Stain (known as stain) is a compound with which wood can acquire completely different shades... It is often used to change the appearance of a tree, and not just to color it. Inflicted on wooden furniture, the wood stain gives it a well-groomed appearance... Which one to choose - classic, acrylic, alcohol?
What is the impregnation for wood
Liquid impregnation for wood can be roughly divided into three groups - alcohol, water and oil stains. They differ depending on the basis that is used for their manufacture. The latest developments have appeared on the construction market - acrylic and wax stains. Thanks to new types of toning material, the wood is stained without stains and its fibers do not rise. What properties does each of existing species?
Wood stain on alcohol
Alcohol stain is also known as denatured alcohol dye solution. It is produced in two states - ready-to-use and powdery. The disadvantages of impregnation include quick drying, which can lead to stains. It is almost impossible to spray the composition manually from a can, it is recommended to use a manual or pneumatic spray gun.
Water
Water-based stains are sold ready-made or as a powder that you dissolve in water. It is popular with those who wish to radically change the color of wood - from the lightest to the darkest red. The disadvantage of water impregnation is its ability to lift wood fibers. This allows you to highlight the structure of the tree, but makes it less resistant to moisture. To protect the surface, before using the stain, it must be wetted, wait a little and sanded, only then cover it.
Oil
Thanks to the oil stain for wood, products acquire any color from all the variety of existing shades. The desired color is obtained by mixing oil-soluble dyes. The composition of this type is diluted with a solvent - white spirit. The material is unpretentious in work - it is evenly applied without lifting the wood fibers, and dries quickly.
Acrylic
Acrylic stain - the new kind tinting material. When opened, the tree completely penetrates inside, evenly colors the entire surface and forms protective film on the surface of the wood, thereby protecting it from moisture. For example, if you pour water on the floor, it will scatter into droplets - this is an excellent sign of protection. It is also worth protecting the film on the flooring - open it with varnish, it is better to use water-based varnish for wood. Acrylic stains highlight the structure of the wood well and paint it in any color.
How is wood staining carried out
Before staining, external and inner surface wood must be carefully processed - sanded, cleaned and degummed. Then everything is simple:
- Depending on the texture, the stain is applied with a swab, brush, spray gun or roller.
- The application must be carried out continuously over the entire surface, otherwise drips will appear.
- After drying one layer, apply another.
- For the finishing coat, it is better to use a special varnish for wood - it gives a finished look to the wood and does not allow moisture to penetrate under the coating
Why impregnation is good for wood
The impregnation is in demand because it does not hide the very structure of the wood. The paint removes the pattern from it, the varnish hides the natural look, while the stain emphasizes all the fibers, stripes and rings of natural wood. Such impregnation has reliable protective properties, making the surface resistant to scratches and other destructive natural factors... Stained wood will last for decades1
Colored and white wood stain
Having figured out what a wood stain is, it is worth finding out how wide its color gamut is. The assortment is wide - from white to black. By mixing if desired different colors you can paint furniture even in green color... White stain is used as bleach. After it has dried, the desired color can be applied. The most popular, nevertheless, is the range of woody shades.
DIY wood stain
Give a new look wooden floor or any wooden surface easily and with my own hands... To do this, it is not at all necessary to buy expensive materials or chemically harmful substances... You can change the shade of the product using natural plant ingredients. To do this, you need to make a cool broth:
- Onion husks will add a reddish tint to light woods.
- A decoction of larch bark will color the birch red.
- Walnut shells give the wood different shades. Grind the dry shell into powder, boil it in water. We filter the resulting solution through a strainer, add a little soda (food grade) to it. To obtain a red color, it is necessary, after drying, to soak the shell with a solution of potassium dichromate. To obtain a gray color, we saturate the surface already treated with the solution with acetic acid diluted with water.
- A strong infusion of alder and oak bark will give the wood an ebony effect.
- Oak, walnut shells, willow bark and alder catkins in equal proportions will give the tree an almost natural Brown color... We fill in the components cold water and bring to a boil, then add 0.5 tsp. baking soda and leave to simmer for another 10 minutes.
- The bark of the apple tree and walnut shells will paint the furniture brown. For more saturated shade alum can be added to the solution.
- The bark of willow and alder is perfect for making homemade stain for black wood.
- A decoction of unripe buckthorn fruits will give the wood a golden yellow color.
Video: water-based wood stain for furniture production
Wood, even after the appearance of metal and various modern synthetic materials for construction, remains popular and in demand, as it is a high-quality and environmentally friendly raw material. And thanks to a huge selection of all kinds of paints and varnishes, such as wood stain, it became possible to significantly improve the appearance of wood products, and, importantly, to extend their service life.
