To stain maple wood, use a wood dye instead of a pigment-based stain to achieve an even color. Maple wood has a tight grain that doesn’t absorb pigment stains well, so dyes like TransTint or Transfast are recommended. Apply the dye evenly across the wood using a paintbrush after sanding and treating the wood with a wood conditioner or …Step 2: Brush on Stain. With a natural bristle brush, work the stain into the wood, going in the direction of the wood grain. After you’ve covered the entire surface, leave the stain on for 15 minutes maximum or per the directions on the can. The longer the stain is left on the wood, the darker the finish.Nov 29, 2022 · The steps to stain cabinets are simple, starting with removing the hardware, doors, and drawer fronts, then cleaning and sanding before applying stain. Sealing your cabinets after staining is an optional step that helps protect the wood and prevents the stain from wearing off. Pre-stain wood conditioner; A step-by-step guide to staining cedar wood Step 1: Slightly sand the surface. One excellent quality of wood stain is that it doesn’t require a lot of sanding. For many projects, you can apply directly to the cedar without sanding. However, if you had to clean the surface, chances are a few fibers would be …Rub the cloth over the wood in the direction of the wood grain. Don’t rub sideways, as this is across the grain. Let your wood dry completely before staining. Some people wonder about wood conditioners. You can use a wood conditioner. Wipe it on there or brush it on with a foam brush and let it sit for roughly an hour. Wood furniture and flooring can add warmth and beauty to any home. However, over time, dark stains may start to appear on the surface due to spills, water damage, or simply wear an...Surface Preparation for Stain. Step by Step Stain Technique. Step 1 – Cleaning the wood. Step 2 – Sanding. Step 3 – Applying stain to the wood. Step 4 – Wait for the paint to dry. Step 5 – Final sanding. Step 6 – Seal the paint. Finishing.Photo 6: Apply thin coats. Spray lacquer on surfaces by starting the spray off the work and then moving it over the surface and off the other side before taking your finger off the trigger. Allow a few hours before sanding and recoating. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s easier to sand if you allow overnight curing.Method 4: Use Long Strokes. A common mistake is to stain wood in sections. This method takes longer to stain an area and can create visible lines and blotches. Instead, you can apply the stain in long sweeping motions that cover the length of the surface. Long sweeping motions help ensure an even and blotch-free finish.Step 2: Prepare the Area Around the Nail Hole. Before filling the nail hole, it’s important to clean up its area. First, use a utility knife to remove any paint or varnish chipped away from the hole. Then, use a piece of sandpaper to rough up the hole’s edges. This will help the filler adhere better.Aug 11, 2016 · 2. Apply wood stain. Open and stir your stain. Then, beginning on one side of the piece, start painting the stain on in the direction of the wood grain. You don’t need to use too much; a little bit goes a long way. If you put a little bit too much on, just gently brush it out over the unstained areas. 1. Water-Based Stains – If you’re looking for a type of yellow wood stain that is easy to apply, try a water-based formula. These offer great coverage and typically dry quickly. They also tend to be less smelly than their oil-based counterparts and are often among the least expensive types of stains available. 2.HOW-TO Wood Staining 101 Basic tips and advice on choosing and using wood stains. Staining Interior Wood Basic tips on choosing and using wood stains to add color to popular wood types VIEW MORE DETAILS Minwax® Stain Comparison Chart Cross-compare various stain types to find the right stain for your wood project VIEW MORE DETAILS Here are some specific tips to get it right. Tip 1: Apply the wood stain within the grain and wipe similarly along the wood grain for a clean wood finish. Tip 2: Work in a small area at a time. This will allow you to wipe the wood stain on and off before it gets too tacky to wipe off and get an even look.Natural Finish: To keep the original appearance of the teak wood, choose a clear or natural teak finish. This will both protect the wood and allow its warm, golden-brown color to shine through. Dark Brown or Walnut: Use a dark brown or walnut stain to achieve a deeper and darker finish.8. Add Darker Pigment to the Stain. If you’re dealing with areas that are too light, try adding some darker pigment to the stain to even out the coloration. Start by testing this technique on scrap wood to make sure you’ll achieve the desired results, then add a small amount of pigment to your stain and mix thoroughly.Mahogany wood stain is a type of liquid that can be applied to different types of wooden furniture to make the color look like mahogany. It gives the wood the same