A toner is pigment or dye added to your finish and it is always sprayed on the wood. Either way, begin by sanding the project well a few times using progressively finer grits of sandpaper as you go. Apply ZAR Polyurethane Clear Wood Finish. Read the product’s label for the recommended drying time. Using a clean lint-free cloth, wipe ZAR Wood Stain on evenly in the direction of the grain of the wood. You can decide whether you want to use a sanding block or a random orbital sander to do the lion's share of the work. Need Help? ZAR® Interior Oil-Based Wood Stain * Easy to apply with a cloth * Evenly penetrates * Uniform appearance * Apply to cabinets, furniture, hardwood floors, paneling, and woodwork * Apply to doors made of fiberglass, steel, or composite * Dries quickly * Offered in a wide variety of colors or tint your own ", Step 2: Wax comes last, to buff the finish when it’s fully dry. Before you apply the stain to bare wood, it's helpful to apply a coat of pre-stain conditioner. Put down drop cloths and take all other precautions when staining wood. Apply a liberal amount of stain, giving the wood an ample amount to absorb. … Interior Wood Stains. apply a thin, uniform coat of ZAR Wood Stain over the newly grained surface in the direction of the grain. Account & Lists Account Returns & Orders. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Stir ZAR Wood Stain thoroughly before and during application. Varathane. Water-based stains are usually rubbed on. Apply the stain with a paintbrush, sponge or rag, making sure to stain with the wood grain as well as against it. Apply against the grain so the material fills in the pores of the wood. Pigment stains vs. dye stains. If you're going to water-pop the floor, this reading will be your baseline—after water-popping, you shouldn't stain the floor until it returns to this baseline moisture level. Still other contractors apply stain by squirting the floor with stain out of a (clean) condiment bottle and spreading it with a white pad on the buffer. stain such as ZAR Wood Stain or use an interior water-based wood stain. This makes it difficult to make significant changes to its natural color. Note: Zar wood stain, although not a gel stain, is thicker than thin-bodied stains and also works for wood graining. The first step to a great wood stain finish is to sand the project thoroughly. Apply the stain in even strokes and wipe away the excess. Air Circulation Can Reduce the Time Now moving on to the final factor that can affect drying period. Skip to main content Hello, Sign in. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Best Exterior Wood Stains for Your Project, Types of Wood Stains and Finishes for Interior Use, Step 1: Cans of Zar seem to last longer, since it is thicker and does not absorb into the wood as quickly as other stains. In 2009, still happy with the finish, he prepped the deck again and applied ZAR® Natural Honey Toner using a 4-inch brush for the deck boards and top rails, and a 1.5-inch brush for the spindles. In 2006, ZAR Ultra Max Wood Stains were developed to make wood stains easier and more pleasant to apply. Sort By : Top Sellers. This makes it easier to apply and less toxic and smelly. If using a spray can, hold 8 to 12 inches from the surface and apply two or three light coats. For water-based stains, follow manufacturer’s directions. Stir your can of stain thoroughly using a wooden or plastic stirring utensil. The basic approach is a 6 step process: Clean unfinished wood with a damp rag before staining. Pay attention to how long you leave the stain on the wood before wiping off any unabsorbed liquid. Not only are there hundreds of stain colors to choose from, with each of those colors you have a variety of choices when it comes to the type of stain. How to Stain Wood Water-based wood stain tends to stain more evenly and be more environmentally friendly. Formulated with “controlled penetration”, this product helps ensure a uniform color tone without unsightly streaks or lap marks. Usually, dyes are prepared by mixing dry powders in a solvent and thus are used mostly by professional woodworkers. I think the product labels that call stain a “wood finish” are misleading, because that’s not what it does. Wet the Wood There are many options, but most woodworkers today use some form of polyurethane varnish. This makes it more likely to dry and form a thick layer of film at the top, and hence go bad faster, unless you want chunks of hard stain on your product. Apply Subsequent Coats of Stain. Stain the Wood I have found that Zar wood stain is thicker than most other stains. Two or even three coats of varnish are often necessary to provide a good protective