How to apply wood stain

As a continuation of the article Wood staining solutions, I'm going to tell you about the methods of applying the stain and how they influence the final look of the colored object.

Staining solutions can be applied by different methods: by cloth, brush, brush, in special mills, by dipping, spraying, wiping, flow-coating or a combination of several methods. There are situations in which applying the same bath by two different methods gives different results. Therefore, the application methods should be chosen according to the desired result. Also, not all staining solutions can be applied by all methods. The technical data sheets of professional colorants always specify how to apply them.

Applying the bathroom for DIY projects

If it's a do-it-yourself project - occasionally colored wooden objects - applying the stain is done with a brush, rag, brush, brush brush, palette or sponge. When a small amount is applied - cloth and sponge well squeezed, brush well shaken - the wood will be colored on the surface, and the coloring will be more even and without bringing out the pores or the natural pattern of the wood.

If more wood stain is applied, the wood will absorb more of the stain and the design will stand out. Staining must be done carefully because there is a risk of staining due to greater absorption in the area where you start (where you first put the cloth or brush soaked in the stain).

It can be colored evenly, marking the pores at the same time, applying the excess stain and then wiping off the excess with the cloth. Wiping is done initially in circular motions, then in straight strokes along the fiber. The uniformity of the coloration also depends very much on how it was done white grinding.

The sponge of the trafalet may be sensitive to solvents. If you are going to work with solvent-based stains, choose a trafalon with a special, solvent-resistant sponge. The same is true if you will be applying the stain with a sponge. If an ordinary sponge comes into contact with organic solvents it will begin to dissolve and deform (broaden), and will soon become unusable. Make sure you have the right tools before you start working.

Immersion application

If the objects are small, coloring can be done by imersie. It is a method that allows the wood to absorb a lot of solution, and the objects become intensely colored. Therefore, this method should not be used with objects made of wood that is dull, poorly sanded or with many fiber ends (resulting from mechanical processing) that absorb a lot.

Dip staining can be used to stain wooden objects evenly and with a very well sanded surface. To avoid staining it is best to use staining solutions specially formulated for this application.

Spray application

Spraying is the method by which you can achieve multiple results with the same bath. Using a staining solution made in a fast solvent and applying a small amount will give a uniform, surface stain. This method is recommended for staining wood with color differences between fibers or wood with different absorption. It also evens out the coloration in case stains have appeared after applying the stain.

If a small amount of a compatible heavy volatile solvent is added, the same coloring solution, applied in excess and wiped off with a cloth, will result in marked pores and highlight the natural wood design. Waterborne stains or those formulated in a medium-slow solvent, applied in a moderate amount, will be absorbed more into the wood, will bring out the wood's design without very obviously marking the pores. The amount is adjusted by opening the nozzle of the spray gun and increasing or decreasing the pressure.

Industrial applications

In industry, the methods of applying the dip rely heavily on machinery. Pore marking can be done, for example, by applying Valț applicators. In this case, the bath must be specially formulated to allow such an application.

Small objects can be colored evenly in special dies. The mills are like drums into which the pieces are placed and the coloring solution is sprayed, while the pieces are continuously rotated inside. Absorption is uniform, drying is rapid (there are air currents inside), and the result is a uniform coloration.

Large factories, where laminated wood windows are produced, have complex finishing lines. The staining method most often used on such lines is flow-coating. The windows, hung by chains, are passed into the tinting zone through a system that applies the tinting solution like a shower, and the excess is collected at the bottom and recirculated. Specially formulated solutions should be used for uniform staining. Excess air must also be avoided, which leads to foaming of the solution.

To get the wood stained the way we want, we need to have good staining solutions and choose the right method and tools. And the most important thing - a very good white sanding.

I hope you find the above information useful. As always, additions are welcome. And if you have any questions or queries, please leave them below in the space provided. I will be sure to reply.