with little humidity. Over time it may acquire a yellow tint.

To paint plywood in a residential building, it is recommended to use paints that were made at water based. This category of coatings includes acrylic look colors, because he has the following properties:

high drying speed;
practically odorless;
convenient to apply.

For those interested in how to paint plywood outdoors, you can use regular enamel for wood products. This type The material is also called pentaphthalic paint, which is easy to apply. This type of coating can be purchased ready-made color scheme, and by performing tinting yourself. To do this, you need to ensure that the plywood slabs have a dry structure. When pre-storing them in a room with humid air, it is recommended to dry them.

Varnishes for plywood

If the question arises about how to paint plywood, there are varnishes on sale on the building materials market that can be divided into two groups, the difference between which is in the way the layers are manifested:

The layers are formed due to the weathering of the solvent. These types of varnishes are alcohol or nitrocellulose based;
Layers are formed during the process of polymerization and polycondensation. Due to this, the varnish layer hardens. These products are made on oil, urea-formaldehyde, polyester and polyurethane bases.

How to paint plywood to look like wood to refresh and highlight the natural texture of the plywood sheet. Usually the surface is painted completely, without revealing the unique texture of the veneer.

How to paint plywood White color so that minor defects in the material are not visible. To do this, you should use a type of paint that is matte in texture. Because when glossy paint is used, flaws in the material cannot be completely hidden.

To make wood products more decorative and aesthetically pleasing, they are treated with stain. The solution changes the tone and emphasizes the texture of the wood. Modern stains have antiseptic properties and can significantly extend the service life of the product.

Let's consider what types of stains there are, how you can make the composition yourself, and what are the basic rules for applying stain to wood.

Purpose of wood stain

Stain is a tinting composition that is applied to treated wood to change the natural color of wood, plywood, furniture, chipboard, fiberboard and MDF. The second name for the stain is Beitz.

A special composition penetrates deep into the wood, due to which the wood texture is preserved. This effect cannot be achieved with enamel or paint.

Some use stain to hide the true type of wood, for example, they paint inexpensive pine in the colors of noble tree species. Others use stain to update the interior of a room or highlight the beautiful texture of a natural material.

With the skillful use of stain and a combination of several shades at the same time, you can turn an ordinary wood product into an artistic value

In addition to decorative functions, some types of stains also have protective properties. Wood-protective compounds include oil-alkyd or solvent-based stains. Such stains can protect wood from insect pests, mold and fungi.

Types of stains for wood processing

The main criterion by which all stains are classified is the basis for making the solution. The most common stains are water-based, alcohol-based, oil-based, acrylic and wax-based. Let's look at the features of each type.

Water-based stains are available in two forms: dry stains in powder form for self-dilution in water, and in a ready-to-use state. Water stains take a long time to dry, so it will take a long time to achieve a uniform tone.

The main inconvenience of using stain is that during processing the composition lifts the wood fiber. On the one hand, this emphasizes the structure of the wood, and on the other, it makes the product more vulnerable to moisture. Therefore, before applying stain, the wood should be wetted superficially, left to soak for a while and thoroughly sanded.

Alcohol stain is a solution of organic dyes with pigments in ethyl alcohol. Alcohol formulations are used for antiseptic and decorative painting wooden products. Such stains reduce pile lifting and do not cause swelling of the wood.

When using an alcohol stain, it is difficult to achieve uniform coloring, since the composition dries quickly and stains may form. Such stains may be suitable for tinting small products, but painting parquet will be very problematic.

Alcohol stains are applied only with a spray (spray gun), and when painting with a brush, the result can be unpredictable

stain on oil based have many tones and shades. Oil stain contains dyes that are soluble in drying oil and oils. White spirit is used as a solvent.

Oil stain is the most convenient to use: it can be applied different ways, does not lift fibers and is distributed evenly over the entire surface. Products treated with oil-based stains can be easily repainted and restored.

Wax and acrylic stains- the latest generation of tinting materials. Stains based acrylic resins and wax form a thin layer on the surface of the wood color film, which additionally protects the material from excess humidity. These types of stains “lay” evenly on the surface and are well suited for treating wooden floors.

Acrylic stains have a wide range of tones that can be mixed and get more subtle shades. Composition does not have unpleasant odor, non-flammable and suitable for all types of wood. Acrylic stains do not emit harmful fumes, and dry quickly after application.

