Wood stains are the best way to give your wood a darker, richer color. However, not all people know how to stain their wood correctly to get the desired effect. So, how can you do staining wood dark?
You’ll need some basic knowledge of what type of surface you’re working with and what types of stains are available before you start staining your wood dark.
This guide will help guide you through the process to have confidence in achieving the desired result every time!
The Difference Between Staining And Painting Wood
Staining wood is a process that colors the wood without creating a film on top of the surface. Using pigments that penetrate the pores, staining lets you change or enhance wood’s color.
Pigmenting agents in stains are typically metal oxides, which react with wood tannins to create rich colors. A transparent stain will let some light show through.
Pigments mixed with oils allow for deeper penetration and longer protection while still allowing natural beauty to show through. The drawback of using pigment stains is that you cannot see where you have already applied them to your project.
On the other hand, paints can achieve either full coverage or partial coverage depending on what look you want to achieve.
Paints form a film on the surface of the wood and can be easily seen. You can also paint right over unpainted surfaces or even existing finishes.
10 Reasons Why You Would Want To Stain The Wood Dark
Here are the 10 reasons why people make their wood dark by staining it.
Reason #1
Dark colors are not likely to show dirt. Dark colors aren’t as common, so it adds a personal touch to the piece of furniture that an otherwise color would not.
Reason #2
The darker stain will hide scratches better than lighter colors because it covers them up quicker and darkens the wood underneath too.
Reason #3
More expensive woods like walnut, ebony, or purpleheart can be stained a darker shade to make their value shine through even more.
This is a personal home improvement tip for those with a limited budget but want to spend on high-quality oaks and pines instead of cheaper hardwoods such as pine, birch, or poplar, which can be covered with paint easily if there is water damage from leaky pipes or a flood.
Reason #4
Darker colors will highlight the wood grain and show through lighter stains more, uniquely highlighting details.
Reason #5
Stain close to the color of the wood itself with no contrast for a very consistent look across your piece of furniture or home improvement project.
It will make it look as if nothing has been done to the natural hardwood at all, saving you time and money before installation.
Reason #6
Light-stained woods can be made darker by simply applying multiple coats instead of sanding down after each coat, not only keeping your workspace cleaner but also requiring less sandpaper than using other techniques to darken it yourself later on.
This is especially beneficial when installing flooring because sanding down won’t be necessary, and you can save money on purchasing a sander.
Reason #7
If you don’t want to put in the time and effort of staining it dark, using paint will hide most irregularities and any wear and tear that may come with time.
This is especially useful for rentals where you want to add some personal touch and wish to leave when your contract expires.
Reason #8
Stain can be used as a cheaper alternative to buying new pricey modern furniture. It transforms older pieces into something unique and contemporary looking while still maintaining their original character.
For example, a stained coffee table or side table instead of buying new ones from IKEA or Lowes Furniture Outlet stores.
Reason #9
Choose what color stain is based on what mood you want to evoke in the room. Dark colors will make it feel intimate, romantic, and cozy, while lighter colors like maple or pine may provide more of an open, airy feeling.
Reason #10
Stain is less toxic than paint because it’s made with natural ingredients that are much healthier for everyone living in your home.
Why Would You Not Want To Stain Wood Dark?
These are some important reasons why you might not want to stain wood dark. The darker the color, the harder it is to remove if it doesn’t look right once applied.
Darker stains can show through lighter paints, so be sure you’re happy with your choice before applying any coats of primer or paint.
Stain has limited durability compared to painting which can last up to 10 years depending on how well treated the floor is. If you prefer natural hardwood floors with more durability, staining it dark may not be the best option.
A darker color can limit your choice of furniture or accessories because they will stand out more, and everything else in the room may look brighter in comparison, which might make some pieces stick out awkwardly against the stain.
Stain has less opacity than paint, so it’s recommended for surfaces where getting a solid cover with 2 – 3 coats is achievable.
Stain takes longer to dry, which increases the chance of accidentally smudging or messing up freshly applied coats. This can become problematic if you’re working on an elevated surface like a ladder.
Stain doesn’t protect the wood from water damage as well as paint does. If you live in a humid area such as Florida or an area with frequent flooding, wood staining may not be your best option.
Stain can create mold when applied to damp surfaces, so it is recommended that the surface always dries before another coat is applied.
You allow for enough ventilation during the application and drying process to avoid trapping moisture in with the wood and causing any damage in the long run.
Darker stains will show more imperfections in the natural grain of the hardwood than lighter ones because they highlight all details present in the wood, making it harder to touch up mistakes like scuffs and dents.
For this reason, using paint is usually preferred if renovations such as flooring are necessary. Stain requires more care and maintenance than painting does.
For example, you will have to use water or mineral spirits to clean up any spills on hardwood floors because using plain water can cause the wood to swell and warp after repeated exposure.
Stain takes longer to set, which increases the chance of accidentally smudging or messing up freshly applied coats. This can be especially problematic if you’re working on an elevated surface like a ladder.
Stain doesn’t protect the wood from water damage as well as paint does. If you live in a humid area such as Florida or an area with frequent flooding, wood staining may not be your best option.
