Wood stain

From CosplayWiki

A Wood stain, is a sub-category of paint, consists of a pigment suspended in a "vehicle" of solvent and binding agent (alkyd, linseed oil, acrylic, polyurethane, lacquer, or resin). It is formulated to impart or transport the pigment into the pores of the surface rather than creating a film on top of the surface.

Most wood stains for interior uses (e.g. floors and furniture) require further application of varnish or finish for protection and gloss. Stains are differentiated from varnishes in that the latter has no added color or pigment and is designed to form a surface film. Some products are marketed as a combined stain and varnish.

Application and preparation

Applying stains can be very easy or very difficult depending on the type of substrate, type of stain, and the ambient conditions. Fresh, "green" lumber accepts stain poorly, while aged wood absorbs stains relatively well. Porosity of wood can vary greatly, even within the same piece of wood. End grain and bias-cut grain are far more absorptive, thus will absorb more pigment and will darken considerably in those areas. The hard ring may absorb differently from the soft ring. Stains that are fast drying will be difficult to apply in hot weather or in direct sunlight. Stains that are slow-drying will be difficult to work with in damp and cold conditions due to a greatly lengthened evaporation and curing period. New lumber, such as pine, can have waxlike sealants put on at the mill that will prevent proper staining; stripping or sanding the surface may be required. White stains are invariably metal oxides, namely titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and inherently do not penetrate the wood well. They remain on the surface and if wear occurs the unstained wood is easily revealed. They are also fairly opaque. Typically, a thorough final sanding of the wood with one suitable grit will "even out" the absorption of the stain. White stain on a bare softwood or oak floor might require a final 'prep' sanding by hand with an orbital/vibrating sander with 80 or 100 grit, whereas certain hardwoods might be orbitally or hand sanded with 220 grit and higher for a darkish organic stain on furniture.