When working with acrylic stain, it is important not to overdo it with the layer thickness. Good effect can be obtained by applying no more than 2 layers; if more, spots may form

Wax stains are very soft waxes. They can be used directly on wood or on a pre-painted surface. Wax stains are applied using a cloth and spread over the wood using a rubbing motion.

Wax stains look most effective in combination with polishing. This technique is often used when finishing turnings, profiles and threads.

Important! Wax-based stains should not be used before treating wood with two-component acid-curing varnishes or polyurethane.

Making your own stain: recipes from craftsmen

Plant stains

You can give wood a different shade using plant components.

Stains based on coffee, tea and vinegar

You can make your own wood stain from available materials: coffee, tea and vinegar.

You can give the wood a cherry, brown and dark brown hue using a solution of potassium permanganate: 50 g should be diluted in 1 liter warm water, apply to the wood, and after 5 minutes wipe the surface with a soft cloth. In order to obtain a brighter shade, the treatment with potassium permanganate must be repeated.

After treating wood with potassium permanganate stain, the surface must be coated protective composition, otherwise potassium permanganate will fade

Stains with chemical components

If you want to get a lasting color, you can experiment and create a stain from chemicals.

Whitening stains

Bleaching wood allows you to prepare the product for painting and achieve expressive tone. Some tree species acquire unexpected color shades when bleached. For example, walnut, which has a uniform texture with a purple tint, becomes pale pink or scarlet pink after treatment with a bleaching stain. Bleaching apple wood makes the wood a noble ivory color.

Whitening with stain: photo

Can be used for whitening different solutions. Some act very quickly, others more slowly.

Oxalic acid solution. Dissolve 1.5-6 g of oxalic acid in 100 g of boiled water. This composition is suitable for bleaching light wood species: linden, white poplar, light walnut, birch and maple. Other types of wood may develop dingy tones or gray spots. After bleaching, veneer sheets must be washed with a solution (composition: hot water- 100 g, soda ash - 3 g, bleach - 15). This treatment removes resin from the surface and raises the wood pile.
Bleaching with a 25% hydrogen peroxide solution is suitable for most tree species, except lemon tree, oak and rosewood. Products, after treatment with peroxide, do not need to be washed. The peroxide solution only bleaches finely porous wood species. Wood containing tannins is very difficult to lighten with such a stain. To improve the bleaching process, tanning rocks must first be treated with a 10% solution of ammonia.

Results of bleaching different types of trees:

Birch, after bleaching in a solution of oxalic acid, acquires a greenish tint;
Ash and oak veneers become noticeably lighter after treatment with oxalic acid;
Anatolian nuts, when bleached in hydrogen peroxide (peroxide concentration not lower than 15%), acquire golden hue, and walnut is pink in color.

Methods of applying stain

Treating wood with stain can be done in one of four ways:

Spraying. The stain is applied to the surface of the wood with a spray gun. Spraying allows you to achieve uniform distribution of stain and obtain an even texture.
Trituration. The stain is applied to the wood and rubbed evenly over the entire area of the product. The coating is transformed, the texture becomes pronounced. This method is optimal for porous wood species, and a stain that does not dry quickly should be used.
Application with a roller or swab. This method is used when processing products with a small area; it helps to avoid streaks and ensures uniform distribution of stain over the surface.
Application with a brush. If you don't have a spray gun or swab, you can use a brush, but this method is not suitable for all types of stain. Experts note that when applied with a brush, the wood gives a deeper, saturated color than with other methods.

The main principles of wood stain processing

In order to get a beautiful product from natural material, you must adhere to the basic rules of wood processing.

Applying stain: video

Possible defects and their elimination

The stain must be applied extremely carefully, as it will be quite difficult to remove the resulting defects.

Formation of streaks. This happens if the stain is applied in large quantities and dries very quickly. In this case, you should try to remove the stain layer as much as possible. On the hardening layer, you need to apply another layer of stain, which will soften the drying one, and then remove the excess solution with a rag.

If the stain is completely dry, you need to use paint thinner to remove it. However, it will not be possible to remove all the pigment. The top painted layer can be removed with a plane or sandpaper.

Spotting of the product. If the wood being treated has an uneven density or is curled, then the absorption of the stain may occur unevenly - the color will be richer in some places and lighter in others.