rich, brown color that mahogany has. However, it can be used on any type of furniture to paint over another stain if you would like a different look than what’s already available ...Jul 2, 2023 - Explore Heather Bausano's board "Wood Stain" on Pinterest. See more ideas about staining wood, stain, wood.To prevent blotching, apply a pre-stain wood conditioner to the wood with a lint free rag. Allow it to dry for 5-10 minutes before applying the wood stain. Pick a wood stain color to use. Apply the first coat of wood stain with a lint free rag in a well ventilated area wearing gloves (rubber or chemical resistant). Use a foam brush for crevices or …Updated on 08/11/19 Ron Fehling / Getty Images Wood trim, wood cabinetry, and other woodworking projects usually receive a finish of wood stain followed by a protective coat …To use a pre-stain conditioner, apply it to the wood with a clean cloth and let it sit for about 15 minutes before wiping it off. You can then proceed with staining the wood as usual. 7. Use a Water-based Stain. If you’re using an oil-based stain, you might want to switch to a water-based stain.Adding stain to bare or stripped wood can both change the color and highlight the grain pattern of any interior wood. Since wood is a product of nature, it can vary from tree to tree, even in the same wood species. Avoid surprises: first test any stain you are considering on an inconspicuous spot to ensure that the color of the stain—in ...Apply a wood conditioner before adding the stain. The product seals the porous wood and minimizes, if not eliminates, a blotchy appearance. Brush the formula with a brush and then wipe the excess with a cloth. In addition, leave the surface to dry for 15 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the lumber’s porosity.Wood staining is done with the following tools: a brush, a foam or fabric swab, a roller and a spray gun. When tinting the surface with an alcohol-based stain and nitro stain, use an airbrush. These liquids dry quickly and the brushes will stain the surface. The spray gun is also convenient for large areas. Apply stain with a brush or a rag, depending on preference. With a staining brush, work both with the grain and against it. Don't worry about being neat; all that …Staining wood: Procedure Prepare the surface. When refinishing a wooden surface, remove any pre-existing stain or varnish. Check the surface for damage and use wood putty or filler to fill the gaps. Use sandpaper to sand and clean the surface. With the help of a putty knife, apply wood filler and level it. Keep drop cloths below the structure, …Learn how to apply wood stain to protect and enhance the natural grain of interior wood. Follow the steps to sand, apply, remove excess, seal and apply a topcoat to your …When using gel stains, you don’t have to use a wood conditioner or pre-stain conditioner before staining. A gel stain can also be applied on top of other wood finishes because most use a varnish binder. 6. Varnish Stains. A varnish stain is a pigment-based dye, or both, that uses varnish as a binder or polyurethane varnish.The water from the cloth will raise the grain. Raising the grain and sanding it will create a smoother and more even finish. Step back and let the wood dry for at least an hour. Once dry, you should be able to feel small, hair-like fibers raised up on the surface. Sand the surface again with fine sandpaper (180 grit).Wood furniture and surfaces can add warmth and elegance to any space. However, over time, these beautiful wooden pieces may develop tough, set-in dark stains that can be a challeng...Selecting the right wood stain shade can be a touch decision. There are many brands, stains and hues to confuse a decorator. A wood stain color chart shows you names and stain shad...Natural Finish: To keep the original appearance of the teak wood, choose a clear or natural teak finish. This will both protect the wood and allow its warm, golden-brown color to shine through. Dark Brown or Walnut: Use a dark brown or walnut stain to achieve a deeper and darker finish.Sop up the excess liquid from the wood surface, then apply an even coat of the iron acetate to the wood. Remember to work along the direction of the grain to achieve the best results. Let the wood sit in the open for an hour to dry and if the resultant stain is not dark enough, repeat the staining all over again. 