Peculiarities
Under the influence of aggressive factors external environment, including all sorts of bacteria, mold and insect pests, the tree can deform and start to rot. In order to minimize the risk of such problems, it is very important to take timely care of the wood. Most effective option to combat such circumstances, wood stain is considered. The tool is a liquid composition that sets it the desired tone from a mass of options for colors and shades. This allows you to ennoble the natural color of the wood or radically change it.
Besides aesthetic functions, main feature composition are antiseptic properties. Thanks to the use of the product, wood will be able to serve you twice as long.
Another feature of almost all types of wood stains is the ability to penetrate deeply into the wood without harm to the pattern and texture, unlike enamel or paint.
Wood staining has several advantages:
- the ability to combine different shades of color;
- strengthening and preserving the structure of the tree;
- the service life of products increases;
- the indicators of wood resistance to moisture increase.
Stain is not only a varnish for wood, thanks to its use, you can create a unique interior in a room or completely transform, at first glance, everyday interior items or furniture.
The following liquids are used as a basis for the production of stain: oil, water or alcohol. This division makes it possible to distinguish several types of this composition.
Kinds
There are 2 types of means - water and non-water (oil and alcohol) stain.
Water based stain it is offered by manufacturers in a ready-to-use state or as a powder (dry mixture). This type of composition is used most often, since it has a very diverse color range... The color of the powder stain can be easily adjusted, it directly depends on the amount of loose substance, that is, the more there is, the richer and brighter the result will be.
Water-based formulation has the advantage of none bad smell, thanks to this, the stain can be used indoors. The disadvantages of this type include the ability of the product to lift the fibers during the surface treatment. Due to this, the moisture resistance of the tree is reduced. The time required for the stain to dry completely varies between 10-14 hours, which can also be attributed to the disadvantages of the variety of the composition.
The technology for working with water-based stains requires pre-wetting wooden surface, then sand. The composition is filtered before use. Only after completing such preparatory work you can paint a tree. It is not advisable to use this product on resinous woods.
Oil formulations include dyes dissolved in drying oil or oils. You can work with this type of impregnation with any tool. The tool does not raise the fibers of the raw material and does not allow it to be saturated with excess moisture. Using a similar composition, you can get any color and shade, additionally using dyes. They are available in powder form, white spirit is used for dilution.
According to experts, oil stain is the simplest and most convenient to use. Oil-based impregnation is very popular among decorators and decorators due to the ability to achieve the desired color.
The pluses of oil stain should include its environmental friendliness, since the most common basis for it is linseed oil. It takes about 2 hours for the surface to dry completely. The composition does not leave stains.
Alcohol based stain Is a dissolved aniline dye. The impregnation is available ready-made or in powder form. The main task of the composition is to protect wood from the damaging effects of moisture and ultraviolet radiation.
The main advantage of alcohol stain is its ability to be instantly absorbed into wood fibers. The composition dries on the surface after 30-40 minutes.
The disadvantages include the fact that it will not work to manually apply the composition to the tree, since the alcohol will evaporate very quickly, which can lead to stains. For work, it is better to use a spray gun.
Along with the above types of wood stains, fundamentally new products began to appear in the assortment of building supermarkets. Modern technologies allowed manufacturers to offer the consumer a water-based acrylic impregnation, as well as a wax composition. New tools were developed to eliminate the main disadvantages of existing formulations.
These products fit well on the surface, most often they are used for painting and treating the floor.
Wax stain restore old wooden coverings, it perfectly fills in color inconsistencies. In addition to the above characteristics, to positive qualities modern formulations include their excellent moisture-protective properties. However, such products are very vulnerable to mechanical damage, so they should be varnished. Acrylic and wax liquids are available in a wide variety of colors. They emphasize the structure of the wood well.
The disadvantages of acrylic stains include them. high cost, as well as the possible formation of spots on the surface when applying two or more layers.
The main disadvantage of wax compositions is that they are not able to penetrate deeply into wood. The agent only forms a protective layer on top of the material. Such a composition should not be used before treating wood with two-component varnishes or polyurethane.
Since the composition perfectly preserves the texture of the wood and protects against negative impact many external factors, thereby extending its operational life, the answer to the question of what is worth purchasing - varnish or stain, becomes obvious.
Color spectrum
Alternative types of stain include white. This tool is the most environmentally friendly and inexpensive. Along with this, white stain is presented in a wide variety of natural shades.