Spotting on mahogany or walnut looks attractive, but on cherry, birch, pine, spruce and poplar wood it doesn’t look natural

Spotting is very difficult to remove. You can remove a layer of stained wood with a plane; in plywood, you will need to remove all the face veneer.

It is better to prevent the appearance of spotting in advance:

test the wood - apply stain to an unnecessary piece of the product being processed;
use gel stain.

Gel stain is a thick, paste-like stain that does not spread and does not penetrate deep into the wood. In addition, gel stains have a low absorption rate.

Wood staining - great way emphasize the structure and beauty of the wood and at the same time give the elements a unique shade. Wood stain, which comes in a variety of colors, does not create an opaque film on the surface, unlike paints and varnishes.

It impregnates the wood and gives it a noble shade. In addition, impregnation protects the surface from the proliferation of microbes, moisture and fungus.

In contact with

Purpose of stain

The main task of this material is to highlight the beauty of wood. Shades of stain, obtained by the interaction of wood with matter, are so diverse that any old thing will sparkle with new colors.

There are several types of wood stains with different bases, which determine the individual properties of the material.

Types of compositions

Wood stain is a material that can be divided into 2 types: for interior and exterior use. In the second case, manufacturers introduce special pigments into the material that prevent it from fading in the sun.

The material can be gel-like, powder or in the form of a ready-made solution. The composition of impregnations is:

water,
acrylic,
oily,
alcohol,
waxy,
chemical

Each of these types has advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering in detail.

Water based

This impregnation is the most popular and widespread material with a wide range of colors. Water-based wood stains are commercially available in the form of a ready-made composition or powder that needs to be diluted with water.

Advantages:

non-toxic;
a variety of colors (shades from light to rich dark);
ease of application and low material consumption;
low cost.

But there is one significant drawback - it is impossible to protect the wood from moisture, since the material will raise the fibers. This drawback can be combated: after applying the impregnation, the swollen fibers are treated with sandpaper, after which they are re-processed. If you want to preserve the structure of the wood, then after the first application of stain you can coat the surface with a colorless varnish.

Note! The long time it takes for the surface to dry after applying stain can be considered a minor drawback.

Based on acrylic resins

Modern innovative material - impregnations made on the basis of acrylic resins. These compositions are represented by an emulsion, which has a number of advantages:

ease of application,
good protection of wood from external influences and moisture,
large color range,
resistance to fading,
low material consumption.

There is only one drawback of acrylic stain - high cost.

Oil based

When making these products, the pigment is dissolved in oil, and the shade of the material can be any color. Positive aspects there is quite a lot of material:

Among the shortcomings we can highlight long time drying and slight toxicity.

It is worth noting that these impregnations are applied in a very thin layer.

Alcohol based

The dye is aniline, it is dissolved in denatured alcohol. You can buy alcohol stain for wood in the form of a powder or solution.

The advantage of this material is its quick drying. This is important for outdoor applications where the weather can change at any moment.

In addition, impregnation protects the wood from moisture and exposure to sunlight.

Disadvantages of the material:

Specific pungent odor. At interior work You need to ensure good ventilation.
Quickly absorbs into wood. This will complicate the work, and stains may appear on the surface.
Application using a spray gun, brush or roller. It is impossible to obtain a uniformly colored surface.

Wax based

Wax stain for wood was created recently, but its benefits have already been appreciated by many consumers. It is easy to apply, effectively protects against moisture and is at the same time an environmentally friendly product.

Based on the above, you can decide which stain would be better suited for wood, based on your requirements and preferences.

How to choose a color scheme

How to choose the color of stain? The most the best option is to apply the composition to a small area of wood. It is worth noting that on different surfaces the color of the impregnation will look different. If a colorless wood stain is used, the structure and color of the wood is preserved while obtaining a protective layer.

If it is not possible to apply the material to a small area, then it is worth considering the following nuances:

Tone name. Typically, manufacturers write the color of stain based on the international classification, however, the saturation and depth will vary on different woods.
Type of wood. After absorbing the composition, the tree can become a completely unusual shade.
The quality of the stain. It is worth remembering that the result of painting with materials from different manufacturers will not be the same. Give preference only to trusted manufacturers that are well known in the market.
Composition density. If the material is liquid, then you will not get a rich and deep color during processing, since the impregnation will be strongly absorbed into the wood.

