Tip #46
Finishing Touches
Part 6 of 6 - Paints and Stains (continued)
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Water Stains

Though oil stains are easier to find and use, most professional woodworkers prefer water-based stains. Water is more readily absorbed by wood and this makes the stain more permanent. Water stains also come in many more colors than oil stains, and these colors can be blended to obtain an infinite variety of hues. They are also extremely economical...an ounce of water stain powder will usually cost less than a dollar and cover up to 150 square feet.

However, as with oil stains there are disadvantages. Water tends to raise the grain of the wood during application and they cannot be applied to any project that has been previously finished because they simply won't penetrate a prior finish.

Prepare your surface by wetting it down with clear water, letting it dry, then sanding it with 3/0 Garnet paper. This will help minimize the grain raising when you apply your stain. Remove the excess by “tipping” with a dry brush. Allow four hours between coats.

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