Hey everyone! I'm working on an entryway bench and I'm pretty new to woodworking. I've picked up a few skills from my dad, but finishing techniques were never part of the lessons. I'm using fir and pine from a local store for my project because I want to keep it budget-friendly since this is my first solo endeavor and I'm okay with any mistakes. I'm planning to stain the wood instead of painting it, but I have two main concerns: 1) I want it to look good, and 2) I really don't want the stain to transfer onto my clothes, especially since I'll be sitting on it to take off my shoes after a long day. Any tips on whether to go for oil, water, or gel stains, and if I should apply a clear coat after staining? Thanks for your help!
5 Answers
Consider trying a tinted lacquer! This gives you color and a topcoat in one step, and since it sits more on the surface than a stain, it likely won't have as uneven a finish. Also, make sure to do a couple of test boards since the results can vary.
Splotchiness is common with softwoods like pine. I suggest using wood conditioners before staining. My method usually involves staining, letting it dry, sanding lightly, and staining again until it looks good. It may take a few tries, but it’s worth it.
If you're worried about stain coming off onto your clothes, I recommend using varnish as it works well to seal everything in. Just make sure the stain is fully dried before adding any topcoat.
Staining softwood can definitely give you decent results, but be aware that it might get a bit blotchy, with some areas of the stain appearing darker than others. I usually prefer darker stains because they help mask those blotch marks. When prepping the wood, don't sand it too finely—150 grit is usually the max you want to go. Some people like to use a pre-stain conditioner, although I’m not a fan personally. Don’t forget to apply a clear topcoat after staining; it’s essential to prevent the color from rubbing off. It's really helpful to test different stains on some scrap wood first to see how they turn out!
I've used Varathane on pine for a few projects and have been really happy with it. After it's dried, we sit on it all the time and haven't had any issues with stain rubbing off on clothes. Just remember to test it out on a sample piece first to see how it turns out!