If you need to cover a large area with stain, then you should buy the material from one manufacturer, otherwise you may not get the desired color. Treating wood with stain is the easiest way to renew wooden products. The colors of the stain in the tint range depend on which manufacturer produces the composition.

Material application technology

Applying stain to the surface of wood usually does not cause difficulties, but the work requires care and a competent approach. To ensure that the material lays evenly and the consumption is small, it is important to know the nuances of application.

Stain application options

There are several ways to apply stain:

Spraying. This is the most effective method. The material lays flat, resulting in a deep, rich color over the entire surface. Using a spray gun will help avoid smudges and unpainted areas.
Trituration. The composition is rubbed onto porous wood using a rag. Thanks to this application method, products made from ordinary wood acquire a noble oak shade. The composition must be rubbed very carefully, so the use of quick-drying stains should be avoided.
Application with a sponge or roller. The method is suitable for processing small surfaces. Covering a cut of wood with a sponge can provide excellent color and protection.
Application with a brush. This is a common method, since the tool is easy to use and the impregnation applies evenly. The master can highlight the natural ornament of the wood and show the design in a more advantageous way.

The method of applying stain depends on the type of material and the professional skills of the craftsman. You can often read about the application method in the instructions for the material written on the label.

Application rules

It doesn't matter how many times the surface is covered. The main thing is to adhere to a certain technique and take into account the nuances:

You should not apply stain to one place several times, otherwise dark spots will be visible on the surface.
The raised wood fibers must be cleaned off with a coarse mesh (you should move along the fibers).

The drying time for alcohol solutions is a maximum of 3 hours, for oil solutions - 3 days.

Important! The rules for applying stain for oak are the same for both exterior and interior work. When using alcohol formulations, it is worth remembering safety measures, since the solution is very toxic.

Surface tinting - step-by-step instructions

Surface tinting is carried out in the following order:

The wood is cleared of the old coating, all uneven areas are sanded off.
The stain prepared according to the instructions is poured into the bath.
A small amount of the composition is poured onto the tool and distributed evenly over the surface.
The material is not applied immediately in a thick layer, since the stain consumption will be high and the coating will be of poor quality.

Coating defects and their elimination

Did any defects appear during the application of the impregnation? There are several techniques for eliminating them without repainting the surface.

It is not difficult to eliminate stains on wood if you discover it before the surface has completely dried. Apply a little impregnation and clean the area with a rag. If the impregnation has already dried, the runoff can be removed with a plane or sandpaper.

No matter how evenly you apply the material, stains may form - the whole reason is the wood, which absorbs the composition unevenly. In this case, the surface must be treated with a plane and covered with gel impregnation, which is not absorbed into the wood and lies evenly.

Useful video: how to choose wood stain

Now you know what wood stain is and what it is intended for. And using our recommendations, you can qualitatively process any wooden surface yourself.

At the dacha and in a private house, wood is actively used: floors, windows, doors, furniture, gazebos and decorative elements. And no matter how beautiful the tree is in its in kind, under the influence of time and external factors it quickly loses its attractiveness and consumer qualities: under the influence of the sun it fades and turns gray; may become deformed due to moisture; when bacteria multiply - rot. Therefore, if you want to preserve the structure and decent appearance of wooden products for a long time, then they should be treated with stain.

Stain (also called “stain”) is a special liquid composition to give the wood the desired color (tinting). Usually these are colors that imitate noble wood species. But multi-colored tinting is also possible in accordance with the designer’s idea.

The main difference between stain and paints and enamels is that the tinting elements of the impregnation penetrate deep into the wood and color it from the inside, while maintaining the texture and pattern of the fibers visible. However, an opaque film does not form on the surface of the part, as happens when processing paint.

In addition to the aesthetic function of giving wood a noble and attractive appearance, stain also performs a number of practical tasks:

protection of wood from moisture;
protection from the destructive effects of ultraviolet radiation;
preventing the proliferation of bacteria that destroy wood.

As a result of using stain, you can extend the life of wooden parts several times.

Types of stain by composition

Manufacturers produce wood stains that differ in their base. Choose the composition that is suitable for your case, based on what result and in what time frame you need to get it. Each composition has its pros and cons.

