House Grail is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
7 Different Types Of Wood Stain (With Pictures)
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Staining wood helps improve or change its appearance and can also help protect it against wear, weather, and other climatic conditions. However, there are several types of stain, not to mention several colors, and choosing the right one for your project can seem daunting. Below, we’ll examine seven wood stains, their potential uses, and their pros and cons so that you can choose the best one for the job.
The 7 Different Types of Wood Stain
1. Oil-Based Stain
Image Credit: Muhtar Al Fatah, Shutterstock
Oil-based stain contains an oil, typically a natural oil like linseed, combined with a varnish. Oil-based stains apply well and cover evenly. The wood soaks up the stain, and it doesn’t just sit on top of the surface, making it a very durable and long-lasting choice.
However, ingredients like linseed oil can grow mold over time, and you will have to wait at least 2 or 3 hours for the stain to dry before it is safe to touch or work with. Once it has dried, you can apply any finisher, other than water-based, to get the look you want.
Pros
Covers evenly and smoothly
Readily available
Penetrates the wood so is durable and long-lasting
Finisher can be applied on top of the stain
Cons
Dries very slowly
Mold can grow
2. Water-Based Stain
Rather than using linseed or another oil, water-based thinners use water as a thinning agent. They also contain water-based dyes, which give wood its color. Water-based stains are considered more environmentally friendly, but because they are watery, they tend to run more, so you have to be diligent to ensure a smooth and accurate finish.
You need to carefully clean and prepare the surface before applying a water stain, and because the water does not penetrate as deep into the wood, the stain is likely to fade and need reapplication sooner than with oil-based alternatives.
Pros
Fast drying stains
More environmentally friendly than oil-based alternatives
Cons
Careful cleaning and preparation required before staining
Not long-lasting or especially hard-wearing
Can drip and run
3. Gel
Image By: Piqsels
Traditionally, woodworkers created stains using techniques like leaving iron nails to soak in vinegar, but wood stains have come a long way since then. Gel-based stain is a relatively recent innovation, and it uses a gel substance as the binding agent. The gel is viscous, and once applied to the wood, it will not run or drip, but it takes several hours to dry, which can be both a blessing and a curse.
The gel does not do a good job of penetrating wood, though, because it is so viscous. This means that it will need to be reapplied sooner, and it cannot be sprayed onto the surface.
Pros
Doesn’t run or drip
Wood doesn’t need much preparation before application
Hides stains and blemishes
Cons
Slow to dry
Too thick to spray
Doesn’t penetrate well
4. Lacquer Stain
Lacquer stains are thin and dry very quickly, often within just 15 minutes. This combination makes them suitable for fast application because, by the time the first coat has dried, you can start on the second coat.
However, lacquer stains are prone to running, dripping, and even bubbling. They are popular with professionals and experienced stainers, but they may not be a good option for the novice and first-timer.
Pros
Dries quickly
Two coats
Penetrates well
Cons
Runs, drips, and bubbles
Need to work quickly for the best results
5. Water Soluble Dye
Image By: bricoydeco, Pixabay
Aniline dyes come in powder form and need to be mixed with water before use. It is a transparent stain, so no matter how many layers you add, you will never completely mask the appearance of the wood. Water-soluble dyes are best used to add a little color or to slightly change the existing color of an attractive wood.
Because they are dye powders, you can get other types that mix with oil stains or other stains to achieve the desired results, but you need to ensure you get the right one.
Pros
Enhances the natural look of the wood, rather than masking it
Good selection of colors and styles
Can be mixed with stains
Cons
Can’t be used to fully cover wood
Not UV resistant
Metalized Dye
6. Varnish Stains
Varnishes contain oil as a thinning agent. The stain dries very hard and can be applied with a roller or a brush. In most cases, it will take several coats of a varnish stain to get a uniform and smooth coat, and it will change color over time, but it looks natural and helps protect the wood from dirt, grime, and water.
Pros
Dries hard and protects the wood
Can be applied with a roller
Cons
Forms bubbles during application
Discolors over time
7. Metal Dye Stain
Image By: Volodymyr Plysiuk, Shutterstock
Metal-based stains include metals like cobalt, copper, and nickel. The metal helps to slow, although not completely prevent, the fading of the stain once it is on the wood. Some of the stains need thinning before application, and their viscosity is ideal for spraying. The stains dry very quickly, and you will need to master the spray swoop to get even and proper coverage of the surface.
Pros
Can be sprayed on
Fades slower than water-based stains
Cons
Dries very quickly
Application takes some mastery
Conclusion
Wood stains not only provide an effective way of coloring and staining wood, but they can also protect against dirt, dust, grime, and water. As such, they can prolong the life of fences, furniture, and other wooden items, but there are many types of stain to choose from, including a whole spectrum of colors and the seven types on our list above.
Featured Image Credit: ClassicallyPrinted, Pixabay
Contents
Writer
Pete Ortiz
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.