4.Mix one (1) teaspoon with one (1) litre of water into a spray bottle to make a dilute solution. Spray it all over the wood and it will change colour almost ...The cost of staining wood depends on the supplier, product quality, colour, and area of application. The price of one litre of wood stain can cost anywhere between £8 and £40. The wood type, condition, and your desired result all influence the size of the area you can treat with one litre of wood stain. In general, though, 40ml of wood stain is enough for …Optional pre-wetting of the wood when using water-based finishes. On certain woods such as oak and ash, pre-wet the wood with a damp cloth to raise the grain before final sanding. Allow the dampened wood to dry 30 minutes before the final sanding. This will provide a smoother final finish. The water from the cloth will raise the grain. Raising the grain and sanding it will create a smoother and more even finish. Step back and let the wood dry for at least an hour. Once dry, you should be able to feel small, hair-like fibers raised up on the surface. Sand the surface again with fine sandpaper (180 grit).It’s possible to paint over oil-based wood stain with latex paint if the painter prepares the surface properly. Painters need to remove as much stain as possible by sanding or scra...Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the tin or container to the letter, applying the stain with either a sponge, brush or lint free cloth. 6. Use smooth, continuous movements, following the grain rather than …1. Test the stain: Begin by testing different stain shades on a small, inconspicuous area of the wood. Allow the stain to dry completely before evaluating the color match. 2. Importance of testing: Testing the stain is crucial to ensure that the chosen color matches the existing wood and achieves the desired result.Let it dry for a few hours. Sand lightly with 220-grit paper. Note: We’re using a wipe-on oil finish as the sealer. The key is to apply a thin base coat to partially seal the wood before wood staining. Sanding sealers, dewaxed shellac and wipe-on finishes will all do the trick. Step 2.Photo 6: Apply thin coats. Spray lacquer on surfaces by starting the spray off the work and then moving it over the surface and off the other side before taking your finger off the trigger. Allow a few hours before sanding and recoating. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s easier to sand if you allow overnight curing.Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure effective application of wood conditioner: 1. Selecting the Appropriate Wood Conditioner. Choose a wood conditioner that matches the type of stain you plan to use. oil-based conditioner for oil-based stains and water-based conditioner for water-based stains. 2.Apply the Stain: Using a high-quality brush, apply the stain to the wood in even strokes, following the direction of the grain. Be sure to apply the stain evenly to avoid blotches or streaks. Let it Soak: Allow the stain to soak into the wood. The longer you leave the stain on, the darker the color will be.Jun 21, 2023 · Apply the Stain. Apply the stain to an inconspicuous spot with a bristle brush. Stain an inconspicuous spot on your piece, such as the underside of the bench. Apply the stain in the direction of the wood grain. Be sure to brush away drips, as these may cause odd lines or unevenness in your finished stain. Step 2: Scuff sand it with wet, fine-grit sandpaper. A light sanding is necessary to ensure the stain has something to grip. You don’t want to make the surface rough or too smooth, so use 180-grit sandpaper to do the paint job. First, sprinkle clean water on the painted wood surface and the sanding tool.Start Staining. Use a lint-free, soft cloth to apply the stain in the same direction as the wood grain to ensure an even finish and avoid wood stain mistakes. To achieve a lighter color, immediately wipe off excess stains with a lint-free rag. For a deeper color, let the stain adhere for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping.Optional pre-wetting of the wood when using water-based finishes. On certain woods such as oak and ash, pre-wet the wood with a damp cloth to raise the grain before final sanding. Allow the dampened wood to dry 30 minutes before the final sanding. This will provide a smoother final finish. Use a respirator. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Protect your floors and surfaces. Use a good-quality brush or roller. Sand the wood before staining. Test the wood stain on a small area first. Use thin, even coats of wood stain. Let the wood stain dry completely. Finish the wood with a clear coat.Mix one (1) teaspoon with one (1) litre of water into a spray bottle to make a dilute solution. Spray it all over the wood and it will change colour almost ...Interior wood stain is used to accentuate the grain in natural woods or plywood while still adding some color. While wood stains offer some level of protection on wood, it's recommended to use stain in combination with a surface finish. Stain can be applied with a brush or cotton rag. After using oil-based stain, dispose of materials properly. Sand evenly and remove any scratches, dents, wood filler, and excess glue that’s not filling a crack or a hole. After the first sanding, repeat it, this time using 180-grit sandpaper. Then repeat using 220-grit sandpaper. It’s necessary to use a higher-level grit paper to sand the wood if you’ve decided to stain it.Feb 25, 2023 · Sand wood with fine grit sandpaper until smooth. Wipe clean with a tack cloth or other clean cloth. Apply pre-stain wood conditioner in the direction of the grain with a clean cloth or paint brush. Let sit for 30 minutes. Wipe off any excess conditioner. Stir your stain to be sure the pigment is evenly mixed in. Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner Method. I decided to try 2 separate methods on the pre-stain wood conditioners: 1- 30 Minutes Cure Time. 2 – 24 Hour Cure Time. The instructions on the can say to coat the wood with conditioner, let it sit for 5-15 minutes, and then wipe the excess. Then you are supposed to stain your wood within 2 hours.Staining wood is a process that involves several steps. Properly preparing the wood surface؛ applying the stain evenly؛ and finishing it with protective coatings are essential for achieving a professional result. Our guide will walk you through each step؛ providing tips and advice to ensure your project turns out beautifully. Case Studies and Examples.Sand the wood. Stain only penetrates the top layer of wood cells. Sanding after staining will change the color, eventually removing it, so all sanding must be done before the first coat of stain is applied. When refinishing wood, the initial sanding should already have been completed, and you can start with 120-grit sandpaper. Using a sanding ...This is your essential guide to staining wood for projects both large and small. The time required and total cost of the project will vary depending on the size, surface area, and type of wood you’re staining. A typical can of wood stain will cost $15–$50 per gallon, and projects can take anywhere from an hour to a full day.Wood stain has been around for nearly 100 years, with companies like Pratt and Lambert producing some of the first commercially available wood stain all the way back in the 1920s! There are a few methods you can use to make your wood darker, so let’s have a look at how to stain wood darker, and why staining your wood is a good idea overall.Choose the color or colors of stain you want to use. You can find these at any hardware store. Apply a base coat of stain to the wood using a brush or rag. Make sure to apply it evenly. Let the base coat dry for at least an hour before proceeding. Once the base coat is dry, apply a second coat of stain if desired.Aug 23, 2019 · Wood Finishing Techniques: Hand-Sand the Curves. Sand curved surfaces—and other areas an electric sander can't reach—by hand. Treat all areas equally, using the same progression of sandpaper grits for both hand and power sanding. Start with 80-grit to sand away blemishes, then use 120-grit and finally 180-grit. To preserve cedar wood, the wood must be sealed to keep out the elements. To enhance the look of natural cedar, use a transparent stain or oil to preserve the wood. If a colored fi...Mar 6, 2014 · Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the tin or container to the letter, applying the stain with either a sponge, brush or lint free cloth. 6. Use smooth, continuous movements, following the grain rather than working against it and applying the wood colour evenly. 7. Leave it to dry according to the instructions. Mix one (1) teaspoon with one (1) litre of water into a spray bottle to make a dilute solution. Spray it all over the wood and it will change colour almost ...This is your essential guide to staining wood for projects both large and small. The time required and total cost of the project will vary depending on the size, surface area, and type of wood you’re staining. A typical can of wood stain will cost $15–$50 per gallon, and projects can take anywhere from an hour to a full day.1. Ash Wood. If we had to pick only one out of the four kinds of wood we’ve listed, we would pick ash. Ash is simply the best wood on the market, as it has a high stain absorption rate. Penetrating its outer layer is almost too easy as it has pores and vessels that are relatively larger than those found in other woods.Exterior wood stain provides the same protection without the headaches. 8 Best Wood Stain Colors Here are eight of the best wood stain colors according to interior designers, color experts and DIYers. 2. Apply wood stain. Open and stir your stain. Then, beginning on one side of the piece, start painting the stain on in the direction of the wood grain. You don’t need to use too much; a little bit goes a long way. If you put a little bit too much on, just gently brush it out over the unstained areas.Step 2: Brush on Stain. With a natural bristle brush, work the stain into the wood, going in the direction of the wood grain. After you’ve covered the entire surface, leave the stain on for 15 minutes maximum or per the directions on the can. The longer the stain is left on the wood, the darker the finish.Fast Drying Without Sacrificing Varnish Clarity. While conventional stains recommend 18 to 24 hours of 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. That means you can apply stain and two topcoats in a single day without ... Optional pre-wetting of the wood when using water-based finishes. On certain woods such as oak and ash, pre-wet the wood with a damp cloth to raise the grain before final sanding. Allow the dampened wood to dry 30 minutes before the final sanding. This will provide a smoother final finish. Oak wood tends to absorb stain the best. Other kinds of wood can look great, but stain unevenly due to knots and other imperfections in the wood. 7. Apply a pre-coat of pre-stain wood conditioner. A foam brush works best when applying it to your furniture, and as always, it’s best to apply it in thin coats! 