Today, a range of similar products for coating and painting wooden surfaces will be able to satisfy the needs of every customer. Such products allow the craftsman to give the wood almost any color. V Lately among specialists, a black stain is in demand, which gives the treated surface the appearance of a black mirror. The technology of applying the black compound requires preliminary polishing of the base.
Shades of gray will help the surface blend harmoniously with the interior of any room. However, the use of this color will be successful only if the walls and interior items in the room are bright. Grey colour can cause apathy, and products painted in this color will be lost against the background of the rest of the decoration.
According to psychologists, the most optimal color for a person is green. He calls positive emotions and is suitable for painting walls and ceilings, as well as for furniture and other things.
The blue color gives expressiveness and depth to the finished product. This stain will work well with whites and yellows.
In addition to multi-colored compositions, there is a colorless impregnation on store shelves, which makes it possible to preserve the natural color of the material.
The final color of the tree depends on the number of layers applied., therefore, experts advise to make a final decision only after the test staining. The material for test staining is sanded and smoothed. Next, proceed to the application of the first layer of the composition. After it has completely dried, a second layer is applied, but on a smaller area. The third layer is used to process the material on a piece of wood, which will be even smaller than the allotted space for the two previous layers of wood stain.
When all areas are completely dry, comparing the results obtained, you can choose the color you like.
Manufacturers: review and reviews
Today on the paint and varnish market there are products of foreign and domestic manufacturers.
"NovBytKhim" I is a company that specializes in the production of construction and household chemicals... The assortment of manufactured compositions includes various varnishes, paints, decorative materials, as well as stains on a different basis.
According to the majority of buyers, the compositions for wood from the NovBytKhim company for processing and painting wooden products have a strong smell, but they do an excellent job, and also dry quickly. Therefore, painting work must be carried out as quickly as possible. The composition lays down quite evenly, the color is uniform.
Trademark Liberon works as part of the V33 company - the international leader in the production of paints and materials for wood surfaces. Products of this brand are popular all over the world, as they are intended for the care of wood, as well as for restoration work with antique interior items and furniture.
French compositions for wood Liberon on domestic market are represented by decorative and protective stains, wood fillers, wax removers.
Consumers note some of the advantages of Liberon wood products:
- convenience and ease of applying the composition;
- lack of smell.
The disadvantages of such products include some discrepancy between the declared color and the one indicated on the package.
The most famous German companies that specialize in the production of wood products are Flamingo, Dufa and Caparol.
Caparol has a separate line of wood preservatives.
Compositions produced by Turkish companies are considered no less popular products for the care and painting of wood. The leaders among them are manufacturers Betek, Dyo, Marshall.
Specialists who are engaged in repair work note high quality German compositions for wood.
Only positive reviews have Turkish products for painting wooden surfaces.
Stains can also be classified by purpose - products for internal works and formulations for external use. The main and only criterion for their difference is the presence of pigment in the composition of means for external work, which provides protection against burnout.
When choosing tools, it will be useful to decide on the tool that will be used for surface treatment with the acquired composition. There are wood stains that cover a wooden surface with a brush, for some you may need a spray gun.
For interior work, for example, if the processing of pieces of furniture is required, it is better to give preference to wax or oil compositions. There are almost no volatile compounds in them. Almost all stains are compatible with paint varnishes.
Alcohol-based products have their own characteristics. They are ideal for tinting furniture, wood products or doors. And for a staircase or parquet, you should choose a different type of wood stain. Alcohol compounds must be applied to the surface with a spray gun, since any error or delay in work will be fraught with the formation of a stain, as a result of which repair or construction works have to start over.
Wooden houses are in great demand, it is worth remembering that they require special care. To protect buildings from external factors, you should pay attention to wood stains. In the home, almost all wooden surfaces and furniture can be coated with this product.
Peculiarities
Wood stain is a dark liquid that is applied to a wood surface to achieve a specific color, tint a more even texture, or to enhance the texture of a desired object. It is often used as a protective agent for plywood, fiberboard and chipboard against various negative factors, such as mold and rot.
There are many varieties of this remedy. Each has its own properties that should be taken into account, because the final result depends on this. The features of a substance are different, for example, quick drying, toxicity, the ability to prime some irregularities. There are liquids that have a smell, while others are characterized by its complete absence.
Also, do not forget that different types of stains should be applied in different ways. For example, a thinner mixture is best applied with a spray gun, and for a very thick solution, a brush is better.
