Stain - a coloring compound, usually soluble in water, used to paint the surfaces of wood products. Another name for stains is stain.

The composition of wood stains is designed in such a way that during surface treatment, the substance does not impregnate the structure of the wood, but simply gives it a different color.

The stain is used to hide the natural color of wood. Also to give surfaces a newer look.

All stains according to the main material used for their manufacture are divided into 3 categories:

1. Water based wood stain

   The base of the stain is water. The product is produced in several varieties: ready-to-use, as well as in the form of a powder, which must be dissolved in water. This variety is the most common and allows you to paint surfaces in any color shades, mostly wood shades. The disadvantage of water-based stains is that when applied, the material lifts the grain of the wood. This fact emphasizes the structure of the tree, but at the same time, the expanded fibers perfectly absorb moisture. To avoid such a phenomenon, it is necessary to moisten the tree with water before applying the stain, keeping it in water for some time. Next, the product is rubbed with an abrasive material and the last step is stained. The advantage of water-based wood stains is that they do not have any odors, which does not harm human health;

2. Alcohol based wood stain

   The main component of the stain is alcohol. In this embodiment, the stain is a solution of the dye of aniline in denatured alcohol. The described variety is produced in the same way as the stain with a base of water, in two versions - finished product to use and in powder form. The disadvantage of this variety of wood stains is their rapid drying, which is the reason for the appearance of stains. Application of such material by hand presents difficulties due to the uneven color of the resulting coating. The best result will be observed when using spray guns;

3. Oil based wood stain

   The base of the stain is oil. This basis allows you to give the processed object any of the available color shades wood. This is made possible by mixing dyes that dissolve in oils. To prepare wood stains for consumption, they must be diluted with white spirit. This variety presents no difficulty in applying them. The treated surface dries quickly, the coating is applied evenly, without swelling the wood fibers.

There are also acrylic and wax based stains. These types are designed in such a way that they do not have the disadvantages that are described in the above listed varieties: they do not swell wood fibers, do not leave stains, and the applied coating protects the wood from moisture. When water is poured onto surfaces treated with acrylic and wax stains, water droplets scatter.

Acrylic wood stain

Stains on acrylic base do not have specific odors, and are also fireproof. When applying them, it is necessary not to "go over" with the thickness of the applied coating

Wax wood stain

Wax stains add brightness to surfaces, and are applied to the surface using a flexible or non-coarse fabric by rubbing, applying little effort.

But in addition to the fact that these varieties protect surfaces, they themselves also need protective treatment. As protective coating wood varnishes are used for wood stains. Only acrylic and wax based stains have a variety of colors, ideally highlighting the structure of the wood surface. For this reason, both varieties are called rustic.

Self-made wood stains transform wood surfaces to a greater extent. A strong broth of foliage bark looks good, bearing a red tint.

Various color colors are obtained by decoction of finely chopped shells walnut... Next, baking soda is added to the solution through a fine sieve. A tree covered with a similar composition is brown. To give a reddish tint, after the surface has dried, it can be treated with a solution of potassium dichromate.

Gray tones for wood treated with a nut-shell solution. Can be applied by rubbing with dilute acetic acid solution.

Alder bark, or rather its decoction, gives the processed objects deeply dark colors. An even shade of brown is obtained by combining equal amounts of oak bark, willow and walnut shells. All components are filled with water and brought to a boil. The next step is to add 0.5 teaspoon of baking soda and cook for another 10 minutes.

Coffee gives the wood an unusual color. The different shades of brown are determined by the amount of coffee added. The coffee is brewed with the addition of soda and the solution is applied hot.

There is also a classification of wood stains according to their purpose: for surface treatment indoors, as well as for external treatment. Stains for outdoor use contain a special substance that does not allow it to fade when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

When choosing a staining tool, you should pay attention to the following factors:

1. Depending on the size of the area of ​​the object to be treated, an ordinary brush, a foam swab, as well as pneumatic sprayers can be used. There are no special indications for the use of the object for application. But when using nitro-based stains, which tend to dry quickly, the use of brushes and tampons is accompanied by the appearance of spots, and therefore it is better to use sprayers, not paying attention to the area of ​​the treated surfaces. The remaining varieties of wood stains are applied using any tool, paying attention only to the surface area;
2. To achieve a rich color of the surface, the surface should be treated in several layers. Next layer in mandatory should be applied after the previous one has completely dried. It is also necessary to dry completely before applying the finishing coat of stain or varnish.

