As far as woodworking materials go, pine offers a lot of advantages. It’s cheap and plentiful and its naturally bright color and interesting grain patterns really stand out after applying some stain. But before you dive into staining pine, it’s important to understand how wood stains work.
Technically, there’s no such thing as pine wood stain. All wood stains work well on different woods, pine included. But staining pine isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Here are some factors to take into account before starting your pine wood stain journey.
What To Know About Pine Wood Stain
Absorption: The high absorption rate of pine often creates issues like blotches or streaks, which quickly ruin a project. “Woods such as pine, maple and poplar vary significantly in density within a single board,” says Brandon Miller, staining expert and product manager at Rust-Oleum. “Softer areas absorb more stain than harder areas, making the soft spots darker.”
Pre-stain conditioner: “Pre-stain or wood conditioner is often used on soft wood like pine,” says Miller. “The inconsistent porous nature of soft woods can result in a stain finish that is blotchy or uneven. Varathane Premium Wood Conditioner acts as a base coat before staining by filling in the wood pores for more even color coverage.”
Surface prep: Miller recommends sanding the surface before using pre-stain conditioner or applying any stain to even out the surface and help the stain absorb.
Wiping off excess: When staining any type of wood, it’s always a good idea to use a clean cloth to wipe away excess stains. According to Miller, “Wiping off excess stain is a crucial step in the staining process to ensure a professional-looking and well-finished project. It contributes to even coloration, enhances grain definition and prevents various staining issues such as drips and runs, long drying times, over saturation and sticky residue. “
Testing stains is a simple but important part of the process. Buy a few stains of different colors and types, then apply them in small patches on a piece of scrap wood. Decide what you like before investing the time and effort in a full-staining job.
Miller also mentions that testing a stain before application is always the best way to ensure you have the right shade, consistency and transparency. “The same color stain may look different when applied to different types of wood. If you’re not ready to commit to a stain color, it’s a good idea to test it in an inconspicuous area before fully applying it to ensure you’re happy with the color,” he cautions.
What to Look For in the Best Stain for Pine
Stain type: There are several stain types to consider and it’s important to know the difference—especially when working with a soft wood like pine. There are three main options to consider: water-based, oil-based and gel stains.
Water-based stains are advantageous because they dry faster and have less odor. However, they may not penetrate as deeply as oil-based stains. “Oil-based stains are the easiest to use, fade less than other stains, provide consistent results and give the most flexibility for topcoats,” says Miller.
Gel stains are thicker and offer better control, making them perfect for vertical surfaces, says Miller. “Gel-based stains are ideal for fiberglass, metal, wood and vertical surfaces.”
Oil-based stains can penetrate deeply into the material and provide a rich color payoff. Just keep in mind that they require longer drying times and proper ventilation. Miller notes that these types of stains are the easiest to clean and fastest drying, but they do not penetrate as well and cause the grain to rise.
Stain Transparency: When staining wood, it’s crucial to choose the right transparency for the project. “Stain transparency refers to how much a wood stain allows the natural wood grain to show through after application, and it significantly impacts the final appearance of your project,” says Miller. “Transparent stains showcase the wood’s grain and texture for a rustic look, while solid or opaque stains completely cover the grain for a uniform color.”
Stain color: “The best color stain for pine depends on your personal preference and the look you want to achieve,” notes Miller. “Many people opt for lighter stains to enhance the natural beauty of pine’s grain. Darker stains can also work well if you want a more dramatic or rustic appearance.If you’re considering a stain color for pine, it’s important to take into account its light color and distinctive grain pattern.”
The 8 Best Stains for Pine
Best Overall Stain for Pine: Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain
Best Oil-Based Stain: General Finishes Oil Base Gel Stain
Best Stain for Furniture: Rust-Oleum Danish Oil Wood Finish
Best Exterior Stain for Pine: Storm Stain Protector
Best Stain for Pine Ceiling: Tried & True Stain and Finish
Best Stain for Pine Fence: Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer
Best Stain for Yellow Pine: Saman Interior One Step Wood Seal, Stain and Varnish
Best Stain for Pine Floors: Minwax Complete One-Step Floor Finish
Garden Courte is a blog written by [James Marcus], a passionate gardener and writer. She has been gardening for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of plants and how to care for them. In her blog, she shares her knowledge and experience with others, providing tips and advice on gardening, plant care, and more.