The most important condition to prepare the mixture for application to working materials - this is a clean surface of the building material. It must be free of old paint or other coatings. It is advisable to get rid of debris and dust, otherwise this application will be meaningless. In order for the stain to fit well on the material, it is best to grind it, and in many cases also sand it, then the color will turn out to be more saturated, and the tint will not necessarily be applied a second time. Of course, to be sure of the effect, you should try how easy it is to apply and how well it adheres to the surface. Stains are budget option, which is another indisputable advantage.
It is not necessary to use the stain as a tinting; it can be used as protection from external factors: ultraviolet radiation, moisture and other whims of nature. If you want to give the wooden surface a different color, then after a certain surface preparation, you can use any paint. The choice is individual. It will fit perfectly on stained surfaces.
Diversity
Today many modern wood stain manufacturers offer a wide range of products. Among the offered assortment you can easily choose the best option depending on the purpose of use. The following types of wood stains can be distinguished:
- alkyd liquid is the densest in structure stain, used for both outdoor and interior decoration wood. It is also called oil;
- water tinting is the easiest to use. It is applied easily, absorbs almost instantly (approx. Drying time - 12 hours), is completely non-toxic and does not have a pungent odor;
- rustic The stain is ideal for lovers of old-style parquet floors. It gives any floor a beautiful antiquity shade;
- alcohol tinting is in great demand, characterized by fast drying;
- powder options require compliance with the correct proportion of the preparation of the stain for use, without deviating from the instructions in the instructions;
- nitro models are solvent based.
Liquids are used for both external and internal work.
Choosing a painting tool
When applying a stain on a wooden surface, it is necessary to take into account not only its properties and qualities, but also the specifics of materials, and even the quality of the brush.
To apply the liquid, you need to use brushes made of artificial fibers, since they are stronger, their fibers will not crumble during painting. A natural fiber brush will leave fine hairs on the surface, which will look very ugly. Natural brushes are unreliable because they will stick to the surface. It is necessary to paint with a brush along the grain for better absorption into the surface.
Spray guns or spray guns are used for staining if the liquid is not suitable for brushing. Some liquids need to be applied evenly to avoid stains on the wood.
The spray gun can be adjusted to suit your hand, so as not to catch a comfortable distance when painting, but it is convenient to use this equipment.
Color solutions
The stain is available in many different shades, allowing you to quickly and easily give your wood the desired shade. The color scheme is diverse. There is a wide selection of water stain colors available.
Colored stain allows you to completely change the look wood covering. It is made in the following colors:
- pine - very close to the original shade, it makes the coating almost invisible;
- marigold is a very beautiful dark color;
- oak - very often used dark brown tint;
- mahogany - often used as a coating on tables and chairs, after application they look more noble;
- ebony - after coating, it gives the wood a visually antique texture, flooring after using this shade, it is also customary to call the living floor, since each strip, each knot is highlighted;
- light walnut - the treated surface resembles freshly sawn wood, it is usually applied to protect the wood, since the color of the wood practically does not change;
- cherry - there are two types: regular and dark;
- bleached oak- gives a very interesting white color to the wood, lays down well without painting over the texture of the wood;
- fern - this color got this unusual name, because it has a resemblance to the plant, after which it is named. It is presented in a pleasant green color, which is well suited for furniture in kindergartens;
- blue - cold texture warms when applied to surfaces and looks great;
- wenge is a noble, dark brown color that is similar to the color of oak;
- mahogany - does not require reapplication, fits snugly and tints the surface well;
- lemon - yellow when reapplied, it becomes more contrasting;
- plum - a pleasant dark pink color, a very warm shade;
- black - often used in the manufacture of ship models, as well as to give antiquity to floors or furniture;
- mountain ash is a pale beige, nondescript color that requires reapplication, and sometimes it looks more like a pale pink;
- maple is a delicate, beautiful peach shade;
- mocha - the color of freshly brewed coffee;
- larch - represented by a dark yellow or orange tint;
- bog oak or gray - has a matte shade, after application it is better to varnish it, used for painting modern furniture;
- ash - practically leaves initial appearance, only gives a light pink tint;
- hazelnuts - looks like a nut shell, it is applied to the array for a deep effect.
- blue - resembles wolf berries.
How to cook with your own hands?
Another unexpected solution in the world of renovation is a homemade stain. Usually it is used by amateurs of experiments. If the required stain color is not on sale, then you can create such a product on an acrylic base of a certain color yourself. Like alcohol-based liquids, acrylic-based stains are easy to use and very easy to mix. It is also suitable for both interior and exterior use, and is no different from a simple solution.