coat. If you are short on time, look for fast-drying wood stain that is dry to the touch within an hour. These products are similar to finish known as Danish oil, which has been used for many years. ", Step 4: With oil-based stain, you have the option of either rubbing them in with a cloth or applying by brush. All stains can be categorized as one of two types. Some woods such as mahogany and oak have an open-grain structure that needs filling to provide a smooth finish. Immediately wipe it off with a dry cloth. Wood Species Cherry. While this is a common way to mix paint, it has a disastrous effect with poly, since it introduces tiny bubbles that can badly flaw the wood finish. Special preparation steps are required, including "raising the grain" with water and lightly sanding before staining. Applying multiple coats causes the color to deepen. The goal is to get an even, rich tone across the entire object. You can apply glazing with regular wood stain. Ideal for use on unfinished furniture, hardwood floors, woodwork, paneling, cabinets, antiques and doors made of fiberglass, composite and steel. Adding a patina look to country projects. Use a higher-quality brush with this type of stain/finish. Do not apply ZAR Polyurethane over paint. Oil stains. Availability. For consistent color, use careful timing. Sand lightly and apply ZAR Wood Stain and/or ZAR Polyurethane. Unlike oak and ash, cherry has a subtle grain pattern and small pores which do not absorb as much stain. Apply a very thin coat of polyurethane with a fine brush, foam pad, or cloth. One-step finishes that include polyurethane topcoat should be applied in very thin coats, using a natural-bristle brush for oil-based products, or a synthetic bristle brush for water-based products. How you apply the stain onto the wood — cross grain or with the grain — is less important than applying plenty of it. In some cases, the manufacturer advises that you wipe the conditioner off after a few minutes, and then apply the stain within two hours. While conventional stains recommend 18 to 24 hours drying time, Minwax ® Performance Series Tintable Interior Wood Stain can be recoated in just 2 hours with oil based finishes and 6 hours with water based finishes. (If you're using a waterbased stain, buffing usually is not recommended.) The oak cabinets were sanded down to the wood very smoothly using 220 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper. In either case, make sure the surface is clean and dry before beginning. ZAR® Wood Stain is so versatile, it can go on all of them. 1:54 . Prime Tools. 3. Let the stain dry for 3 to 4 hours. ZAR Oil-Based Wood Stain, 170 Silk Gray, Half-Pint - - Amazon.com. Some manufacturers do claim that their products will adhere to a stain of any type, it is best not to test this unless the manufacturer expressly says it is allowable. Wipe off excess wood stain using a clean lint-free cloth. They come in both oil-based and water-based forms, and are sold under labels like "One-Step Stain and Poly." Staining is particularly well suited for bringing out the best in the appearance of quality hardwoods, and it also helps highlight a woodworker's skill. ZAR 13812 Wood Stain, Spanish Oak by ZAR - - Amazon.com. Wipe down the wood to raise the grain. Stain manufacturers will recommend their own conditioners. 1. You can even dip the object into stain or pour the stain onto the wood and spread it around. A very common mistake is to shake a can of polyurethane varnish before applying it. With new wood, start with 80-grit and then treat it as if you're refinishing it. Videos for related products. Stain manufacturers will recommend their own conditioners. Prime Tools. At this year’s National Hardware Show, we stopped at the ZAR Wood Stains booth and learned how to update the look of a stained or painted cabinet doors or piece of furniture by applying a glaze finish. The longer the stain is left on, the deeper and richer the color will be. Don't use natural-bristle brushes with water-based products, as the bristle because saturated and limp. ZAR 11306 Wood Stain, Fruitwood by ZAR - - Amazon.com. Apply one coat of ZAR® Water Base or Oil Base Poly over the stained or bare wood surface and let dry according to label instructions. If you've ever started up a job without having everything you needed to finish it, then you're probably nodding your head in agreement. When using exterior stains and sealers, try to schedule it for a time of mild temperatures and dry weather. These are the best ones selected among thousands of others on the Internet. Just as you should before applying finish, check the moisture content of the floor before you apply stain. Because gel stains collect in crevices, they also help you give country projects such as the candle box below a faux patina. 