The basic rule for getting good results with any stain is to apply a wet coat and wipe off the excess before it dries.
The wood stain works when the pigments and dyes soak into the wood. Stain is not intended to sit on top of the wood, which is why most stain manufacturers recommend wiping any excess off stain off the wood shortly after application.
Wipe the stain off immediately if you'd like a lighter tone. But for a deeper tone, leave the stain on the wood for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off. Be sure to wipe off all the excess stain going in the direction of the grain of the wood.
It's best to allow the stain to set for at least 10 minutes before wiping it off. However, remember that the time you'll have to wait will vary. You may have to wait longer (at least 20 minutes) for a darker shade. A lighter shade may require you to wipe the stain instantly.
Unwiped stains can lead to your work becoming sticky and also spotty. This is because the wood absorbs the coat application. While the solvent will evaporate, the excess will no longer penetrate the material.
Be sure to wipe carefully in corners and deep fluting (sometimes a brush can work to get stain into these hard-to-reach areas). If you have oil-based stains (which dries slower), brushing or spraying large areas could work, but lacquer and water-based stains simply dry too fast.
Two coats are generally better than one
If the deck has been properly cleaned, it should absorb the first of stain well in to the wood. By applying a second, light coat of material, you will fill up the cell structure of the wood (kind of like topping off the tank) and the project will last longer.
Most oil-based stains must dry for at least 12 hours before they are exposed to any moisture/rain; however, Ready Seal, if properly applied to prepped and dried wood, can get wet within a couple of hours, and it won't wash away. Oil-based stains will generally take 24-72 hours to fully cure.
Things You Should Know
Water-based stains usually take 4 to 6 hours to dry, while oil and gel-based stains can take up to 12 to 24 hours. Stain dries the best in warm, dry areas that get great airflow. Hardwoods like oak and maple usually dry faster from staining than softwoods like pine and fir.
Old t-shirts are great for this, but even paper towels work for smaller projects. But again, I can't stress enough how important it is to wipe it down with a clean dry cloth. Don't slack off on this part.
Wood stain becomes sticky when it is not wiped off properly. This happens when you put too much wood stain on and do not wipe off the excess.
The way to get the smoothest and best-feeling finish is to “rub out” the last coat using sandpaper and abrasive compounds. Methods of doing this are written about often. It's a mechanical procedure that doesn't differ all that much from sanding the wood.
After the stain has dried, it's time for the first finishing coat. Remember, you put the stain on unfinished wood, so you need to seal the stain to protect it. Open and stir your polyurethane then brush a coat on. It will bubble as you brush it on.
DO: Wipe off the excess stain after applying Minwax® Wood Finish™. DON'T: Let it dry on top of the wood.
Answer: Most people like to stain and seal at the same time, although you can come back a week later and seal if you like. If you're going to wait between staining and sealing, just do a light power wash to clean the concrete and let it dry prior to sealing.
After staining wood, you will want to finish with a topcoat sealer to protect your wood project. Apply a sealant and let it fully cure before handling!
Applying a topcoat sealer is not required, but a finish protects the stained wood from scratches and keeps it from fading over time. If applying a polyurethane wood finish with a brush, apply one to two coats. If using a spray can, hold 8 to 12 inches from the surface and apply two or three light coats.
Oil-based stain can be kept for 1 year if the cans have been opened, but unopened cans will last 2 - 3 yrs. Water-based stain will last 1 year, if opened, and 2 years, if unopened. Oil-based varnishes will be good for 1 year, opened or unopened.
We always recommend two coats of stain for any wood project, but you should only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Extremely dense hardwoods may only be able to absorb one coat of wood stain.
If you apply a second, unnecessary coat of stain to wood that is already adequately covered, you risk creating a tacky surface that is prone to early peeling because the second coat is not penetrating the wood surface, but simply laying on top of the first coat of stain.
Lint free rags with high thread counts work exceptionally well for staining wood. You can also use rags made from recycled or new T-shirt material for staining, but it's best to avoid colored rags which are best for cleaning up after a project. White or gray rags allow you to see how much stain you've put on the rag.
Stain can be applied with a bristle brush, a foam brush, or a cloth. On woods with large, open pores, such as oak, mahogany and ash, increase your pressure to work the stain into the pores. Rubbing or brushing against the direction of the grain will help fill deep pores with stain.