How to Choose the Right Wood Stain
You might consider turning off your lights or updating your front door when planning your home renovation, but another way to update your deck, railings, and floors is by adding a new wood stain. However, choosing the right one is everything, as too dark a color can make the room smaller, and too light may not match your interior. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right wood stain.
Different types of stains react differently to wood
Before deciding on the color and type of wood stain, you should evaluate how the stain will react to the type of wood you have. Some stains accentuate the natural elements of the wood, while others create a more even tone. For example, water-based stains accentuate the color of wood grain, while oil-based stains penetrate deeper into the wood for a deeper color. Woods like pine are prone to staining and tend to do better with gel stains , which help provide a smoother finish.
The correct stain can also depend on location – for example, wood stain must be water resistant to prevent warping, cracking, or splitting. Outdoor stains are usually acrylic or oil based , and both styles come in different colors and lay down on wood in different ways. Before deciding, make sure you check the type of wood and possible stains.
Look at the color of your spot under different types of lighting.
The spots change appearance under different lighting conditions . If you see an example in the store that you like, it is a good idea to apply a test spot in your home to see how it reacts to the lighting in your home, since incandescent bulbs (common home light bulbs) tend to have a warmer hue. than the fluorescent lamps used in stores. Also pay attention to where the sun is shining on the wood you are painting, as natural light can also change the look of your wood. Check out a small area and observe it for a few days if you can.
How to choose the color of the stain
The color of the finish will also depend on which layers of stain you apply, as one layer of stain is more translucent than two or three. If you’re aiming for something more modern , a lighter color is best, such as pine wood with a translucent stain, or limit the selected stain to one layer. You can try pickled oak stain for a neutral tone, or if you want contrast in a bright space, you can choose a deeper and darker stain such as Jacobin . For redder tones and medium colors, golden oak and golden pecans are good choices. As long as you think about your décor and how the stain color complements it, you should be fine – just be sure to check them first to decide what works best.