DIY Network

Water-Based Stains From "Ask DIY Home Improvement" episode DADH-108

Water-based stains dry faster than their oil-based counterparts. In addition to wood-tones, water-based stains are available in a range of colors.

Q: Can you show me the best way to use water-based stains.

A: (from DIY woodworking and refinishing expert Bruce Johnson) After more than 100 years of using oil-based stains, today there are also water-based stains that are enjoying some popularity. There's good news and bad news about water-based stains: The good news is that water-based stains dry very quickly. The bad news is . . . water-based stains dry very quickly! Dealing with these fast-drying wood treatments offers both advantages and challenges. Here are some suggestions for using them to make your next woodworking project look perfect.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and protective gloves when working with stains, varnishes, solvents and other chemicals. Work in a well-ventilated area.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• If you're used to working with oil-based stains, you're probably accustomed to an ample working time of up to 10 minutes from the time the stain is applied until it has dried. This allows plenty of time to allow the stain to soak into the wood, then to go back and wipe away the excess stain before dried lap-marks have begun to appear. Oil-based stains can be applied with a rag or sponge-brush, then worked into the wood with a few wipes of a rag (figure A).

  Wiping the excess with a rag is always the last step in staining -- whether you're working with oil-based or water-based stain. There are some important differences to keep in mind, however.

• Oil-based stains produce fumes that can be harmful. It's especially important to work in a well-ventilated area when working with oil-based stains. Water-based stains don't have the same problem of giving off the petroleum fumes.

• Oil-based stains come in a limited range of colors and shades. They are available predominantly in wood-tone colors -- brown, red, yellow, ebony, etc. (figure B).

• By contrast, water-based stains are available in a wide range of colors that may include blues, green, mustard or even "sangria" (figure C). These stains allow you to expand your range of options for staining or coloring wood.

• The main challenge of working with water-based stains is the extremely fast drying time. As the stain is applied, it is less forgiving than an oil-based variety, so it's more important that you work quickly.

• Skip the brush when applying water-based stains, and simply apply it directly to the wood using a rag. Use the same rag to immediately work the stain into the wood and wipe away any excess.

• Don't wait between application and wiping, as you would with oil-based stains. Simply apply it and wipe away the excess right away. Apply the stain in using circular motions (figure D), then immediately go back and wipe away the excess with straight, back-and-forth motions following the grain of the wood.

• With water-based stains, it's best to work on small areas of a project at a time. This will help avoid dried lap-marks forming before you've had time to go back and wipe away the excess. If you're working on large, installed pieces such as doors or cabinet-doors, employ the help of an assistant who can follow along behind you, wiping off the excess stain as you're applying it.

• Important: Once the stain has dried, you'll still need to apply a protective finish. Avoid using polyurethane or other oil-based finishes over water-based stains. These dry with a yellowish or amber tint that will not look good with the stain. Instead, be sure that you use a water-based finish over a water-based stain. Water-based finishes may appear milky in the can, but they dry clear.

Figure E