How to apply stain for beginners

In part 1 of this series, I'll cover the basics of applying stain to wood. Check back for updates as I go further in depth with selection, varieties and picking the right stain for the application.

[keycitywoodworks]

For those who want to leave negative remarks. Here’s a few things to consider first.

1. Yes, it says do not shake. But the air bubbles will settle right out. It’ll be fine.

2. This is a very beginner tutorial. If I wanted to make a video where we cut shellac 50/50 with mineral spirits, spray two coats, sand in between with 220 before tack clothing the piece and applying stain with stain cloths and allowing it to air dry in a sealed room....I couldn’t hardly call that “for beginners”.

3. I’ve stained multiple pieces this way. It works amazingly for pine and construction lumber to avoid blotching. Yes, that can be done by sealing it with the above mentioned method or with a sanding sealer or pre stain finish. But once again, this is aimed at the DIY’er who has limited experience and budget.

4. If you can’t be helpful, just move on. Your negativity is not needed nor welcomed.

Thanks for your time.

[riggs]

I appreciate this video. I have a bow riser I want to stain and have never stained wood before. So this video gave me some insight to help me proceed. thanks!

[smileyracs]

new friend here, cool staining job, thanks for sharing I've learn something🙏 its really turn out good

[thomascostello]

good video -- my concern w/staining was blanket ladders a nd drips running down 2 x 4's sides

[snowwny]

I believe it says "do not shake" in the instruction.

[cygirl]

May i know what color of stain you use? It’s beautiful.

[Yourtrashmytreasure]

That looks great. Staining is my biggest downfall, by the time I finish a project I'm so tired of it and rush through the staining and ruined many builds

[jenm]

This is beautiful! Thank you for the tips! Question I just sanded 220 to then begin staining should I go to 150 instead then 220 grit?

[arthusiast]

Hi, am getting red cedar wood fence panels in my back yard, do you think it needs to be sanded, before I apply the oil. I mean it is required for brand new installation as there is no wear or outdoor exposure yet. Any advice appreciated.

[melissastech]

Did you use oil based or water based stain

[alangrimsley]

Just curious, I made a coffee table, and in the spaces between the pieces of the wood it’s really hard to get to, what would be a good technique for that and also preventing it from dripping through?

[jckdnielz]

Ok this is very important to me so I need a correct answer. I've stripped my old wood desk of the black paint on top of the dark wood stain, it was stained & sum jerk painted it black. I live in a 1 bedroom apartment & I'm disabled so I can't move the desk, it's 4' long 2'wide. I need to know at any time do I need to do any sanding ?? that's gonna be the issue. The wood is super smooth so I figured NO. I'm gonna stain it YES & I plan to clear coat.

[kle]

I have some leftover stain with a little linseed oil mixed into it. For the moment, I just kept the leftover in a plastic container with a lid on top (the contain I used to mix and apply with). Is this ok? Not sure what other container to keep this leftover in, as I don't want to pour it back into my original stain can without contaminating it. And I don't have any extra tin can to use.

[StationaryNomad]

I have questions! Do the same general rules apply for clear coating? Also, you used a smaller brush for that door. Is there a reason you don’t use a bigger brush like a 4”? And you use the stain straight from the original container? Wouldn’t you want to pour into a different container for the stain that you would use for that project? I’m getting into the shou sugi ban burning technique and clear coating has been my biggest problem by far!!! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[salamanders]

So you did not use wood conditioner prior to stain?

[bryan.conrad]

I'll be honest this conflicts with basically all the advice I've seen while trying to learn how to do this. But, the proof is in the pudding and at least from this angle it looks good to me 🤷

[BeatBox]

says to stir and not shake the can. Says on the can, forms bubbles

[alaluke]

You have 500 openers and can't find one. interesting.

[jakefr]

Not a great video. Stain should not be shaken, it just adds bubbles. Stir it. The stain should also not be rubbed in after you wipe off the excess.. it should be wiped off in the direction of the grain, in the video he shows wiping it both directions.. and then rubbing it? Will just ruin your beautiful grain. Wipe off all the excess in the direction of the grain, and then let it dry.

[chrisricks]

Damn you I know it said something about beginners I didn't realize it was a beginner doing it does anybody see where you set that can down in the very beginning never said you're staying can on your product you're stating ever