Wood stain colors

Few people know the fact that one surface can be treated with different colors of stains. This method it is used to emphasize the structure of wood, as well as to give the effect of antiquity. White oak and Arctic oak are reproduced by mixing two varieties of wood stains.

First of all, wood coating bleach is used ( white wood stain, the main component of which is water), then, after this layer has dried, all defects in the wood are filled with an oil-based stain containing hard wax. Wax, getting into these pores, clogs them and gives a gray or black tint, depending on the selected oil color. Attention is drawn to the fact that the remaining bleached part has a constant color, even when treated with a thin protective film wax or oil coating.

When combining various types and colors of wood stains, it is possible to get unusual effects. The bottom line is that first of all, a general surface layer is applied, and then the final touches are applied when applying wood stains of other colors. It cannot be done in the reverse order, since the treated wooden surface can no longer absorb the stain. Also, do not forget about the finishing stage of finishing - varnishing.

It is no secret to anyone that the number of layers of wood stain determines the final color of the wood. The choice of a suitable shade of color can only be determined after a test painting.

First of all, the wooden "stub" must be sanded and cleaned. Next, the first layer of stain is applied. It is necessary to wait until it is completely dry, after which a second layer is applied, but not over the entire length of the board, but on a certain part of it. The third layer is also applied to a smaller part of the second layer. After the final drying of all layers of the stain, it is possible to determine the the right color processed coating.

It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that hardwood wood absorb various compositions wood stains, and conifers, due to the presence of a considerable amount of resins, have the least absorbency.

materials on the topic

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The fashion for natural materials in construction, furniture production, interior decoration has already become a tradition. And it is wood that continues to remain in trend due to its ecological and aesthetic properties. But, unlike artificial materials, wooden coatings and structures can deteriorate under the influence of adverse environmental factors, such as moisture, direct sunlight.

1. What is it for
2. Types of stain
3. Create effects
4. Work technology
5. Defect handling

Wood stain combines the function of protecting the surface from dampness and the growth of microflora and gives the product a rich color. However, this is more than a varnish for furniture and interior items - with its help you can create a unique decoration of a room by updating a couple of wooden surfaces.

What is it for

Wood stain does not work miracles, but it works according to a certain principle:

• The colored or colorless varnish of the wood stain penetrates into the structure of the wood, creating a protective film not only above the surface, but also below it.
• Naturally lifts the grain of the wood, the structure stands out.

Natural shades of impregnation create an imitation of noble and unusual tree species even on the most common boards, for example, ebony or oak .

Types of stain

Impregnations for wood are divided into types according to the base material for their manufacture.

Water

Stain base water is the most common base ingredient. This is the largest group of impregnations. It is produced ready-made or in powder, which is dissolved in water at home.

Its advantages:

• The solution is non-toxic due to its neutral base;
• A wide range of natural shades from the lightest to the deepest dark will help emphasize the naturalness or deepen the tone, make the surface of the product more expressive and noble;
• Easy to apply, low consumption;
• Affordable.

A significant drawback is the ability to lift wood fibers, opening the way for moisture.

The solution is to keep the surface wetted for a while, then remove the inserted fibers with sandpaper and then impregnate. Another method of preventing wetting is the subsequent coating of the painted layer with varnish.

In addition, the water base dries for a relatively long time.

Alcohol stain

Aniline dye dissolved in denatured alcohol. Wood stain is also sold dry or ready-made.

Its main advantage is the layer, like alcohol, dries quickly. We will attribute the same quality to the disadvantages: in order to obtain a uniform color, it is necessary to use a spray gun, when applied manually, alcohol impregnation often forms greasy stains.

Oil stain

Pigments dissolved in oil (White Spirit) allow wood surfaces to be tinted in all possible shades. Such a tool is convenient for use at home - the oil stain fits well, it can be applied with any tool, evenly penetrates into the depths, the texture of the tree is not disturbed, it is formed protective film.

Acrylic and wax

Wood stain made of wax or acrylic belongs to a new generation of materials for the treatment and protection of wooden surfaces. The impregnation does not only form an insulating film. The colors of the wood stain are enhanced compared to other types - from natural to vibrant exotic. The effect of a bright colored finish with a natural wood structure is called stain.

This technique is used by many designers of modern furniture - the appearance of the facades of cabinets made of oak or other species with an unusual color evokes unusual sensations. The main drawback of the material is that the stain is more expensive than its counterparts.