Water based stain. In specialized stores you can purchase such a stain in the form of a ready-to-use liquid or powder, which you will need to dissolve in warm water before processing the wood. The final intensity of the color of the coating will depend on the ratio of the amount of powder and water. Before application, the water stain must be filtered so that undissolved dye particles do not fall on the wood.

A big plus of water-based impregnation is the absence of a strong odor. This makes it convenient for indoor use. Aqueous tinting liquid perfectly emphasizes the natural grain of wood: it highlights some fibers and hides others. It will take 12-14 hours for the composition to dry completely. But as for the disadvantages of water stain - it tends to raise wood fibers, because of this, after drying the wood turns out to be rough and less protected from moisture. To deal with the problem you need:

or grind the already treated surface after the composition has dried;
or moisten the surface with plain water, let the water soak in, when the fibers rise, sand the wood, and only then cover it with stain.

Alcohol-based or solvent-based stain (nitro stain). From the name it becomes clear that this type of impregnation is based on alcohol (denatured alcohol) or a special solvent. Just like the previous version of stain (water-based), it is available in the form of a ready-made composition or powder that will need to be dissolved. After spreading the stain, the dyes are quickly absorbed, and the alcohol/solvent evaporates, so the time for complete drying of the alcohol impregnation is only 20-30 minutes. The technology for applying such a stain is also associated with quick drying: it must be applied quickly and evenly to avoid the appearance of stains and unevenness on the finished product. It is most convenient to apply alcohol and nitro stain using a special sprayer rather than manually.

Oil based stain. The coloring matter in this impregnation is dissolved in special oils (most often it is linseed oil). It is thanks to the base that this type of product is the most environmentally friendly (i.e. it does not emit any harmful substances), therefore it can without a doubt be used for processing furniture parts, even such as parts kitchen furniture and furniture for children's rooms. This is the most popular type of stain among furniture makers:

it dries quite quickly - in 2-3 hours;
deeply impregnates wood;
doesn't lift wood fibers, therefore the material is reliably protected from moisture penetration;
applied evenly without much effort;
the color of the treated surface does not fade for many years.

Water-based acrylic stains are produced, which, thanks to a diverse palette, allow you to reproduce any desired shade of color. This is a new generation of impregnations that eliminate the disadvantages of conventional types of impregnation. But today such impregnation is the most expensive.

acrylic stain dries very quickly;
has no smell;
does not emit toxic fumes;
the color is very stable (lasts for many years);
lays down smoothly and does not form stains;
reliably protects wood from moisture.

Wax stain is latest technology in the field of wood processing. The substance is a soft waxy mass. This impregnation does not penetrate deep into the wood, but creates a protective layer on its surface. Wax stain is not recommended for use as a base for two-component varnishes. The wax composition is rubbed into the surface of the product using a soft cloth. When applied, the appearance of stains and raising of wood fibers is excluded.

Wood stain: color

Stain not only protects the wood from rapid wear, but also gives it a beautiful, noble color. Since the structure of wood itself is heterogeneous, dense fibers are impregnated with stain to a lesser extent than others - this is why, after the impregnation dries, the natural grain of the wood not only remains on the products, but also stands out better.

Modern impregnations can paint wood in any color, but the most popular is the “wood” range of shades. Each name corresponds to a specific type of wood: oak, teak, pine, walnut, mahogany, plum, mahogany, etc. If you couldn't find suitable color Among the ready-made shades, you can mix several tones yourself.

When you select a color in a specialized store, pay attention, first of all, not to its name or photograph on the stain packaging, but ask the consultant to provide you with samples of wood coated with stain of specific shades.

The fact is that different manufacturers may have compositions with the same name different shades. To ensure that the result of processing parts is not unexpected, carefully examine the samples.

The intensity of the color largely depends on the type of wood you are going to process: it natural color, density, porosity and texture. So, coniferous trees do not absorb stain very well due to the abundance of resins, but deciduous trees, on the contrary, are soaked as much as possible. For example, if you treat maple and mahogany with the same color stain, the color of the latter will turn out to be much darker (since mahogany itself is initially darker). And if parts, for example, made of maple and pine, are coated with impregnation, then the final color of the maple part will be more intense.