To make your own wood stain, you need to take a regular small jam jar. You also need iron shavings or small nails of a size that will fit in the jar. Send the iron to a jar and pour vinegar over it. Leave on for 5-6 days. The vinegar will take on the color of the wood stain, but may be darker or lighter. This will depend on how long the iron is in the liquid. After the appearance of the shade, the iron must be removed from the can and you can try to apply the stain on the desired surface.
To prepare the stain, you can use a colorant - this is acrylic paint very dense composition, so its colors are clear without mixing. The recipe is simple: to create a liquid, it is necessary to dilute paint and water in a 2: 1 ratio. This option is characterized by its density, therefore it is used to create dark shades. When stirring, it is recommended to achieve a creamy liquid. When it works out, you need to check if this concentration of the solution is suitable. If you want the effect of a store-bought liquid, it should be diluted as watery as possible.
Try to apply the stain made with your own hands on the surface with a brush, like a regular alcohol. There are many ways to make liquid with your own hands, but this one is one of the simplest and most reliable. When using it, you can get the desired shade without a doubt.
There is a wide variety of wood stains, differing in color and composition. Wood will always be popular, because it is a beautiful and environmentally friendly material. However, like all natural decorative elements, boards are afraid of moisture and are a favorite habitat for insects, fungi, mold and other microorganisms. To increase the service life of things made from wood species, various protective agents and antiseptics are used. Today we will talk about such a wonderful substance as wood stain, with its help you can not only solve some problems associated with premature damage to wooden materials, but also give your products an unusual and noble appearance.
What is wood stain
Wood is a strong and durable material that is subject to the influence of adverse environmental factors, therefore, in order to protect products from it from possible damage, it is necessary to process them. special means... On the construction market, you can find a huge number of different antiseptics, varnishes and other impregnations that change the color and some properties of wood; the most popular and inexpensive product is wood stain. Some people think that stains are used only to change the color of an object, but this wonderful drug has other properties.
The color of wood stain should be chosen depending on the interior design
The properties of wood stains can vary depending on their composition. However, even if you do this with your own hands, it will still have some protective properties.
Properties of wood stains:
- If you want to change not only the color of the wood, but also to highlight its texture, then the stain is just what you need. It does not completely paint over the drawing, like paint, but gives the whole product a pleasant shade.
- Staining wood will protect furniture from insects and decay, while maintaining the texture and grain of the wood.
- Stain is a protective agent that increases the durability of wooden objects and is several times cheaper than varnish and paint. In addition, due to its watery consistency, it penetrates deeper into the wood structure.
- With the help of stain, you can make even an inexpensive pine stained with a colored stain look like a noble and strong oak and exotic mahogany.
- Stain tinting can lighten wood. This technique is especially often used before painting wood products.
- Impregnation with wood stain will strengthen the structure of the tree and give it a light moisture-proof property.
Not all stains have the above qualities. To understand what kind of stain you need, you need to read its composition, and see what the instructions for use say. By the way, you can handle not only whole wooden planks, but also chipboard, plywood or parquet items and other wooden crafts.
Water based wood stain and alcohol stains
Water-based stains are the most sustainable stains. They do not have a strong unpleasant odor and are easy to use.
Such a product can be sold as dry, or already ready mix... Such dyes are most popular due to their low price and the possibility of their use, both for indoor and outdoor work.
Water-based wood stain can significantly improve the appearance of wood flooring
The main characteristics of water stain:
- The colors of water-based stains are very varied. With their help, you can create a very interesting iridescent effect.
- You can use water stains without fear for your health. Even at the highest temperatures, such products do not emit harmful fumes.
- If you decide to experiment and ask the question: "What kind of stain to choose so that it can be washed off?" - then the water stain is what you need. This tinting agent can be easily washed off with water, so it is not possible to paint the floor with it.
- Tinting a wooden surface with such a tool makes its texture more visible. Unfortunately, this makes the product more sensitive to moisture, so it will need to be varnished.
It is highly undesirable to tint resinous tree species with such impregnation, as ugly stains can appear on them. For such products, it is better to use alcohol impregnation.
How long does alcohol impregnation dry? Almost a few seconds! This property is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Thanks to it, you can cover the butt of a sports rifle with an alcohol stain and use it in a few minutes, however, a large area can only be stained with a spray gun, otherwise the surface of the product will be covered with unpleasant stains and stains, even varnish will not help fix the situation. Consists of alcohol impregnation of alcohol and dyes.
