Wood Stains
Stains work as colored sealants that are put on the wood to seal it and offer protection. They are lighter than paints and meant to soak pigment into the fibers within the wood. This joining is the result of a chemical reaction with a solvent. The color is attached to the wood after it has dried and cured. Wood stains are available in many varieties. For kitchen bar stools and tables, select interior wood stains. Wood stains focus on different applications. The styles of stains vary based upon their solvent base.
Oil-Based Stains
Interior oil-based stain is usually what springs to mind when people hear “wood stain.” These items are plentiful and simple to use. Oil-based stains are brimming with dangerous chemicals so use them correctly and look at the labels. You'll want to wear a respirator mask whenever using this product.
These stains generally consist of a linseed oil binder to enable plenty of cleanup time for excess before it dries. Often applied with a cloth or a rag, this stain could also be applied with a brush.
Oil-based stains breathe fresh life into wood furniture. They feature a more measured drying time and this gives a finish that is more uniform. This stain is known to penetrate deeper than water-based stains. Apply your stain in many coats until you achieve the rich, warm tone you want.
Durable and lasting, oil stains are immune to peeling and deliver great surface adhesion. A bonus is you are not forced to remove the pre-existing finish beforehand. Use mineral spirits to thin the previous layer.
Water-Based Stains
Interior water-based stains are made to dry rapidly and can be cleaned without difficulty. They depend on water as the binding agent. These items can be cleaned up with water and thinned out. These stains are better for the environment in comparison to oil-based products. Resistant against mold and mildew, water-based stains are perfect for many applications. Water-based stains are perfect for small projects due to fast drying time. Simply apply by using a brush or a rag. This stain doesn’t sink into wood that deeply. This lets you obtain a soft shade or add more coats to achieve a darker possibility. When feasible, apply directly to raw wood that doesn’t have any finish.
Varnish
The varnish is frequently used as a final coat or a finish. Varnishes can include polyurethane, shellac and lacquer. Your varnish may consist of polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac. This clean, hard finish is used as the final sealant to lumber items. It makes a protective, clear coat over your stain to seal and complete your piece. Varnish consists of little color. Varnishes incorporate a thinner or solvent mixed with resin and drying oil. A lot of these stains are heavier in texture in comparison to oil-based products. They consume 4-6 hours on average to dry. Varnish is extremely moisture-resistant in comparison to lacquer and is able to be applied to every interior wood item.
Gel-Based Stains
Gel stains land among paint and traditional stain. They allow some of the wood’s unique markings and textures come through. Similar to oil-based products, these gel products will need mineral spirits for cleaning. The gel stain calls for less preparation than paint or traditional stain. They are messy and dense and easy to apply. For the ultimate application, count on a cloth or a rag. This is an optimal product for pine furniture and flooring or other varieties of wood that may be prone to spotty finishes. Blotchiness occurs when different wood has varying resin densities located throughout it.
Lacquer
Lacquer provides an intense shine and a strong, hard finish. Lacquer happens last as the protective topcoat. Once the staining is done, the lacquer is the final thing you apply to protect and seal the project. Lacquer is commonly applied with spraying equipment and dries very quickly. It is designed to seal cabinetry, internal woodwork, moldings, carpentry and trim. Lacquer is not made for exterior use.
Food-Grade Finishes
If you happen to be refinishing a kitchen table, island, or bar countertop, make sure to use products that are viewed as food-grade safe. Examine your labels carefully or ask at the shop to guarantee your water or oil-based sealant is food-grade safe. Consider using placemats or some tablecloth or other creative means in the event you accidentally choose a non-food-grade safe option.
