In general, oil based stains are easier to maintain over time as well. The stain will eventually begin to fade and wear off with all stains. With an oil based stain, all that needs to be done to protect the wood once again is a light wash and a recoat.
No you don't have to, but is done generally to seal the wood to stop moisture ingress and the wood swelling. Some stains that are oil based could still be matt but wouldn't need a sealing coat .
To apply sealer after the stain dries, rub or brush it in the direction of the wood grain. Use long continuous strokes to even out the first sealer coat. Sealer coat drying times vary based on climate, humidity and other factors. Generally, the first coat takes roughly four hours.
Applying a topcoat sealer is not required, but a finish protects the stained wood from scratches and keeps it from fading over time.
The oil stains take more work & time than the water stains, but they are not as durable as water-based stains. Also, oil-based stains are more prone to algae, mildew, and mould problems. They require more maintenance in the long term.
Choosing water-based stains is more eco-friendly and less hazardous to your health than oil-based options, as they contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Never allow any stain to dry on the wood surface—it will prevent the clear finish from adhering and cause other issues. Remove the last of any unabsorbed stain with a dry cloth, wiping in the direction of the wood grain.
Minwax® Polycrylic™ Protective Finish
It's ideal for use over all Minwax Oil-Based and Water-Based Stains and colors and all wood species including light woods like maple, ash & birch. Ultra-fast-drying protective coating allows for quick recoats after 2 hours.
No, you should not paint over stained wood without priming first. Primer helps to prevent stain bleed-through and ensures your paint job will last longer.
Do not let the stain dry before wiping excess. 5) A second coat can be applied after two hours. NOTE: Do not sand between coats.
Three years except oil based that lasts five years. That's unopened in a dry moderate to cool environment.
If the stain looks evenly coated and you like the look, one coat staining is adequate. If the stain is too light or uneven, a second coat of stain may be needed before the topcoat is applied. Apply using a foam brush, bristle brush, paint pad applicator, or a lint-free cloth such as an old T-shirt.
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.
Sealers also are used on certain areas of wood furniture that tend to absorb too much stain, such as the edges. Sealers are also applied over the stain and filler to prevent bleeding of the stain and filler into top finishes. Most stains made today are self-sealing. Therefore, they do not need a sealer.
If you don't wipe off excess wood stain, it can result in uneven color and poor adhesion.
Oil-Based versus Water-Based
Oil-based stains, on the other hand, protect by penetrating deep down into the wood's pores and sealing water out. Their oil content, however, makes them less resistant to other moisture-related problem causers, like mold and mildew, which feed on some materials found therein.
Always seal General Finishes oil-based stains with 3 coats topcoat to lock in the color. You can use either oil-based or water-based topcoat.
Is a protective sealer/topcoat required after staining? Yes, all interior wood stains require a protective topcoat. How long do I let the stain dry before applying a topcoat? Let the stain dry for at least 12 hours before protecting the surface with a clear topcoat.
You cannot mix water- and oil-based products together. General Finishes original Enduro-Var can only be used over raw wood or General Finishes water-based wood stains or dye stains.
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.
Wiping is the efficient way to apply stain. The purpose of this article is to emphasize what I've said in passing many times in this column: It's much more efficient to wipe stain onto wood with a rag than to brush it. Wiping is fast, almost as fast as spraying (without the downside of having to clean the spray gun).