{"id":20892,"date":"2018-12-06T10:52:55","date_gmt":"2018-12-06T08:52:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/revistadinlemn.ro\/?p=20892"},"modified":"2018-12-06T10:52:55","modified_gmt":"2018-12-06T08:52:55","slug":"wood-staining-recommendations-for-a-stain-free-look","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/revistadinlemn.ro\/en\/2018\/12\/06\/colorarea-lemnului-recomandari-pentru-un-aspect-fara-pete\/","title":{"rendered":"Wood staining - recommendations for a stain-free look"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although there are those who say that wood should be used uncolored, its natural color is its charm<\/a>It's most often found in color, from natural shades of walnut or pine to the most unusual colors. It is also preferred this way because color brings out its natural design much better. But staining wood is not a simple operation. Wood is a non-homogeneous and anisotropic material with different properties from species to species, within species and even within the same piece of wood depending on the grain orientation. This makes achieving a uniform, stain-free coloration a rather difficult task. But not impossible.<\/p>\n

Why stains appear when staining<\/h5>\n

The main cause of stains is different color absorption in the wood. It happens because of the quality of the wood or the way it is processed before staining. If we are talking about the quality of the wood we are talking about its density, how easily it absorbs the staining solution, the resin or tannin content or growth defects (knots<\/a>, twisted fiber). I mean, a wood like poplar<\/a>, fast-growing and very lank, it absorbs color quickly and differently and stains can appear very easily. Oak<\/a> but it's dense and tougher, which makes for even absorption and stain-free coloring.<\/p>\n

Related to machining is how the wood is cut and sanded. Clean cuts, free of nicks and gouges, made with quality, sharp tools, make for more uniform absorption. Sanding is one of the most important processes for the final appearance of the product. The uniform coloring, the adhesion of the varnish, the nice feel of the film all depend on how much attention has been given to sanding. I consider sanding so important for a quality end product that I have put it at the top of my recommendations for stain-free wood staining.<\/p>\n

\"wood
different colour absorption depending on the species
photo source: homesteadfinishingproducts.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
1. Sanding the wood before staining is very important for stain-free staining<\/h5>\n

Sanding is used to smooth out those fiber ends that result from cutting wood. It is through these fibers that food enters the tree before it is cut. This is why the color penetration here is natural and if left unchecked can lead to staining.<\/p>\n

Sanding is done first with sandpaper or coarse sanding sponges - grit size 80-100. Then move to finer grits to give that nice touch. On hardwood - oak, frasin,<\/a> fag<\/a> - finer grain is considered 150, sufficient to achieve a quality surface. If the wood is soft, loose and uneven - poplar, lime, arin<\/a>even molid<\/a> - 180 or 220 grit is needed to \"tame\" the dyed fiber and get the most uniform color.<\/p>\n

Sanding also removes any glue or grease stains (greasy fingerprints from food or products used in production) or fine scratches. If these areas are not sanded, stains will appear after staining. On wood they are not visible before staining. However, sanding removes them and thus eliminates the risk of staining.<\/p>\n

Don't ignore this step if you want a quality product. The more time you spend at this stage, the better the coloring and later the finishing. More information on white sanding can also be found at here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"wood
highlighting defects by staining
photo source: circlerockinc.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
2. Choose the coloring solution according to the wood essence<\/h5>\n

It may seem strange, but not all wood species behave the same when treated with a particular type of staining solution. For example, oak and beech are both hard, high-density species. However when treated with a staining solution made from pitch and white spirit (P43<\/a> - famous decades ago) behave totally differently. While oak stains beautifully and evenly, wood on beech, no matter how well sanded, will be full of stains. That's why a minimum of documentation on wood staining behavior can save you a lot of trouble.<\/p>\n

Coloring solutions (stains) can be water-based or solvent-based, with or without added resin, made of soluble dyes or pigments. Although, generally speaking, each has its own type of behavior (pigments even out, colorants bring out the natural design, etc.) interaction with wood can produce surprises. That's because wood contains tannins, resins, dyes and many salts that can influence coloration and absorption in wood. This is why in factories, tests are always carried out on the wood that will be used in production with the chosen wood stain. In this way, the behavior of the wood can be seen and the wood seasoning can be adjusted according to the needs.<\/p>\n

A few tips on staining wood:<\/p>\n