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).
Oil or synthetic-based stains with acrylic or urethane binders can contain harmful chemicals and release high levels of VOCs. These stains are more water-resistant than water-based stains and are most often used outdoors.
Regardless of what finish you put on the wood, the surface must be dry. In order to bond with the wood, the finish must be absorbed. If the surface is too wet an oil based finish will be rejected (oil and water don't mix).
Yes, sealing wood after staining is crucial to protect the finish from moisture, dirt, and wear. Choose a compatible sealant like polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer based on the project's use and desired sheen. Apply multiple thin coats, sanding lightly between coats for a smooth finish.
How many coats of oil-based stain should I apply? Only one coat is required to achieve the target color. However, an additional coat can be applied to achieve a deep, richer color.
Oil Based Stains
Oils are typically much thinner than water based formulas, making it easier to penetrate the surface of the wood making it nearly impossible to peel over time.
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.
Alkyd/oil based paints, because of their curing mechanism, tend to yellow, particularly in areas that are not exposed to sunlight. Oil-based varnishes start with an amber cast and will darken with age.
Rags used with oil-based products, especially with any stain, are best to be thrown out and not washed. To do this safely, hang the rags to dry in a well ventilated area away from any sparks or flame. Outside hanging on the side of a trash can is usually a good area to do this.
Caveats For Using Stain on Cedar
If the Cedar has considerable shade with little to no UV exposure, using a stain instead of an oil might be appropriate. This is usually when a house is shaded by dense tree cover or has wide soffits, such as villas where the roof extends over the porch.
If you sand in between coats of stain, you risk breaking the color and damaging the stain. Instead, you should sand the raw wood before applying a stain.
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.
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.
You should follow the stain manufacturer's instructions for proper dry time and recoat schedules. You'll find most oil stains should dry for at least 12 to 18 hours before going over the stain with any EMTECH water-based sealer or topcoat.
Applying the second coat too soon can result in peeling or uneven coloration, while waiting too long may hinder absorption. Manufacturer Guidelines: Most stains recommend waiting at least 4 hours between coats or until the first coat is completely dry.
For oil-based stains and protein stains you'll likely need something more serious, but the Tide Pen is very effective on tannin-based stains (except ink stains—you'll need something more serious for that as well) and food-related stains of all kinds.
Oil splatter or stains may not leave much of a mark at first, and you may feel tempted to just deal with it later. But the danger with cooking oil stains is that they can darken the longer you leave them untreated and become permanent if not cared for in time.
Dish soap can be applied to stains before you run the wash, to better prevent them from settling into the fabric. Handwashing small loads: Dawn® Platinum can help remove stubborn oil and food stains, making it an ideal option for handwashing small loads of laundry.