Generally speaking, water-based stains dry much faster than other types of wood stain. In fact, water-based wood stains are usually dry within a few hours of the first coat. Oil-based stains can take up to 3 days to completely dry.
Lacquer stains are difficult to use because of their very fast drying. Professionals usually work in pairs, with one person spraying the stain and the other following right behind wiping off the excess.
Unlike oil stains, water-based stains and lacquer stains dry very fast. On large or complex surfaces you may have trouble getting the excess stain wiped off before it dries.
Water-based wood stains will generally dry to the touch in three to four hours, but will still require about 24 to 48 hours to fully cure.
Because water based stain is high in viscosity, its method of protection is to sit on top of the wood's surface, usually layered in 2 or more coats. Because of these layered, thick top coatings, water based stains tend to blister, crack, flake or peel over time, usually starting to fail in its first winter season.
Since oil based stains drying time is significantly longer than water based stains, it's easier to blend in your brush strokes to create a more uniform and even finish.
Minwax® Performance Series Tintable Wood Stain
It applies easily and penetrates deep into the pores of the wood. While conventional stains recommend 18 to 24 hours drying time, Minwax Performance Series Tintable Wood Stain can be recoated in just 2 hours for solvent-based finishes and 6 hours for water-based finishes.
Minwax penetrating stain dries in just two hours, making it easy to go from start to finish in just one day.
All stains and finishes depend on evaporation to dry, but when the temperature is below 65 degrees or above 90 degrees, or the humidity level is above 50%, then the evaporation process is either too slow or too fast, causing your finish to either not dry or dry too quickly, turning white — like my deck!
Oil-Based Stains
Oil-based interior stain is what most people think of when it comes to wood stain. They are readily available and the easiest to use. They usually have a linseed oil binder that allows plenty of time to remove the excess before the stain dries.
Stains and oils penetrate wood best when it's cool and dry. If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat.
Any type of permanent marker will not come out of clothing, sheets, or towels, though it may fade after many washings. If a stain has set in the fabric for a while without treatment, it may not be removable, especially if it's a grease or oil-based product like salad dressing and many cosmetics.
Since lacquer dries the fastest, it works great when applied by a spray gun. Shellac and water-based finishes dry fast too, and can be either sprayed or brushed on. Less toxicity can be another factor in selecting a finish.
Some can take 1 to 2 hours to dry between coats, while others take 12 or more. However, most oil-based stains need to dry for 24 to 48 hours before finishing. Because oil-based stain dry times vary so much, check the back of your can to see what your specific brand recommends.
Oil-based polyurethane
Generally speaking, they take 4 to 6 hours to dry or to be ready for a second coat. While oil-based polyurethanes aren't necessarily tougher than water-based alternatives, they can be more resistant to scratching.
Wood Stain Becomes Sticky When Not Wiped Off
What is this? The most likely reason your wood stain didn't dry properly is there was too much excess stain on the wood. Traditional oil-based wood stain contains dyes and pigments to add color, and solvents to keep the stain in liquid form.
In addition, you can try a second coat of stain to see if it deepens the color. Sometimes, the wet stain is exactly the color that you're looking for, but when the stain dries, it goes dull. Often, applying the clear protective finish will make the stain color-rich again.
If you applied the stain correctly, and it still remained tacky, it could be due to rainy weather or high humidity. Give it a few more days to see if it improves. Another possibility is that the stain was old or came from a bad batch.
Using a lint free rag is the best way to apply wood stain because it is great for controlling the amount of stain that is applied and for removing any excess stain. Also, the rag leaves a beautiful, even, and brush stroke free finish. It also can easily be thrown out once finished.
The five ways to dry wood stains faster include enhancing natural airflow, using forced air, blowing hot air, using drying agents, and using dehumidifiers. Apart from that, you can increase the drying speed by using water-based stains, as they dry faster than other types of stains.
Advantages of Water-Based Stain
Water-based stains emit less of an odor than oil-based stains, making them a little less potent as oil-based stains. Additionally, they are not nearly as flammable as oil-based stains. Water-based stains dry quickly.
Here are some of the drawbacks of Oil-based stains:
These are not eco-friendly, as they have volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Oil-based stains have a long drying time (takes about 48 hours). It is not suitable for anyone living in wet and humid climatic conditions.
When you're doing a simple woodworking project, especially one that requires quick drying time, a water-based stain is your best bet. It can dry in as little as 30 minutes through upwards of 1-2 hours is generally a more realistic drying time. Remember... oil-based stains take much longer.