The wood stain combines the function of protecting the surface from dampness and the multiplication of microflora and gives the product a rich color. However, this is more than varnish for furniture and home decoration - with its help you can create a unique decoration of the room by updating a couple of wooden surfaces.
What is it for?
The wood stain does not work wonders, but acts according to a certain principle:
- Color or colorless stain varnish penetrates the structure of the tree, creating a protective film not only above the surface, but also under it.
- Naturally lifts the fibers of the tree, the structure stands out.
Natural shades of impregnation create an imitation of noble and unusual species of trees even on the most ordinary boards, for example,ebony or oak.
Types of stain
Impregnations for wood are divided into types according to the base material for their manufacture.
Water
Stain-based water is the most common foundational ingredient. This is the largest impregnation group. It is made in finished form or in powder, which is dissolved in water at home.
Her advantages:
- The solution is non-toxic due to its neutral base;
- A wide range of natural shades from the lightest to deepest dark will help emphasize naturalness or deepen the tone, make the surface of the product more expressive and noble;
- Easy to apply, low consumption;
- Affordable for the price.
A significant drawback is the ability to raise wood fibers, opening the way for moisture.
The solution is soaking the surface moistened for a while, then removing the fibers that have gotten in with sandpaper and then impregnating them. Another method of preventing wetting is the subsequent coating of the painted layer with varnish.
In addition, the water base dries for a relatively long time.
Alcohol stain
Aniline dye dissolved in methylated spirits. Wood stain is also sold in dry or ready-made form.
Its main advantage is the layer, like alcohol dries quickly. We attribute the same quality to the drawbacks: in order to obtain a uniform color, it is necessary to use a spray gun; when applied manually, alcohol impregnation often forms greasy spots.
Oil stain
Pigments dissolved in oil (White Spirit) allow you to tint wood surfaces in all possible shades. Such a tool is convenient for use at home - the oil stain fits well, it can be applied with any tool, it evenly penetrates into the depths, the wood texture is not broken, a protective film is formed.
Acrylic and wax
Wood stains made of wax or acrylic belong to the new generation of materials for the treatment and protection of wooden surfaces. Impregnation not only forms an insulating film. The colors of the stain are expanded compared to other species - from natural to vibrant exotic. The effect of a bright color coating with a natural wood structure is called stain.
The reception is used by many designers of modern furniture - the appearance of the facades of cabinets made of oak or other species with an unusual color causes an unusual feeling. The main disadvantage of the material is that steys is more expensive than its counterparts.
Bleach stain
Not all types of wood need dark saturation, in some cases it is necessary to give a lighter and cleaner shade. For this, stains based on acids or hydrogen peroxide have been developed. With their help, a bleached bar is slightly discolored. Thus, a gray surface can be prepared for subsequent painting and processing.
Create effects
Alcohol or water stain can create an imitation of the naturalness of the coating without obvious signs of processing. When choosing a material for protection and painting, focus on the desired effect: choose a shade of oak, pine or ebony (as in the photo) - the interior will instantly be ennobled.
Products from ash or oak need not be tinted - leave their structure and shade open, choosing the shade of this breed as close to nature as possible.
Properly stained wood should preserve its natural appearance. Only acrylic or wax stains give out, the color scheme of which goes beyond the scope of naturalness.
The properties of each type of wood are different. In order not to make a mistake when buying, pay attention to the flower palette: a composition is applied to the boards of different breeds, where you can see the final result.
Work technology
Staining the surface of wood is not a difficult process, but requires a responsible approach. To ensure that the varnish coating is uniform, the consumption is minimal, and the smear is even, it is necessary to get acquainted with the intricacies of the work.
What is the best way to apply a stain on the surface: a master class
- Spraying is the most effective method. The coating lays evenly, even gray wood instantly takes on a new shade. The risk of smudges and oil marks is reduced.
- Rubbing stains on a porous wood product with rags will help to get the effect of oak or pine even on the most ordinary product from base materials. The composition must be applied carefully, therefore, quick-drying solutions should be excluded.
- Roller or tampon for applying stain is useful in case of covering a small area of wood. Thus, it will be possible to isolate and emphasize the cut pattern, the stain will evenly penetrate deep into the product, creating a protective screen.
- The brush for work is most often used - the tool is convenient to use, wood stains lie flat, in the selected direction. The master can play with a natural ornament and beat existing patterns with color saturation in certain areas.
Which way is better to use and paint - the master decides, based on his skills, such as stains and wood surfaces. To determine which stain in a particular case - when choosing, pay attention to the instructions for the drug, which describes the conditions of application and operation.
Basic rules of work
Often it doesn’t matter how many layers wood stain will be applied. The main thing is to observe the technique and take into account some nuances:
- It is necessary to paint a product strictly on wood fibers. So it will be possible to reduce the flow rate of the solution to smudges and emphasize the picture.
- Wood stain should be a comfortable consistency. Non-aqueous is dissolved by white spirit to the optimum density.
- How many layers to apply - determines the master, depending on the desired shade and effect. Usually 2-3 layers, each of which is carefully dried.
Make the first layer thin - it is important to stain gradually and evenly. The layer will create the basis for subsequent applications and reduce the consumption of the saline solution.
- To avoid dark areas, varnish should not be applied to one place twice.
- When dried, a water stain lifts fibers on a tree. They are cleaned with coarse cloth in the longitudinal or diagonal direction.
- Aqueous and alcoholic solutions dry out after 2-3 hours, oil - after 2-3 days.
For indoor and outdoor work, the rules are the same.
Workshop on surface tinting
- Clean the tree from dirt and remove the sticking fibers with sandpaper;
- Pour the stain previously diluted according to the instructions into a small tray. Cooking can be done in small portions.
- Take the tool and, gradually collecting solution on it, distribute the varnish on the tree.
Do not try to take a lot of paint - this increases the consumption and reduces the quality of the coating.
Defect Management
The stain varnish went wrong? There are several ways to fix defects. Master Class:
A numbing formed
We cover the place with varnish, which will dissolve the bottom layer. Now we clean the area with a rag. Work must be carried out immediately after detecting a defect.
If the smudge has dried, soften it with a paint thinner. Also, the seal can be removed with emery or a plane.
Stains
How many exactly did not remove the solution, but stains still formed? The problem may be in the wood itself - the array sometimes unevenly absorbs the solution. In this case, a planer will help. On plywood, you have to remove the entire veneer.
Non-aqueous gel impregnation is suitable for re-coating. It does not penetrate into the depths of wood, lies evenly and dries for a long time. Its consumption is reduced due to surface distribution.