White stain is used to create a fashionable effect of bleached wood, for example, “ bleached oak"or "Arctic oak". Also, using white stain, you can create products with an antique effect. Then apply as the first layer white stain water-based, and after it dries, the pores in the wood structure are filled with a dark oil- or wax-based impregnation.

It should be noted that not all types of stain have a pronounced color: there are transparent compositions, which are applied solely to protect the wood from destruction.

Wood stain: how to apply it

You need to choose a method for applying stain depending on what type of impregnation you purchased (water-based, alcohol-based or oil-based), as well as the size of the part and, of course, your convenience.

The stain can be applied with a brush, swab or paint sprayer. If you need to treat a large area, then using a brush will be so convenient: firstly, there will probably be stains from the bristles of the brush, and secondly, it will take too much time.

When the area of the part is large and water- or alcohol-based stain dries quickly, the easiest way is to use a paint sprayer. In this case, choose a stain slightly lighter than the desired color, because... during the application process, its layer will become thicker. When working with a sprayer, do not forget to protect other surfaces with film.

When applying oil stain excellent result obtained when working with a tampon (to make it, take a large piece of foam rubber or cotton wool wrapped in soft cotton cloth).

If you prefer to work with a brush, then for water and alcohol compositions, choose a tool with synthetic bristles; for water, alcohol and nitro stains, a brush made of natural bristles is suitable. Buy quality brushes that will not leave lint on the surface being treated.

Wood stain: color proof

So you have chosen desired color and decided on a tool for painting. Now, to find out how many layers of impregnation you will need to apply to your wooden parts to obtain the desired color, make a test paint (make a color proof).

take a small board of the same type of wood as the main parts for painting;
sand the surface thoroughly, as you will do this with the main parts;
Apply the first layer of stain to the entire sample board and let it dry completely;
then apply a second layer of impregnation, but already on 2/3 of the board;
when the second layer dries, apply the third to 1/3 of the sample;
compare the color intensity in each case (one, two and three layers of stain) and choose the optimal one for yourself.

Wood stain: preparing parts for staining

Uncoated wood is treated: or new board or wooden detail, from which the old coating has been completely removed.

Absolutely dry wood must be leveled and sanded with sandpaper (sandpaper). Try not to press on the parts and direct movements only along the fibers - this will avoid the appearance of unnecessary indentations and scratches. The fact is that even if the scratches seem insignificant on raw wood, then after treating it with a tinting compound the defect will be very noticeable. Sanding should last about half an hour, during which time the surface will become smooth and the pores in the wood will open for deep penetration impregnation.
When sanding is complete, use a vacuum cleaner to remove all dust and fibers from the piece.
Degrease the surface with gasoline or white spirit solvent.
Moisten the wood slightly with water. Any type of stain adheres better to a damp surface.

Wood stain: additional processing of conifers

In wood coniferous species contains a large amount of resins. After treatment with stain, resinous areas of the part may appear as unsightly spots. Therefore, before applying impregnation, the wood must be deresined. To do this, use one of the compositions:

in 1 liter of warm water (60 degrees) dissolve 60 g of soda ash and 50 g of potassium carbonate;
mix 250 g of acetone with 750 ml of water.

Once you have prepared the solution, apply it to the boards using a soft rag or large brush until the wood is thoroughly wetted. It is preferable to treat the surface 2-3 times with a short break. Then leave the composition to act for half an hour. Wash parts with warm soapy water. Only after the parts are completely dry from water can you begin their further processing - tinting with stain.

Wood stain: application instructions

Shake the jar of stain until it is evenly mixed.
Warm the mixture to body temperature. This will help the impregnation substances penetrate deeper into the pores of the wood.
Lightly moisten the tool of your choice (brush, roller, swab) in the stain so that the substance does not flow. If you use a sprayer, pour the tinting composition into a special container.
If you need to process vertical surface, then it’s better to do it from the bottom up. So, if small smudges form, they will be less noticeable and easier to neutralize.
To stain a horizontal piece, first brush along the grain, then across, and then along again. This way you will achieve even coverage.
Distribute the impregnation carefully and make sure that it applies evenly and does not run off.
However, keep in mind that the wood must be well soaked, and the excess substance (which is not absorbed) will subsequently be removed.
Treat quickly and without interruption to avoid stains.
To obtain the desired color, apply required quantity layers of stain. In this case, before applying the second layer, the first one must dry completely.