Processing wood with such an impregnation will make it more resistant to ultraviolet radiation and high humidity... However, due to the unpleasant smell of such a product, work with it is possible only in an open space.
Benefits of oil-based stains and wax and acrylic stains
Oil-based stain has a wide range of colors and shades. It costs more than water stains, but also useful properties she has more. Such a preparation can be used not only to change the color of the product, but also to emphasize its texture.
It is easy and convenient to treat wood with an oil-based stain, it is applied in a thin layer and does not raise the fibers of the product. Also, this tinting does not fade under the influence of sunlight, makes the tree resistant to temperature extremes and protects it from moisture. Oil stains can be removed with White Spirit Thinner or to lighten painted wood a little. It differs from compositions with similar properties in that no varnish is needed to fix it. The disadvantages of staining with oil include: long drying of the tinting and its toxicity.
You can apply an oil-based stain using a regular brush.
It is very important to find the stain of a responsible and conscientious manufacturer. Judging by the reviews, the most popular firms are Vartan, Latek, Novbytkhim and Herlak.
Acrylic and wax stains are very easy to apply, they lay in a uniform layer and do not leave stains or streaks. However, due to the rapid drying of such stains, you need to work with them very quickly.
Wax stain is used to protect wood from moisture. It can be used to process parquet. This stain is not resistant to mechanical damage, therefore, in order to extend its service life, it is better to use varnish.
Acrylic, it is also rustic, the stain perfectly emphasizes the texture of the wood. With its help, you can get a variety of shades, which is why this drug is so popular. A tree painted with such a stain will still need to be opened with several layers of varnish.
Wood stain colors
Wood stains differ not only in composition, they come in different colors and shades. Most often, a dark mixture is used, it gives the products a more noble look. With the help of these wood stains, ordinary larch and maple can be turned into oak planks.
Modern stains can give wood the most unusual shade. However, to this day, the most popular is the range of natural wood flowers.
Before choosing the color of wood stain, it is worth studying the recommendations of the designers.
The most popular color range of wood stains:
- Pine;
- Birch;
- Bleached walnut;
- Plum; Red tree;
- Olive;
- Rosewood;
There are a lot of such examples. At the same time, it is noteworthy that the names of the same shade from different companies can be very different. When choosing a stain color, first of all, pay attention not to the color palette, which is printed on the package, but to the samples applied to the birch boards.
It is also important to consider that the intensity of the color of the stain depends on the type of wood to which it is applied. Darkening a piece if the wood is light can be more difficult than darkening an oak piece. A non-aqueous stain cannot paint over a pine board well enough if it is not first demineralized, but water-based stains are generally unsuitable for resinous tree species.
White wood stain
You don't have to paint to make your furniture white. For such work will do and a lightening stain, which will not only lighten the product, but also accentuate its structure.
Wood stain is designed not only to give the product a lighter shade, but also to protect it from the adverse conditions of the surrounding world. It is very important to consider when considering different types such a tool, how and on what you will apply it. If there is a risk that moisture will spill onto the surface of the bleached object, then it is best to use wax, oil and acrylic preparations, but if your craft will be in a dry and ventilated place, then a water stain will do.
With the help of a white stain, you can visually expand the room by applying it to the flooring or to the walls of wood
With the help of a white stain, you can achieve a very interesting effect and make an aged finish. It must first be painted with a white water-based stain, after it has dried, the object must be brushed with a stiff brush. A dark colored wax or oil stain is rubbed into the pores formed on the wood.
When using water stain, do not forget about the protective layer. The painted product must be treated with wax or oil.
Light stains do not always have a pronounced color. There is a colorless stain, which is applied exclusively to protect the tree from adverse natural factors.
How to make a stain with your own hands
It is not necessary to buy a ready-made stain. By mixing dyes, such as coffee, a few drops of iodine or shavings of black bark, and some chemical elements, it can be made at home. Homemade stain is not only effective, it's also natural.
- Boil a glass of larch bark in a glass of water. The resulting product can be used to cover birch products, it will give them a beautiful reddish tint.
- Grind dried walnut shells into powder and boil for ten minutes. The resulting broth must be mixed with soda. Cover the light wood with the solution and it will take on a brown tint. If you want to change the color of the product, you can treat it with vinegar or potassium dichromate. In the first case, the shade will be gray, and in the second, red.
- With custard tea or coffee, you can give the wood different shades. The intensity of the colors depends on the strength of the brew.
- With a solution of potassium permanganate, you will paint the product cherry color.
