You can identify water-based stains by their thinning and clean-up solvent: water. Water-based stains are usually best under water-based finishes because these finishes don't bond well over oil or varnish stains unless you give them a week or longer to thoroughly dry.
Oil based stains are somewhat more water resistant than the water based finishes. Due to this, by sprinkling a little water onto the stained area you can tell if the stain is water or oil based. Simply wait for a minute and see if the water beads up. If it does, then you have an oil based stain.
QUESTION: Can oil and water based products be used over each other? ANSWER: Yes! but the underlying finish has to be absolutely dry. When using a water based topcoat over an oil based stain, allow oil based finishes, such as Java Gel Stain, to dry at least 72 hours before coating with a water based topcoat.
2 coats. To deepen the color, apply a third coat. Optional, for additional luster or sheen a clear protective finish can be applied. Recommended finishes include Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Minwax® Wipe-On Poly.
Wood Finish Shelf Life: Can Stains and Finishes Go Bad?
| Product | Shelf Life |
|---|
| Gel Stain | 3 Years |
| Oil-Based Stain + Poly | 5 Years |
| Water-Based Stain + Poly | 3 Years |
| Water-Based Polyurethane | 3 Years |
Water-based stains are more durable than you thinkMost water-based stains actually last longer than oil-based stains. While water-based stain can typically last two to three years and is more environmentally friendly (it's solvent-free), its refinishing process can be more work.
Water-based stains maintain quality of color longer. Water-based stains are not nearly as flammable as oil-based stains. Water-based stains dry relatively quickly and allow for a quick fix. Water-based stains emit an odor not quite as potent as oil-based stains.
Deck stains can be applied in several different ways. Using a pump-up garden sprayer and roller are two popular methods. Regardless of how you apply your wood stain, keep a paint brush at hand. A paint brush will work the stain deep in to the pores of a board.
For larger areas, a stain mop or stain pad is a great applicator tool for deck stains. A speed mop like the one made by Shurline is a professional grade 18-inch wide mop that can make the stain job 50% faster. The speed mop also has replacement pads that can be used.
The two highest-rated water-based deck stains are Restore-A-Deck and Defy Extreme.
Our Top Choice: DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood StainWith a semi-transparent finish, Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Stain is water-based, so it will be easy to clean up by just using water.
Minwax® Water Based Wood Stain is an easy way to add beautiful color to unfinished wood surfaces. Now available in 40 colors and 4 designer style color palettes. This version is retiring soon. Look for our New & Improved Minwax® Wood Finish Water-Based Semi-Transparent Color Stain.
Don't worry about being neat; all that matters is getting a nice, even, liberal coat over the wood. At this point, wipe the stain off immediately for a lighter tone, or for a deeper tone, leave it on for five or even 10 minutes before wiping.
How do you know when stain is dry? There are several ways to determine whether a surface is dry: OIL BASED products are dry if they are no longer tacky and do not emit a smell. WATER BASED products are try if they no longer feel cool to the touch and a powder will form with light sanding.
The basic rule for getting good results with any stain is to apply a wet coat and wipe off the excess before it dries. You can even dip the object into stain or pour the stain onto the wood and spread it around. It's only important that you wipe off all the excess before the stain dries.
Depending on temperature and humidity, allow 24 - 48 hours of dry time before using your beautifully restored deck or porch.
It can take around 1 to 2 hours before a coat of an oil-based wood stain dries. You then have to wait for another couple of hours before applying the second coat. Finally, you need to wait at least 8 hours before you can apply your finish of choice.
The Second ColorAs long as the stain is truly dry, it won't damage your work. You can use the same process as before, whether with painter's tape or masking tape, and then apply your second stain color according to the manufacturer's directions.
Wood Stain Becomes Sticky When Not Wiped OffThe wood stain works when the pigments and dyes soak into the wood. Stain is not intended to sit on top of the wood, which is why most stain manufacturers recommend wiping any excess off stain off the wood shortly after application.
If its warm and dry and you are using an oil based polyurethane than 2-3 hours is sufficient. If it's cool or damp you probably should wait overnight. If you are using a water based polyurethane then the stain should dry 7 to 10 days.
Water-based or latex stains take 4 to 6 hours to dry thoroughly and prevent spots due to rain. On the other hand, oil-based stains should be dried for 12 to 24 hours before the rain comes. Oil stains need more time to seep into the wood and be absorbed by the fibers.
staining the deck, paint generally comes out as the more durable and colorfast finish, lasting 10 years or longer before requiring re-application. Oil-based paints offer the best protection from moisture, whereas latex paints provide the best defense against UV-related fading.
While staining may take less time than painting, painting often does a better job of filling the cracks, covering imperfections, and provides longer lasting protection. Paint also is typically more rot resistance and does a better job of preventing mold and sun damage.
Solid. Just like regular paint, solid stains hide the grain of wood, and the best should last three to five years on a deck, the longest of the three types of stains.
There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come.
- Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish.
- Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer.
- Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.
There are many situations in which wood will be exposed to water. Wood stain forms a barrier over the surface of your wood that is waterproof. This causes water to flow away harmlessly without having the slightest effect on your wood.
Whether it's warm or cool outside, never apply stain to a deck in direct sunlight. This could cause the stain to flash dry, which prevents it from penetrating the wood properly and shortens its longevity. Flash drying also causes an uneven, blotchy appearance that will make you want to redo the job.
Minwax Wood Finish pigment stains are not intended for exterior applications. The UV in sunlight will fairly quickly cause the stain to lose color. The stain offers not abrasion protection and scratches and abrasions will be very apparent.
Sherwin-Williams also made CR's top picks for semitransparent stains, which show some wood grain. But Behr beat it in that group and won among solid stains. Behr's Solid Color Deck, Fence and Siding Wood Stain is also tops.