8. Always apply stain in the …Take two 2x4s and place them on the sacrificial sheet. wood for staining. The key step in a really good stained wood is always in the proper preparation. Sanding is a vital part of making the surface of the wood very even and smooth. The stain will be absorbed by the wood and so if a rough surface is stained then the end result will also be rough.Apply your stain using a sponge, brush or cloth, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the stain generously, working in one smooth, continuous movement across the wood, in the same direction as the grain. Cover the entire item evenly. If you don’t know how quickly the wood will take up the stain, wipe it on and off …Aug 14, 2017 · How to Stain Wood. Every species of wood is different and will accept stain differently. Some woods like red and white oak are excellent at accepting stain while others like yellow pine can get blotchy or uneven results even on the best day. Knowing which wood you are working with is the first key to getting a good stain job. Before staining wood, it’s crucial to create a smooth base to achieve a flawless finish. Here are essential steps to ensure your wood is prepped for staining. Cleaning The Wood After Sanding. After sanding, it’s imperative to thoroughly clean the wood surface to remove any dust or debris. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the …What You’ll Need for Staining Birch Plywood. Steps for Staining Birch Plywood. Step 1: Prepare your workstation. Step 2: Test your stain and choose a staining style. Step 3: Clean the Plywood Surface. Step 4: Sand the surface. Step 5: Apply pre-stain conditioner. Step 6: Apply your stain and let it dry.14 Apr 2023 ... This week I tried a new method to stain some gorgeous ash stool legs completely black. The results surprised me! Shop the Limited YEAR ...When using gel stains, you don’t have to use a wood conditioner or pre-stain conditioner before staining. A gel stain can also be applied on top of other wood finishes because most use a varnish binder. 6. Varnish Stains. A varnish stain is a pigment-based dye, or both, that uses varnish as a binder or polyurethane varnish.A tin of wood stain Blue-coloured wood stain. Wood stain is a type of paint used to colour wood comprising colourants dissolved and/or suspended in a vehicle or solvent. Pigments and/or dyes are largely used as colourants in most stains. Aug 23, 2019 · Wood Finishing Techniques: Hand-Sand the Curves. Sand curved surfaces—and other areas an electric sander can't reach—by hand. Treat all areas equally, using the same progression of sandpaper grits for both hand and power sanding. Start with 80-grit to sand away blemishes, then use 120-grit and finally 180-grit. Sep 24, 2022 · A pre-stain wood conditioner helps the wood absorb the Stain evenly without streaks and blotches. Moreover, always condition the wood before staining when working with White or Red Oak. Although the lumber does not deliver streaks and blotches, sometimes wood stains do not guarantee even coverage. Thus, it is always safe to apply the conditioner. Procedure for staining unfinished furniture. Step 1: Safety preparation. Step 2: Disassemble the furniture if you can. Step 3: Sand the bare wood smooth. Step 4: Clean the sawdust. Step 5: Apply pre-stain wood conditioner. Step 6: Sand down the raised grain. Step 7: Mix the stain and apply it to the wooden furniture.Pre-stain wood conditioner; A step-by-step guide to staining cedar wood Step 1: Slightly sand the surface. One excellent quality of wood stain is that it doesn’t require a lot of sanding. For many projects, you can apply directly to the cedar without sanding. However, if you had to clean the surface, chances are a few fibers would be …Before you begin the process of staining pressure-treated wood, you should wait at least four weeks. But you will need to wait up to 6 months in some areas. This is such a large range because the amount of time you need to wait depends on where you live and the weather conditions. For example, you will need to wait much longer in more humid ...The steps in the process are (1) to sand the wood, (2) condition the wood, (3) stain the wood, and finally (4) topcoat the wood. I’ll go through each step in more detail now. You’ll want to have the following tools/materials on hand: Orbital Sander, Lint Free Rags, Foam Brush, Small Paintbrush, Your Favorite Wood Stain, Pre-Stain Wood ...Surface Preparation for Stain. Step by Step Stain Technique. Step 1 – Cleaning the wood. Step 2 – Sanding. Step 3 – Applying stain to the wood. Step 4 – Wait for the paint to dry. Step 5 – Final sanding. Step 6 – Seal the paint. Finishing.23 Jun 2017 ... Tools you'll need · 120-grit sandpaper · 220-grit sandpaper · 3 natural-bristle paintbrushes · A few rags · Paint stirrers &m...Solid stains work better than transparent stains for covering pre-existing paint coats and can be applied directly onto the wood. Water-based stains are recommended for their ease ...Exterior wood stain provides the same protection without the headaches. 8 Best Wood Stain Colors Here are eight of the best wood stain colors according to interior designers, color experts and DIYers.