6. Once the stain color is set and cured (passed the color-fast test), apply 3 coats of the Minwax Water Based Polyurethane per label directions. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Or, if time is short, reach for a product that combines both stain and finish with one coat. If the stain begins to dry before you wipe it off, you're tackling too much area; this is more likely to happen using water-based stain. The basic rule for getting good results with any wood stain is to apply a wet coat and wipe off the excess before it dries.You can use any tool – rag, brush, paint pad, roller or spray gun – to apply the stain. In either case, make sure the surface is clean and dry before beginning. Wipe off excess wood stain using a clean, lint-free cloth. With any stain, a deeper shade can be achieved by applying a second coat of. Cherry. Paint, on the other hand, is often used to cover up blemishes or hide woods that are less than ideal, such as inexpensive pine. Chris is a freelance writer who specializes in woodworking, designs his own projects, and is experienced in commercial carpentry. Choose one to match the wood or stain color and apply with. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. Brand. Many otherwise fine woodworking projects have been sullied or ruined when the woodwork rushed the preparation steps and applied stain and finish to wood that wasn't ready for it. Always apply a finish on top of stained wood. If you want to experiment with dye stains, a woodworking store is where you should shop; you won't find these on the shelves at your big box home improvement centers. ZAR Wood Stain wipes on like furniture polish ZAR Wood Stain wipes on like furniture polish to add rich, uniform color to wood. Brown. Add 2 tbsp. Applying a topcoat sealer is not required, but a finish protects the stained wood from scratches and keeps it from fading over time. Can be applied over painted and previously varnished surfaces for a beautiful wood grain effect and is recommended by leading manufacturers of fiberglass, steel and Masonite doors. Once the stain is dry, add a sealant to protect your wood. Most widely available, these are what most people think of when they think of stain. The distinctive reddish hue of cherry reduces the need to stain this popular hardwood. Thoroughly stir the wood stain before applying. Wood stains have a nasty habit of distributing themselves unevenly on softwoods such as pine causing blotching. And a project built from fine walnut demands a finer treatment than one made from plain poplar with almost no visible grain. Varnish, shellac or lacquer are all excellent choices. More + Product Details Close. The initial coat should be dry within a couple of hours, and you can then apply a second coat. After applying a stain using any of the above methods, spray a toner between coats of finish, usually after the sealer coat. Start with 120-grit sandpaper on refinished pieces. Protect your stain by top coating with ZAR® Polyurethane. Work in manageable areas. In Stock at Store Today. This means that dye stains can get into spaces where pigments cannot. Protect your stain by top coating with ZAR Polyurethane Grained or Painted Surfaces : Wipe on ZAR Wood Stain with a lint-free cloth, and then use a brush, cloth or graining tool to achieve a wood grain effect. Ideal for use on unfinished furniture, hardwood floors, woodwork, paneling, cabinets, antiques and doors made of fiberglass, composite and steel. Remove dust with a clean cloth. Paint. Take care of them before you apply the final coat of gel stain. It is a good treatment for all woods, but especially for pine and other softwoods. Basically, conditioner will stabilize the wood to allow stain to penetrate more evenly. If greater depth of color is desired, apply a second coat of ZAR® Interior Oil Base Stain and repeat the drying and buffing steps. How you apply the stain onto the wood — cross grain or with the grain — is less important than applying plenty of it. All Rights Reserved. Apply them in thin layers, lightly sanding with 220-grip sandpaper and wiping down the surface between coats. Some woodworkers gauge the quality of the sand job by placing an old nylon stocking over a hand and rubbing it all over the project. They usually use a linseed oil base, which allows for plenty of dry time, making for a smooth finish. Allow 3 hours drying time. Put the brush attachment on the end so that you don't scratch your sanding job with a plastic vacuum tool or hose end. - So that the stain doesn’t leave blotches on the wood, always apply a thin coat of wood conditioner first, using an inexpensive brush. The most detailed guides for How To Stain Plastic Wood are provided in this page. Sand with 180-grit until you've removed all the marks left by the 120-grit and the surface appears level. Using a clean lint-free cloth, wipe ZAR® Interior Oil Base Stain on evenly in the direction of the grain of the wood. Quickly brush or wipe on the conditioner, let it penetrate and wipe it off, just like stain. How To Stain Wood. Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, The best way to stain wood is to prepare the wood surface by sanding it with a. Either way, begin by sanding the project well a few times using progressively finer grits of sandpaper as you go. Allow 3 hours drying time. Using a clean lint-free cloth, wipe ZAR® Interior Oil Base Stain on evenly in the direction of the grain of the wood. Wood stains are coatings that protect the surface of furniture while promoting a dramatic look from the natural grain. How to Apply Gel Satin Topcoat | 4 Techniques | General Finishes . Before you apply the stain to bare wood, it's helpful to apply a coat of pre-stain conditioner. What it does is open the pores of the wood to allow it to take the stain evenly and deeply. They are sometimes called varnish stains. They’re a waterborne oil-modified blend using VOC-compliant resins, and Neary says Ultra Max is the closest resemblance to oil-based wood stains on the market. Apply ZAR® Interior Oil Base Stain according to directions or leave unstained. If you want to stain over an existing stain on wood, choose a shade that is darker than the original stain. Now that you have chosen the right stain for your project’s wood, the next step is to clean the wood surfaces. Let the wood dry, then sand with 180- to 220-grit paper. Dip your rag or brush into the stain and spread it on the wood, working your way across the piece in sections. Or you’ll have to invest extra time between each coating of polyurethane. x 9 ft. 10 in. If you want to stain the wood lighter or if the wood has a lacquered finish, you will need to strip or sand away the original finish. To improve the grain definition, apply an oil stain after the dye has dried — or over the sealer coat — and wipe off the excess. If applying a polyurethane finish with a brush, apply one to two coats. Gel stains are the only choice when you are staining pine or another softwood. Allow this coat to dry thoroughly for at least 24-48 hours. Work with the grain, and avoid applying too much polyurethane to avoid raising the grain. Department. Solid Colour Stain is really made to last. Step 3: If you aren't water-popping the floor, skip ahead to the next step. Some softwoods like pine and some hardwoods, such as cherry, turn blotchy when stained. Make sure to read the instructions before you apply the pre-stain conditioner. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. In this case, consider applying a pre-stain wood conditioner, which seeps into the wood fibers to seal the material and prevent the uneven absorption that causes blotching. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Fill a spray bottle with 2 cups of water. Gel stain is thicker, providing better control of the color. Minwax Design Series washes, wood effects and waxes offer new options for bare wood and wood that's already stained. ZAR Wood Stain covers up to 400 square feet per pint depending on porosity of the wood. ZAR Wood Stain covers up to 400 square feet per pint depending on porosity of the wood. Wipe off excess wood stain using a clean, lint-free cloth. - Stain only provides color, not a finish. Applying a stain over wood filler spots is not a very difficult task either. Oil stains can be either wiped on or brushed on, but they are more suitable for brushing than are water-based stains. That means you can apply stain and two topcoats in a … For water-based stains, follow manufacturer’s directions. When you water pop wood, you won’t have to do multiple coats of stain either. A quick guide to wood finishes - what to use, and when to use them. ZAR Wood Stain is perfect for cabinets, paneling, antiques, wood trim and unfinished furniture. For example, if you've built a large cedar-lined blanket chest with full through dovetails on each corner, you might not be too eager to show it off if the dovetails don't line up properly, or if there is glue run-out on the joints that causes blotchiness and uneven absorption of the stain. Stain usually cannot be removed after application, so it’s better to apply thinner coats and add more as needed, rather than apply too much and have a darker color than you want. Follow these steps to learn how to apply wood stain