Pine & Softwoods – Once you have prepared the surface as above you should apply a Pre-Stain Conditioner. This is because softwoods absorb wood stains in an uneven fashion and could come out blotchy once stained. If you don't have a conditioner, you should wipe the wood down with a wet cloth so the wood becomes damp. After the wood dries, sand it smooth using a #100 Fine Sanding Pad - this process helps reduce the uneven absorbtion of stain often found in softwoods. This would be a great stain option for oak wood flooring, too, if you want a dark colored wood stain!

Using a darker stain: The most straightforward way to darken oak wood is to use a darker-colored product. Dark walnut, ebony, and espresso are popular for creating a darker finish.We would always recommend that you test the different shades of Oak Wood Stain on a small area of the wood, before staining the entire piece. For this, our Wood Stains are available in small 15ml tester pots so you can make sure you are happy before purchasing larger sizes. About our Wood Stain. Update the hardware: Swapping outdated hardware with sleek, modern options can give your oak furniture or cabinets an instant modern update. Oak is a gorgeous hardwood with a beautiful natural grain. There is a reason that this type of wood has been so popular for hardwood floors, cabinets, and furniture across decades of time. Using a dye: Dye stains can be mixed with water or alcohol to create a darker color. They penetrate the wood deeply, creating a more uniform color.

A. Wood Stain is designed to penetrate into the wood and so the longer you leave it on the more it will soak in and the darker the wood will become. Wood can also only absorb so much stain before it becomes saturated and so any excess would then dry on the surface. This is why we recommend wiping the stain off after one or two minutes. Using wood stain on external items and surfaces offers both homeowners and professionals several big advantages. For example, it prevents the wood from rotting if it hasn't already been sealed. It also protects wood from moisture and sun damage, preventing the wood from breaking in freezing temperatures and unsightly discolouration. A. If the surface is dirty clean it first with a suitable Wood Cleaner. Otherwise, sand it with #100 Sanding Pad in the direction of the grain. If the wood is freshly sawn, you may need to start with something more coarse such as 120g sandpaper and work your way up with the Sanding Pads. The unique formula allows it to penetrate wood pores deeply within 5 minutes of application. The minimum dry time is two hours, making all your wood projects a day’s work. Using a lighter-colored stain: Another option is to choose a lighter-colored stain than the one you would typically use. For example, you can opt for a lighter color, such as golden oak or natural, instead of a dark walnut stain.The Wood Stain instructions below explain thoroughly how to prepare wood, stain wood, and then how to protect wood afterwards. They will help you get the best results when using our Wood Stain. Preparing Wood for Staining We build a lot of wood projects. While we usually work with cheaper woods, when we are trying to make something really nice, we love using oak. Wood stain is available in many different colors, most of which are the hues of various types of natural wood, such as mahogany, cherry, oak, or walnut. You can choose a stain that isn’t much different from the color of your natural wood, to add a bit of richer color and UV protection, or you can stain your wood with a darker color if you want to drastically change its appearance. In this article, we’ll dive into the different types of stains and finishes, discuss the best ways to apply them, and cover other essential factors that make your final product stand out.

Varathane Dark Walnut is an exceptional dark stain, perfect for all interior wood projects. Whether you are working on furniture, cabinets, doors, trim, or paneling, this fast-drying oil-based formula creates excellent color coverage with just one coat. Not to compare it to child’s play, but its ability to absorb stains uniformly across the surface is incredibly satisfying.

A dark walnut stain creates a rich, warm finish that enhances the natural beauty of white oak wood and gives it a more traditional or formal look.

Test, Test, Test: It's crucial to test the stain on a scrap piece of oak wood or an inconspicuous project area to ensure you achieve the desired colour. Different types of oak, as well as environmental factors, can impact how the stain appears. Naturally, adjustments may be needed to achieve the perfect colouration.Staining oak wood can take your furniture, flooring, cabinets, or any other wooden surface from dull to dazzling in just a few simple steps.