How to Stain Wood Darker
There are various ways to stain wood darker, so it’s important to find the best method for you. Some popular methods include using dark-colored staining agents or varnishes and prepping the wood before stain application.
Be sure to test different ways on a small piece of wood first to see which works best for you. Once you’ve found the plan that suits your needs, get started and enjoy the results! Stained wood darker in easy and suitable ways
What Is The Safest Way To Use Stains?
Stains offer a simple and safe way for homeowners and builders alike to add color to many kinds of projects around their homes.
Many paints, varnishes, and other wood coatings contain potentially harmful chemicals that people should avoid exposure to whenever possible.
For this reason, it is especially important when using stains to purchase only non-toxic products approved by several groups.
These groups include SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District), VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), CARB (California Air Resources Board), and UL GREENGUARD(SM), which signify that the product meets standards for low emission of harmful compounds.
Some stains are available in formulations for interior or exterior use, depending on whether they are designed to be absorbed by the wood fibers (interior) or protect the wood from moisture and rot (exterior).
Make sure you look for this information on the label before making your purchase to ensure the best results.
Coarse sand your wood
Adding a bit of grit to your wood stain job can change the look and feel of your furniture. This can be done in a few simple steps by using coarse sandpaper. Be sure to test a small area first to ensure the results are what you’re looking for! Once satisfied with the results, use a sanding pad or sandpaper grits corresponding to the finish you’re after. Always be careful while sanding, as too much may harm your furniture’s surface. When staining wood, go for a natural or neutral stain color, as this will help to blend in with the wood grain.
Raise the wood grain with water before staining
Adding color to wood is a great way to personalize a room or cottage. But if you’re looking to go darker than usual, staining is the way to go. Pour a small amount of the desired stain into a container and wet the wood surface with tap water before applying the stain using a foam brush or wide-mouth lid applicator.
Remember to wash the wood thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt or dust particles first, as staining can lead to discoloration. Many stain options are available, so find one perfect for your project. From black to a natural finish, staining wood is a great way to add personality and color to any room in your home.
10 Steps To Properly Sand Wood To Stain
Wood is an attractive and versatile building material. However, it does not come ready to use from the home-center store or lumberyard. Many steps need to be taken before a wooden project can be stained successfully. Here we cover 10 important points for prepping wood for staining.
Step 1
Wood must first be sanded down to prepare its surface for staining and finishing products.
The degree of sanding needed depends on the grade of the wood being worked with and what type of finish will be applied afterward (i.e., paint, varnish).
In general, all imperfections should be removed from the surface by using progressively finer grades of sandpaper until they are gone. Be sure to vacuum out the dust generated during this process.
Step 2
A second important step is cleaning the sander’s debris from the surface of the wood after it has been sanded with progressively finer grades of paper.
This will greatly improve penetration of any finish used on top, as well as enhance adhesion. Running a rag over the area being worked on, followed by another soaked with naphtha or paint thinner, will do nicely.
Step 3
Filling holes, cracks, and deep scratches left by coarse sandpaper by using colored putty crayons can be great for making odd-shaped stains less noticeable after staining is complete. As an alternative, auto body filler can be instead of putty crayons for this step.
Step 4
Wiping the wood down with naphtha or paint thinner will allow any loose material to be removed before staining begins, as well as dampen the wood’s surface before it is finished.
Step 5
Rinse any residual sanding dust off the sander and work area with a fine mist of water applied with a spray bottle.
This is especially helpful if windows nearby can be fogged so that their visibility isn’t impaired by flying dust particles landing on them.
Step 6
Take care not to use heavy coats of stain or finish when working near light-colored surfaces such as paint, wallpaper, or anything made from vinyl since they will darken in appearance where two dissimilar materials meet.
Step 7
Use latex paints instead of oil-based ones for any area with direct contact with the ground.
Acetone or naphtha can be used to thin down heavy coats of water-based paint so that they don’t sink into the grain too much, as well as clean up afterward.
Step 8
Do not rub off any dust created by sanding before staining has been completed since it will clog any pores left open on the wood’s surface and lessen penetration of the stain or finish applied on top.
Instead, let it dry and then blow it away with a high-pressure air hose, vacuum cleaner, or compressed air blower for small areas.
Step 9
Using a tack rag before staining will help ensure that any dust remaining on the surface of the wood will be removed and not clog pores and cause rough spots.
This is especially important after sanding since there is a chance that it might settle into finer scratches left behind by the more coarse grade paper used to finish the piece off.
Step 10
Sanding sealers can be applied to prepared wood surfaces to tighten them up before final staining begins. If you are using colored putty crayons or auto body filler, do so at this time as well.
When all of these steps have been completed successfully, applying stains to your wooden surfaces should be much easier than if they were done without properly preparing them first.
Type Of Stain You Should Use For Darkening A Lighter Color
For darkening the lighter colors, the best type of stain to use is a Liquid or Gel stain. These types of stains will soak into the wood and darken it without changing its texture.
They will dry and form a film on the surface of the wood, which can also help seal in color and prevent it from absorbing other things.
The other type of stain that can be used for darkening a lighter color is an Oil-based stain. This type of stain will soak into the wood, but not as deeply as a Liquid or Gel stain.