- A red hue can be achieved by soaking rusty nails in vinegar for several days. Black stain is obtained by adding a decoction of oak or walnut leaves to a vinegar solution.
To correctly make the stain with your own hands, you must first watch the training video
Stains are made on their own quite often. They turn out to be environmentally friendly and harmless. Unfortunately, they all tend to fade, so to preserve the color of the product, a layer of varnish must be applied over the stain.
Wood staining with wood stain: step by step instructions
To make the product look neat and beautiful, you need to cover it with stain correctly. If the stain is applied poorly, it can fade in a few weeks; also, if you do not follow the staining technology, you risk getting the surface covered with streaks.
How to properly stain objects:
- First of all, it is necessary to remove a layer of old paint from the surface of the product. This can be done using sandpaper.
- Further, the surface is degreased with alcohol, White spirit or gasoline. If the product is made of resinous tree species, then it is de-resinous.
- The stain is heated and applied in a thin layer to the surface of the product. The top of the item is processed first. Layers are applied from above, one on top of the other, until the desired shade is achieved.
After the stain has dried, the product must be covered with several layers of varnish. Before applying a new layer, the dried varnish is treated with fine-grained sandpaper.
Wood stain (video)
Stain is a great way to replace one wood color with another. Such funds are of different types, they can have different compositions and colors. Use the stain correctly and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful piece.
Detail: wood stain colors (photo examples)
Modern building materials are striking in their variety. The stain, although it has been known for a long time, has not lost its popularity, thanks to innovations in this group.
What is wood stain?
There are a lot of construction products on the shelves of stores that you can get confused, for which some of them are intended, for example, wood stain or stain.
The history of the origin of the dye goes back to the nineteenth century. The stain was called "Cologne soil". Since humus soil, rather loose in composition, was found on the territory of Cologne in a non-hamlet.
She had amazing properties... If the earth is dissolved in water and applied to a paper or wood surface, it takes on a deep brown color.
The deposits of the "Cologne land" turned out to be scarce, so they began to develop a substitute for natural stain. Natural colorant today is made on the basis of oil and coal. Wood contains substances that will dye it brown without the addition of chemical components.
The uniqueness of the stain lies in the fact that it does not make a film, as is the case with oil dyes, but reveals a natural pattern on the wood. The surface acquires a rich and contrasting texture. To the question, what is the stain for, you can answer simply - to give the desired tone to the natural surface.
There is a concept like mordant staining. Some confuse it with surface staining. There are, of course, external similarities, but in the first case, the layer is more waterproof.
Summer and spring woods differ in density. Annual rings on spring wood are colored weaker than on a dense summer wood board. This contrast can be clearly seen in spruce and pine. Wet surfaces are obtained with a uniform tone, rather than paint over dry.
Types and properties of stain
Special dyes that dissolve in liquids are stains of different tones. It is produced in powder and liquid state. Water, alcohol, wax acts as a liquid, so it was subdivided into different types.
Water stains... The most popular water-based group. Wood is able to acquire light and dark tones after staining. Available for sale in two states: liquid, dry. Liquid stains are used immediately, while powder stains should be preliminarily diluted with heated water.
Advantages:
- does not emit a poisonous odor, which allows you to work without fear of poisoning in a closed room;
— great opportunity color matching. Reach more dark tones, you can use several layers of stain, after drying each layer;
- low cost;
- long shelf life.
Flaws:
- drying takes a long time;
- varnishing is a mandatory procedure;
- during dyeing, wood fibers rise, due to this, moisture resistance is lost. To prevent this from happening, the surface is moistened and polished before work;
- excess stain on the surface can provoke cracks. Therefore, it is in this form that the tampon is slightly moistened before application.
Alcohol stains... Stains of this kind dissolve in alcohol. Aniline dyes are used as the main components. The mixture quickly penetrates deep into the wood, where the alcohol evaporates within half an hour.
If you need to paint large areas, it is better to use a spray gun. Such an application does not allow the formation of spots, erosion. The disadvantage of this type is fast drying, a pungent odor. A positive characteristic is that the wood does not swell, unlike water mixtures, ultraviolet rays are not terrible.
Oil stains... Dyes of this group dissolve in linseed oil.
- any dyes are combined;
- uniform application, without lifting the fibers;
- do not fade;
- retain their original color for a long period;
- drying time from 2 to 4 hours;
- mixtures are resistant to moisture, temperature extremes.
Flaws:
- toxicity.
Nitro-stains... A solvent acts as a liquid, which dries very quickly after staining. It can be compared to an alcohol group. The characteristics are similar. Also difficult to apply, but resistant to washout and ultraviolet rays.