Wood stain: wash

Washing is the final part of wood stain treatment. It is carried out when the impregnating composition is completely dry. During the washing process, excess tinting agent is removed. Which the tree did not absorb. After washing, the part will look completely different: the texture and shine of the treated surface will appear.

To clean, you will need a large amount of acetone and a thick, voluminous brush.

Tilt the piece at a slight angle.
Place the piece so that there is some absorbent material (such as paper towels) underneath it.
Wet the brush in acetone.
“Sweep away” the excess stain with a brush from top to bottom, so that it runs off along with the acetone.
Continue until the part looks uniform.
When the stain stops coming off, the washing is completed.
Let the part dry with acetone. And then you can apply the final coating - varnish.

Wood stain. Photo

Wood stain. Video

Wood stain is a unique composition for wood processing. Many people mistakenly believe that with the help of stain you can give the material its appearance. But in fact, wood stain, which impresses with its diversity, allows you to complement any interior with richness and uniqueness. appearance.

Composition characteristics

With the help of modern stains you can easily imitate breeds various woods. There are a variety of shades to choose from on the construction market. But stain is not only used to create a perfect appearance. The product is an indispensable antiseptic, thanks to which the product is made from natural wood lasts much longer. The composition reliably protects against rotting, microorganisms, fungi and insects.

There are different types of stains:

Water. It is in great demand due to its composition. You can buy it in a specialized store ready solution or a powder that is simply mixed with water during operation. The color palette of water stain is impressively diverse. It can easily be selected according to individual wishes in accordance with the interior. The advantages of the material for processing wooden surfaces are environmental friendliness and safety for people, environment, ease of application, economical in consumption, reasonable cost and many shades.

The disadvantages of this type of composition are the interaction with the structure of the wood, which opens the way for moisture penetration, and a long drying period. This unnecessary phenomenon can be eliminated by treating the surface with a special varnish. Water-based wood stain can be used on.

Alcohol, which is applied using spray guns. When working with a brush, it is almost impossible to achieve an even application - this is its main drawback. In addition, alcohol stain is not produced in a variety of color scheme and dries quickly when applied.
Oily. This is a material that is produced in various color palette. Almost any pigment can be dissolved in an oil base. It does not affect the wood, it is simply applied and lies flat, and dries quickly.
Wax acrylic , which can be purchased in any color. The composition spreads evenly on the wooden surface, is a first-class protector of the material, and perfectly highlights the structure of the wood. This stain is used if necessary.

But it is worth remembering that no matter what type of composition is used, after performing staining procedures the product must be treated with a special varnish. It will help give the work a finished look, become a reliable fixative for the substance and allow it to delight you with its impeccable appearance for many years. Using a unique composition, you can create a natural pattern and highlight the advantages of wood.

Rules for choosing stain color

The most the best way Determining color is, naturally, applying stain to a small board. The point is that on different wood the composition manifests itself in its own way.

If this is not possible, then when choosing, experts recommend following:

name of the tone. It is worth remembering that the manufacturer is obliged to indicate the color in accordance with the international classification, but nevertheless, the tone will vary depending on the wood. different type, saturation and depth;
type of wood, which will be amenable to processing. After dyeing, natural material can acquire completely new shades and absorb the composition - this is worth remembering;

quality of the composition. The same stains from different manufacturers can look different on natural materials. Therefore, you should not give preference to dubious companies offering a low cost of the substance;
composition density. With a low density of the composition, the stain is very absorbed into the wood, especially soft wood. As a result of processing it is impossible to obtain .

It is worth remembering that even with the same tone, stains from different manufacturers can have completely different shades. If a large scale of work is planned, professionals recommend purchasing compounds from one manufacturer. Wood stain, the price of which is reasonable, allows you to create the most sophisticated design. Moreover, it is a classic that is timeless. And even after many years, painted wooden surface will have a beautiful and, most importantly, current look.

Methods of applying stain

Material of any tone can be applied using a brush, swab or spray gun. The method of applying the coloring composition depends on:

the size of the area that needs to be processed. If you need to paint a small surface, you can safely use a swab. For large areas it is recommended to use a spray gun or brush;
varieties of stain. For example, alcohol mixtures are applied only using a sprayer. Other types of substances can be applied depending on the area.