It takes longer to dry, but it does seal in color instead of just leaving a colored film on top of it like liquid or Gel stains.
Oil-based stains are the only type of stain mixed with white paint to create custom colors.
What Do You Need To Do Before Staining Wood Dark?
First, you need to sand the wood to remove any of the old paint, dirt, or other contaminants so the stain can penetrate it.
Next, wipe off any dust or debris with a clean cloth or brush before starting. After all the surfaces are prepped, it’s time for staining.
The first step is to do an even coat of clear sealer with a spray bottle. This step will protect the wood and keep it shiny after you’re done. Now comes the fun part – blacking out that wood into a deep shade.
You have to mix the black stain with a little bit of sealer and water, then apply the mixture with a paintbrush.
It’s recommended that you do two coats to make sure you’ve covered all surfaces evenly. Finally, give it time for the stain to set in before sealing with a clear coat.
Tools And Materials Needed For Staining Wood Dark
To darken the wood, one needs a piece of wood with a smooth surface and a few household materials. An example of wood that can easily be stained is pine.
Here is a list of materials readily available for staining wood:
- A wood board that can be stained. (example: pine)
- A container large enough to hold the piece of wood during the process. (Tupperware, etc.) It must have a lid, or there may be some spillage.
- Rubber gloves (it is advised not to stain barehanded as it will absorb into the skin and take days to wash off)
- Denatured alcohol. (also known as shellac solvent, available at hardware stores next to paint thinner and lacquer thinner) This can also be used on other surfaces such as metal and plastic. (optional)
- Primer if the wood is still raw and not coated with paint/varnish.(optional)
- A rag (cotton Tshirt material is preferable)(optional)
- TSP substitute(optional)
- Sealer, varnish, or other coatings if desired.
- Acetone (optional). This can be used to clean up tools and materials when stained surfaces are left exposed during the staining process.
- Denatured alcohol can also be used to clean up tools and materials when stained surfaces are left exposed during the staining process.
9 Steps On How To Stain The Wood Dark
When you buy a new table or chair, it’s necessary to protect the wood. You can accomplish it by staining it dark.
This will help keep the furniture looking nicer for longer. It also helps if you use a sealant to prevent any possible fading in the future.
There are 9 steps on how to stain your wood dark:
- Clean and sand off old finish;
- Apply pre-stain conditioner;
- Stain the wood with your favorite color;
- Wipe away too much stain with the help of a clean cloth;
- Apply polyurethane coat of varnish, which seals in color;
- Wait 30 minutes before applying the second coat of polyurethane varnish
- Use 0000 steel wool to smooth out the surface of the wood;
- Apply the second coat of polyurethane varnish, followed by 3 coats of satin or semi-gloss water-based topcoat.
- Wait 24 hours to use your table or chair after each coating is applied.
When Should I Use A Sealant For My Stained Wood?
Sealing stained wood is the most important thing you can do to protect your wood furniture or flooring.
Sealants for stained wood are different from clear finishes, which add satin to semi-gloss shine and protection to unfinished wood.
Clear finishes dry to a completely dry state, while penetrating sealants take longer to cure and maintain a tacky surface.
To protect the beauty and longevity of your valuable investment, you should always use a penetrating sealant designed specifically for finished wood surfaces.
Seven Ways to Stain Wood Darker
There are various ways to stain wood darker, so you can find the perfect shade for your home. The options are endless, whether looking for a natural or a more conventional stain. Remember that the staining process should be completed fully before applying an appropriate finish.
Some popular stain options include red wine, coffee, and yellow ochre. If you’d like a more distressed look, add layers of different stains over time! And if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to stain wood darker, consider using conventional stains or natural dyes like tea tree oil.
Conclusion
Staining is a great option if you’re looking to darken your wood but don’t want the hassle of sanding it down first.
Stains can be used on both pre-sanded and unsanded pieces of wood, making them perfect for DIYers! You can even stain over any other color that might already exist on the piece.
This will just make those areas darker than they were before. To apply stains, simply use a paintbrush with generous amounts in spots where you want more darkness or multiple layers to build up intensity towards the desired shade. I hope now you know how can you do staining wood dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How Do You Apply Dark Wood Stains?
Ans. Apply the stain using a paintbrush, and be sure to apply generous amounts on areas where you want dark or black wood.
2.How Long Do I Wait For The Dark Wood Stain To Dry?
Ans. Wait about 5 minutes-1 hour before applying any kind of polyurethane. This will ensure that the stain has time to set and won’t affect the clear coat.
3.Can You Put Dark Stain Over Light Stain?
Ans. Absolutely. Just make sure that you put more dark stain onto areas where you want it darker, and then let it dry completely before applying polyurethane.
4.Do More Coats Of Stain Make Wood Darker?
Ans. No. More coats of stain will just make the wood darker in those areas, but spots will remain lighter where only one coat has been applied.
5.Do You Have To Sand The Wood To Stain It Darker?
Ans. No, you do not have to sand the wood down. You can simply apply the stain onto your pre-sanded piece of wood, and it will darken it by a few shades.
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