Wax stains... Dyes are diluted with wax. After applying the mixture, a waterproof film forms. After using this group of stains, it is not required to open it with varnish.
Acrylic stains... The dyes dissolve in acrylic resins. The mixture is perfectly applied to the surface, does not create stains, streaks, well reveals the wood pattern, is not toxic. The only drawback is the high cost.
Stain gels... The mixture is thick and suitable for soft wood species. In the work, a swab is used to apply the stain in an even layer. This group allows you to remove as much as possible spotting on the surface.
Varnish stains... Coloring components based on alkyd varnish. There is no need for a top coat with varnish. The tree gets reliable protection from external influences. The work is complicated with varnish stain for several factors:
- volatile compounds, require the mandatory use of a respirator and goggles;
- fire hazardous. Strict fire safety measures cannot be dispensed with.
Stain application
When staining, you should adhere to the right technology... Wood placed vertically is painted from bottom to top. This will prevent splashing on clean places, and will not leave stains in the future.
The horizontal arrangement of the boards requires painting along the grain in the first stage. Next, brush across them and, at the third stage, repeat the original movement.
In work, you can use a spray gun, brush or foam swab. The first option is suitable for large areas, as well as for alcohol and nitro-based stains. The pi nozzle does not exceed 1.5 mm.
Brushes can be with natural and synthetic bristles. Natural fiber is good for oil-based stains, synthetic fiber is water-based.
Before use, the brush should be checked for strength. If, upon contact with it, no lint remains in the hand, then the product good quality and is suitable for coloring. The width of the brush should be 100 mm.
Water stains applied except for the two described more with a tampon or rag. The material should not crumble and leave marks on the wood, so cotton, foam rubber is worth choosing.
The wood absorbs the dye just as much as it needs. Do not be afraid that there will be an overabundance, you just need to remove the excess liquid with a napkin. The stain may not look the same after drying, and the color is an order of magnitude lighter. In order not to take risks and get the desired result, you need to take a piece of the board and make a test.
To do this, sand it and cover it with the first layer - this will be the base. After complete drying, apply the second layer to a part of the board. Apply the third layer to the remaining part.
When the paint is dry, cover the entire surface with varnish. Now you can define the color. A sample for conifers, since they do not absorb stain well and a problem with the color may come to light. The minimum number of layers is at least two. It is a good idea to prepare several samples with different colors.
Water-based stain has the ability to straighten wood fibers. After complete drying, sand the boards additionally with fine-grain emery paper, but without much pressure.
Drying time from 15 to 24 hours. Alcohol stain works differently. It will not pick up fibers, but dries very quickly, forms streaks, so for an even coating it is better to work with a spray gun.
If a brush is used, moisten the surface with warm water first. This also applies to the end parts of the board. They should be wetted, as they absorb a lot of paint, which will make them look darker. Drying time from 5 to 25 minutes.
Algorithm of work:
- the surface is sanded before painting;
- cleaned from greasy stains if spruce or pine - resin. You can use water (370 ml), combined with acetone (125 ml). Method 2. Add 25 g of caustic soda to 500 ml of water. Method 3 In hot water (500 ml), about 60 degrees C, dissolve 25 g of sodium carbonate. Treat the surface thoroughly with one of the mixtures obtained and leave for 30 minutes. Wipe dry with cotton cloth. Now walk again clean water, preferably warmed up;
- slightly warm the stain;
- do not wet the tampon too much and apply to the wood;
- if streaks appear, gently stretch them along the surface along the fibers;
- the number of layers depends on the selected color on the test board;
- as soon as the board is dry, wipe the board well with a cloth. It will remove dried dye that did not get into the pores of the object;
- the final stage is varnishing in several layers. Sanding after each layer.
Wood can be dyed in different colours. Fashionable colors today it is considered "bleached oak". In order to obtain this effect, 2 types are used. The first layer is applied white stain, it bleaches wood.
Moreover, the dye is taken on a water basis. The second type on a wax basis is next layer... Not the other way around. Since after the wax oak stain, achieve desired effect will fail.
Stain color the top layer can be any: brown, black, gray. Only annual rings will be colored, the field will remain snow-white ... Photo stains different types... Their contrast is clearly visible here.
Price and reviews
Water buy stain can be in any hardware store at the price of 30 rubles. for 500 ml. The best stain, judging by the reviews, it is considered an acrylic group. Stain price of the same capacity - 78.5 rubles. Only buyers are disappointed that they do not write the composition on the jar.