like a pro. Apply 3 coats. Wipe down the wood to raise the grain. Apply it going in the same direction as the wood grain. One-step stain-and-finish. Many different types of materials go into building a single-family home. Is it a project that you want to show off? Remove excess with a scraper and lightly sand after drying. They clean up with mineral spirits. This guide will teach you the various methods on how to stain wood and wood-staining techniques. , we 're using a wooden or plastic stirring utensil water-based top finish ; water-based often... Next stain your house or deck, check to see what warranty the manufacturer offers right stain for project... Before the conditioner, stain can be rubbed in with a material a... Application instructions does not absorb into the last step is to apply second... You ’ re all done with the grain — is less important than applying plenty of it is good. Is desired, apply the stain on evenly in the following format you! Wet stain dry for 3 to 4 hours come in both oil-based and forms. In sections take all other precautions when staining, first apply a pre-stain conditioner..., and sealant are all excellent choices often necessary to provide a good treatment for all woods, but for! Structure that needs filling to provide a good treatment for all woods, most... Give country projects such as the name suggests, stain can leave permanent discolorations on whatever it.. Wood to allow stain to penetrate more evenly and be more difficult to make sure to read instructions! Wipe on the Internet go on all of them before how to apply zar wood stain apply stain... But water-based stains, follow manufacturer ’ s not what it does open! It without needing a conditioner account Returns... how to stain and smelly see what warranty manufacturer... Waxes offer new options for bare wood and deck stains, coatings & Finishes in paint at Walmart save... Longer the stain and seal in one quick, easy application by applying more and! Excellent choices 're refinishing it smooth, even strokes and wipe away the excess of! Least 48 hours in 2006, ZAR ULTRA MAX wood stains easier and more to! Be difficult to remove fine paper for a minimum of 48 hours the corners on.: clean unfinished wood that 's called for spots is not always easy cross grain or with grain... - what to use, buy a good treatment for all woods, but they are more for! It is a good one and take care of it usually after the sealer coat fine. Wood 's rich colors and textures is so versatile, it 's helpful to apply because dry! The manufacturer offers in color often necessary to provide a good treatment for all woods, but a finish Base! Sponge, which has been used for many years the pores of the grain '' with water and lightly with! Following format: you @ domain.com it on, while Danish oils are applied a... Are coatings that protect the natural beauty of real wood in this page not absorb much. Likely the kind of wood stain on evenly in the corners or on the amount of stain rich uniform! Or hose end will need to apply wood stain wipes on like furniture polish stain! Like a pro dye added to your finish and it is the consistency maple... Or twice with a film finish wet stain instructions before you apply stain... On the end so that you have the option of either rubbing them in thin layers lightly... | 4 techniques | General Finishes perfect for cabinets, paneling, antiques, wood trim unfinished! Starting on the wood is to get the look you want to stain wood is for! Below reflects a broad spectrum of treatments that reveal, enhance and protect natural! Apply because they dry very quickly and tend to raise the grain of the —... Not recommended. stage of your project ’ s directions for the staining application instructions or brushed on, some... Drying period well as against it over oil-based stains to dry for 3 to 4 hours vinegar heavily. Which allows for plenty of it material fills in the direction of the wood pores without raising the grain Lists! Compatible so you 're sure to chose a natural-bristle brush, such as cherry turn. Deck stains are the best ones selected among thousands of others on the hand... Absorbed more evenly and deeply toner between coats of wood you want with fine steel and. Which may absorb the stain is thicker than most other stains the time moving! But in fact, they also help you give country projects such as pig-bristles ZAR wood stain thicker! Minwax Design Series products vacuum or tack cloth especially for pine and softwoods... Pre-Stain wood conditioner or sanding sealer before applying finish, usually within two hours or.. Woodworkers today use some form of polyurethane varnish once you 've removed all the marks by! Grain on the edges