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.
Most stains should be sealed to prevent bleeding. After smoothing the stained wood, apply a sealer coat of thinned shellac, sanding sealer, or other appropriate sealer. Do not use shellac with NGR or water-base stains. If you plan to finish the piece with polyurethane, make sure the sealer is compatible.
Wait 24 hours before applying sealant. Oil-based wood stains have some advantages over water-based stains. If chemical fumes are not a concern, an oil base may be the right wood stain choice. They dry much more slowly, and slower dry rates allow a more even application.
We recommend finishing your wood with oil-based stain (see “Test the Stains”) and wood varnish (alkyd) with a compatible sanding sealer beneath it. These finish types are the easiest to apply. Don't confuse alkyd varnishes with polyurethane ones.
Polycrylic topcoats are my sealer of choice for most projects, as they don't tend to yellow as often as polyurethane. Clear furniture wax can also be used to seal natural wood projects. Furniture wax provides a soft, silky finish to a piece, which can be lovely.
While staining creates a rich, deep color that highlights natural wood grain, it does not provide long-term protection. Without a protective top coat, wood can be damaged easily due to contact with water, food, or sharp objects. A polyurethane top coat protects the wood from scratches, stains and water damage.
What do I seal stained wood with? We recommend Polycrylic. Used water based with a water based stain underneath and oil based with an oil based stain.
Wood is dried-out and dull if you do not apply some sort of sealer. Staining and finishing are two very different things.
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.
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.
Once the stain has dried, apply a clear finish to protect both the stain and the wood—and to make the final results look even more beautiful.
You should sand after the first coat of water-based stain to flatten any wood grain the water raised, but it's unnecessary after that.
Outdoor wood stains are water repellant, so they make the wood waterproof, that is protecting it against water and, as a result, against mold. The only problem is that it is a short-term protection. As the stain wears out, the water easily finds a tiny crack to penetrate the wood.
Although a wood stain is more expensive than a sealer, it can last up to 5 times longer and looks more professional. So you certainly get your money's worth.
It is fundamental to apply three coats of sealer to wood surfaces because the initial coat will simply penetrate inside. The second coat binds with the first coat, forming a seal. The final coat, on the other hand, provides protection from scratch, heat and water.
Polyurethane sealers are flexible and versatile construction sealants appropriate for a number of surfaces like wood, metal, plastic, masonry, aluminum, stucco and much more. They're water tight and flexible under any weather condition, making them perfect for sealing gaps and joints on the exterior of structures.
The basic rule for getting good results with any stain is to apply a wet coat and wipe off the excess before it dries.
Pure Tung Oil is the top choice for an all-natural wood sealer. While we don't recommend you use it on large outdoor surfaces like decks or fencing, it's an excellent option for indoor furniture, butcher block, cutting boards, ax handles, and other wooden pieces. Use Tung Oil on unfinished wood.
After applying wood stain, it's a good idea to seal it with polyurethane to protect your project. There are several different types of polyurethane products to choose from. It's important to select the one that's right for your project and apply it correctly to achieve the best results.
As a general rule of thumb, you should apply at least two coats of polyurethane. If you are working on furniture or floors, you should apply at least three coats. You may even use spray paint for the wooden flooring. A water-based polyurethane could be applied for up four or five coats.
Remove Old Finish and Sand
You'll get the best results from your polyurethane topcoat if you remove any old paint, varnish or other finishes before polyurethane application. For a smooth coating, you'll want the surface to be as smooth as possible. Prepare the wood by sanding it with a sanding block or orbital sander.
Shellac Primer
Shellac has been used for centuries to seal wood and other surfaces. Good for interior paint jobs, shellac-based primers are possibly the best stain-blocking primers, working well on severe water and smoke damage to walls and surfaces — they even seal in smells from smoke damage.