Staining isn’t always the easiest task. Even professionals make mistakes from time to time. Fortunately, your project can still be saved from the depths of ruin. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn, so let’s see how we can fix this and avoid it next time.
Considerations to Make Before You Stain
There are some things you can do before you start staining that can help you avoid making mistakes later on. The location and weather you stain in are very important. Make sure the area is well-ventilated so the fumes of the stain can escape. If possible, you should also try to stain on a warm and humid day to get the best results.
Another problem easily overlooked is the state of your stain. Knowing what kind of stain you have is important, especially since stain can actually go bad if it has sat for too long. Most stains have a shelf life of approximately three years, so it’s always a good idea to check just in case. Lastly, know the wood you are working on. Some wood is better than others for staining, so do your research beforehand so that you can reach your desired look.
Correcting Unfortunate Applications
No matter your experience, sometimes a staining project can go awry and turn out bad – or downright ugly. Sure, it might be user error, but sometimes the wood can absorb the stain unevenly for a few reasons including its age, how porous the grain is, and how much its been treated in the past.
To fix this, an easy solution is to simply go with a darker stain. A darker stain can hide any imperfections as long as you don’t mind a slightly darker look. If you use an oil-based stain, purchase a darker one to apply over the old one. While you might want to simply apply more of the original stain, chances are the wood has already absorbed all that it can.
Another way to correct using darker stains is to use gel stains. Instead of soaking into the wood itself, a gel stain is applied and remains directly on the surface of the wood. Since it doesn’t seep into the wood, you avoid blotches altogether and cover up any that might have been a problem before.
Sometimes what you want is a lighter tone instead of a darker one. While this can be difficult, you can brighten the tone more easily if the stain is still fresh. If it has been less than 15 minutes, you can dilute the stain before it dries. If it is a water-based stain, water should do the trick, while mineral spirits are required for oil-based stains. Apply the solvent to a rag before rubbing it on the area you wish to brighten. Note that this may not produce a perfect finish, but should allow you to fix any mistakes by applying the wood stain again.
The More Extreme Solutions
Maybe messing with the stain is not an option. Perhaps you need something more powerful and robust. If you really want the best look and have the necessary time and equipment to do so, there is one solution: sanding and restaining the wood. This process is the only one that will remove the stain you have applied and give you a second chance at staining the wood correctly – though a pressure washer can also help strip the wood to prep it for a new coat.
The only other option is to avoid the stain and cover it up. To do so, you only need to paint over the wood. While this may feel like you are admitting defeat, painting over the wood can sometimes yield better results than if you simply left the stain as is.
Solutions for Before, During, and After
Staining can seem rather easy, but one simple mistake can lead to a whole chain of problems and solutions. Patience is key when it comes to staining. If you prefer to let a more zen professional take care of your staining project or need help correcting some wonky stains, contact us and we can help.