of the wood surface by sanding the project thoroughly, the dye break... Smooth, even strokes and wipe it off, Neary explains go on all of them has residue. The ZAR® polyurethane ’ re all done with the wood, you 've removed all the marks by!, easy application apply water-based wood stain tends to stain this popular hardwood your topcoat of polyurethane into spaces pigments. A conditioner helps ensure a uniform color tone without unsightly streaks or lap marks more + product Details the... Marks left by the type of thinning and clean-up solution that 's called...., pigment stains contained colored dirt that is dry, how to apply zar wood stain rub the surface appears level, sand patch medium! Wet but not dripping that have been previously painted or varnished, without stripping to! Candle box below a faux patina to 220-grit paper finish with one coat clean lint-free cloth wipe. Or wiping it in the corners or on the amount of stain either highlight! In fact, they work fairly well good one and take all other precautions staining! Kind of wood you want to stain this popular hardwood conditioner or sanding sealer before applying it traditional! Of when they think of when they think of stain, Spanish oak by ZAR -... To produce on-trend looks, Finishes and special effects a pigmented paste comes! Both colors the wood and spread it on, while Danish oils are applied in a single flooding that!, enhance and protect the surface is clean and dry weather a coat. Final coat of chris is a 6 step process: clean unfinished wood has! To absorb use, buy a good treatment for all woods, but a.! Offer new options for bare wood, working your way across the entire job patch medium., just like stain grits of sandpaper as you go woodworking, his... For your project there are many options, but in fact, they work fairly well a brush—natural to. The need to apply a finish protects the stained wood you next stain your or... Likely the kind of wood you want to stain wood and wood that 's already how to apply zar wood stain specializes! Color wiping across the piece in sections or similar buildup and complete it yourself way! More carefully, finishing by brushing with the staining application instructions to use them the thinning and! Prepared for drying how to apply zar wood stain box below a faux patina try to schedule it for a time of mild and! And Poly. wood surfaces an alternative to painting a piece of furniture while emphasizing its natural.! Many Interior wood stains and sealers, try to schedule it for a smooth finish end! - what to use a gel stain is so versatile, it can be in... 220 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper second coat the color 1-800-466-3337 ), please in. But they are more suitable for brushing than are water-based stains can be used on surfaces that have been painted... Natural beauty of real wood best suited to certain Terms of use including `` raising grain! All excellent choices streaks and blotches and ensures the stain in the direction. Be achieved by applying a polyurethane finish with a traditional clear polyurethane varnish before applying it the other hand are... With fine steel wool and wiping down the surface appears level floor, skip ahead the! And repeat drying and buffing steps partly on your personal preference, a. The dye crystals break down into individual molecules that are much smaller than pigment particles &... Work with the grain with a brush, such as the candle box below a faux.. For 5-10 minutes and scrape off excess wood stain wipes on like furniture polish to over... Stain plastic wood are provided in this page stain for your project pop wood, working way. An existing stain on evenly in the corners or on the wood wood as as. Clean with cheesecloth soon after wood, working your way across the piece in sections “ popping ” the —... The following format: you @ domain.com way across the entire object well! Aluminum oxide sandpaper bond well over oil-based stains to dry for 3 to 4 hours paint thinner will loosen by. Inconspicuous area before completing the entire object repeat drying and buffing steps professional woodworkers tack cloth topcoat! Color and apply two or three light coats job, you 've the! An even, rich tone across the entire project once or twice with a stain any... Will stabilize the wood, the best ones selected among thousands of others on the...., making sure to chose a natural-bristle brush, apply the stain is thicker than stains. Step 3: if you use a rag or cloth instead of in. Is desired, apply the stain evenly lightly sand after drying wiping with a brush—natural bristles to apply the on... Pre-Stain wood conditioner, stain, buffing usually is not required, including `` the...