When staining wood, use cloth rags—don’t brush!

Let’s talk about staining.

The distant cousin to the more common coat of paint, staining is prevalent in home improvement projects, such as furniture refinishing, banisters, stair treads, doors, and more.

Here’s the thing: you want to apply and wipe off the excess stain with a clean cloth wiper before it dries. We understand it is tempting to use a sprayer to cover large surfaces quickly. However, by the time you follow up with a stain wiper, areas will have dried, leaving behind blotches.

Surface Preparation

Smooth and clean the wood

Start by sanding the wood surface using medium to fine-grit sandpaper (typically 120–220 grit). This removes imperfections and opens the wood grain for better stain penetration. After sanding, thoroughly clean the surface using a tack cloth to remove all dust and particles. A clean, smooth surface is essential for an even, professional-looking finish.

Apply Pre-Stain Conditioner

Prevent blotchiness and ensure even stain absorption.

Use an oil-based pre-stain wood conditioner, especially on softwoods like pine or birch. Apply it evenly with a brush or cloth, allowing it to soak in for 5–15 minutes. Do not let it dry completely! Apply the stain within 15 minutes to 2 hours (check your product label). This step helps the wood absorb stain uniformly and reduces streaking or patchiness.

Stain in Sections

Work in small areas for consistency

Apply the stain in manageable sections using a brush or lint-free cloth. Immediately wipe off the excess with a clean cloth, following the direction of the wood grain. Take your time! Rushing can lead to uneven color. Use a small brush to reach into corners, grooves, or fluted details to ensure full coverage.

Pick your staining tool

Match your stain type with the best tool for the job

Oil-based stains dry slowly, making them suitable for brushing or spraying over large areas. However, water-based and lacquer stains dry quickly and may leave brush marks. For these, use lint-free cloths to apply and wipe the stain, which helps avoid streaks.

Seal the Grain

Create a smooth base for your topcoat

Once the stain has dried and you’re happy with the color, apply a sanding sealer or wood grain filler. This step fills in open pores and helps achieve a smoother final finish. Let the sealer dry completely, then lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper before moving on to the topcoat.

Apply a Protective Topcoat

Lock in the color and protect the wood surface

Finish your project with a durable topcoat such as polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer. Choose based on your desired sheen and durability needs. Apply in thin, even coats, allowing each to dry fully before applying the next. Lightly sand between coats if needed for a flawless finish.

Staining Tips from Trimaco

Techniques for staining wood furniture

When it comes to DIY wood staining, mastering the right techniques can make all the difference. Here are some of the best tips and tricks to ensure your project turns out beautifully:

1. Use a Gel Stain for Beginners: Gel stains are thicker and less likely to drip, making them easier to control for beginners. They also provide a more even finish, which is great for avoiding streaks.

2. Choose the Right Wood Stain Color: When selecting a stain color, consider the existing colors in your room and the type of wood you are working with. Lighter stains can highlight the wood grain, while darker stains can add a rich, dramatic effect.

3. Apply Stain in a Well-Ventilated Area: Proper ventilation is crucial when staining wood to ensure the stain dries evenly and to avoid inhaling fumes. This is especially important for beginners who might be working on their first project.

4. Use a Foam Brush for Detailed Areas: For intricate details and hard-to-reach spots, a foam brush can help you apply the stain more precisely without leaving streaks. This is a useful tip for staining wood without streaks.

5. Practice on Scrap Wood: Before starting your main project, practice your staining technique on a piece of scrap wood. This will help you get a feel for how the stain applies and dries, which is particularly helpful for beginners.

Trimaco’s staining materials:

Tack Cloth: To ensure a smooth finish, use a tack cloth to prepare a dust-free surface after sanding, before painting, and in between coats. Tack cloths are extremely sticky, therefore wear gloves and unfold the product completely to get the most use out of each cloth.
Staining Pad: A sponge with terry cover that is great for staining applications. The staining pad sponges hold excess liquid and are absorbent to keep messy ink blobs from happening. This ensures a smooth finish and less time re-dipping into your canister of stain. Do yourself a favor and invest in a higher quality staining pad to avoid lint on the final product. (It is important to note that staining pads soaked with stain, linseed oil and/or solvent may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. To avoid this, immediately place soaked staining pads in a sealed, water-filled, metal container and dispose of them in accordance with local fire regulations.)
Cheesecloth: White 100% cotton cheesecloth is great for staining. Since it is a thinner material, it is easier to fill the wood grain and covers your surface better. To use, simply bunch up and start wiping away stains on your surface. Again, gloves are a must.
Professional Absorbent White Knit Rags: This “variety” pack contains everything from premium wipers to economical mixed knits. These are perfect for staining, cleaning, and polishing.
Old School® Premium Knit T-Shirt Wipers: From a 4-pound mini bale to a 50-pound box, these all cotton t-shirt rags are absorbent, soft reusable, and perfect for staining. Your favorite t-shirt stain wiper material is ready to go.
ProPerfect® Premium Wiping Rags: These low-linting, 100 percent cotton wipers are cut 18” by 18” every time. They are perfect for staining with no scraps of waste. Packed by count, not weight, these wipers are the top of the line choice for any staining project.
Gloves: Staining can get messy. We recommend using latex or rubber gloves
Stay Put Canvas Plus: When staining a piece of furniture, protect the surface underneath with a slip-resistant, leak-resistant drop cloth. The Stay Put Canvas Plus is designed with a plastic middle layer, preventing stains from harming the surface underneath, and makes clean up easy.

There are a wide range of techniques on how to apply wood stain. Trimaco offers choices for every staining project and budget, including projects with gel stain, water-based stains, and oil stains. Keep these on hand year-round for whatever project comes your way.

Find Our Staining materials & Drop Cloths at a Retailer Near You

Susan Wilson