Optional pre-wetting of the wood when using water-based finishes. On certain woods such as oak and ash, pre-wet the wood with a damp cloth to raise the grain before final sanding. Allow the dampened wood to dry 30 minutes before the final sanding. This will provide a smoother final finish. . Growing ginger
Sand evenly and remove any scratches, dents, wood filler, and excess glue that’s not filling a crack or a hole. After the first sanding, repeat it, this time using 180-grit sandpaper. Then repeat using 220-grit sandpaper. It’s necessary to use a higher-level grit paper to sand the wood if you’ve decided to stain it.Adding stain to bare or stripped wood can both change the color and highlight the grain pattern of any interior wood. Since wood is a product of nature, it can vary from tree to tree, even in the same wood species. Avoid surprises: first test any stain you are considering on an inconspicuous spot to ensure that the color of the stain—in ... Here is an in-depth comparison to help you decide whether to stain or paint wood. 1. Stain vs paint wood: Cost. Wood paint generally cost more than stains. While stains go for around 20-30 USD per gallon, paint costs start at 30USD and range up to 60 USD, almost double the stain price.29 Aug 2020 ... An easy guide for staining wood tables and using stencils to add a decorative flar. Use coordinating colors and unique stencils to match ...Apply the Stain: Using a high-quality brush, apply the stain to the wood in even strokes, following the direction of the grain. Be sure to apply the stain evenly to avoid blotches or streaks. Let it Soak: Allow the stain to soak into the wood. The longer you leave the stain on, the darker the color will be.Learn how to apply wood stain to protect and enhance the natural grain of interior wood. Follow the steps to sand, apply, remove excess, seal and apply a topcoat to your …Rub the cloth over the wood in the direction of the wood grain. Don’t rub sideways, as this is across the grain. Let your wood dry completely before staining. Some people wonder about wood conditioners. You can use a wood conditioner. Wipe it on there or brush it on with a foam brush and let it sit for roughly an hour. Apply stain with a brush or a rag, depending on preference. With a staining brush, work both with the grain and against it. Don't worry about being neat; all that …In order to get the right look and finish, a lot more testing is required to ensure that the job provides the desired effect. If you would like to learn more about the pros and cons of staining wood, or if you are interested in one of our staining services, please contact Dunbar Painting at 604-788-3382 or by filling out a contact form on our ...Mar 6, 2014 · Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the tin or container to the letter, applying the stain with either a sponge, brush or lint free cloth. 6. Use smooth, continuous movements, following the grain rather than working against it and applying the wood colour evenly. 7. Leave it to dry according to the instructions. Stain wood before installation in your shop in an effective and efficient way! StainTrac is a wood staining machine that allows you to stain wood fast and in a controlled environment. Stain Trac Offers a Better Way to Stain Wood. Rather than staining wood materials in place, the innovative Stain Trac enables you as a staining …The best brush for staining wood is hands down the Purdy Ox-Hair Brush. This is an extremely high quality brush that features natural bristles for a smooth finish. If you’re looking for for a larger brush that’s best for staining a deck or fence – the 4″ Wooster Bravo Stainer Brush is your best bet. Finally, if you want the best budget friendly brush …Nov 27, 2020 · Let it dry for a few hours. Sand lightly with 220-grit paper. Note: We’re using a wipe-on oil finish as the sealer. The key is to apply a thin base coat to partially seal the wood before wood staining. Sanding sealers, dewaxed shellac and wipe-on finishes will all do the trick. Step 2. Fast Drying Without Sacrificing Varnish Clarity. While conventional stains recommend 18 to 24 hours of 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. That means you can apply stain and two topcoats in a single day without ... .