Whitening stain

Not all types of wood need dark saturation, in some cases it is necessary to give a lighter and purer shade. For this, stains based on acids or hydrogen peroxide have been developed. With their help, a bleached timber is obtained, slightly discolored. Thus, the gray surface can be prepared for subsequent painting and processing.

Create effects

Alcohol or water stain can create an imitation of the naturalness of the coating without obvious traces of processing. When choosing a material for protection and painting, be guided by the desired effect: choose a shade of oak, pine or ebony (as in the photo) - the interior will instantly be ennobled.

Ash or oak products do not need to be tinted - leave their structure and shade open, choosing the shade of this species as close to nature as possible.

The properties of each type of wood are different. In order not to make a mistake when buying, pay attention to the flower palette: a composition is applied to the boards of different breeds, where you can see the final result.

Work technology

Staining a wood surface is not a difficult process, but it requires a responsible approach. In order for the varnish coating to be uniform, the consumption is minimal, and the smear lays down evenly, it is necessary to get acquainted with the intricacies of the work.

How best to apply stain on the surface: a master class

1. Spraying is the most effective method. The coating lays down evenly, even gray wood will instantly acquire a new shade. Reduces the risk of smudges and oil traces.
2. Rubbing the stain on a porous wood product with a rag will help to get the effect of oak or pine even on the most common product made from non-noble raw materials. The composition must be applied carefully, therefore, quick-drying solutions should be excluded.

1. A paint roller or swab is useful when covering a small area of ​​wood. Thus, it will be possible to highlight and emphasize the cut pattern, the stain will evenly penetrate deep into the product, creating a protective screen.

1. The brush is used most often for work - the tool is convenient to use, wood stains lie flat in the chosen direction. The master can play with natural ornaments and play with existing patterns by saturating color in certain areas.

Which way is better to use and paint - the master decides, based on his skills, such as wood stain and wood surface. To determine what kind of stain in a particular case - when choosing, pay attention to the instructions for the preparation, which describe the conditions of application and operation.

Basic rules for carrying out work

Often it doesn't matter how many layers the wood stain is applied to. The main thing is to observe the technique and take into account some of the nuances:

• It is necessary to paint the product strictly according to the wood grain. This will reduce the consumption of the solution for smudges and emphasize the pattern.
• The wood stain should be of a comfortable consistency. Non-aqueous is dissolved with white spirit to optimal density.
• How many layers to apply is determined by the master, depending on the desired shade and effect. Usually 2-3 layers, each of which is carefully dried.

Make the first layer thin - here it is important to stain gradually and evenly. The layer will create a base for subsequent applications and reduce the consumption of staining solution.

• To avoid dark areas, varnish should not be applied to the same area twice.
• When dry, the water stain on the wood lifts the fibers. They are scraped off with a coarse cloth in the longitudinal or diagonal direction.
• Water and alcohol solutions dry in 2-3 hours, oily - in 2-3 days.

For indoor and outdoor work, the rules are the same.

Master class on surface tinting

1. Clean the wood from dirt and remove the protruding fibers sandpaper;
2. Pour the stain, previously diluted according to the instructions, into a small tray. Cooking can be done in small portions.
3. Take a tool and, gradually picking up the solution on it, distribute the varnish over the wood.

Do not try to take a lot of paint - this will increase consumption and reduce the quality of the coating.

Defect handling

Has the stain lacquer gone wrong? There are several ways to fix defects. Master Class:

A leak has formed

We cover the place with varnish, which will dissolve the bottom layer. Now we clean the area with a rag. Work must be carried out immediately after a defect is found.

If the drip is dry, soften it with paint thinner. The seal can also be removed with an emery or a plane.

Stains

How many exactly did the solution not remove, but still stains formed? The problem may be in the wood itself - the solid wood sometimes absorbs the solution unevenly. In this case, the plane will help. On plywood, you will have to remove all the veneer.

For re cover will fit non-aqueous gel impregnation. It does not penetrate into the depth of the wood, lays down evenly and dries for a long time. Its consumption is reduced due to surface distribution.

Greetings to everyone!

Since many people asked the same question on my blog, I decided to answer here for everyone at once

The question is: "Tell us in more detail about the treatment of wood with wood stain-wax-oil, what is for what and in what order?"

I tell you:

1. First, apply a stain on a clean, dry tree. The stains that I am familiar with are aqueous, alcoholic and non-aqueous (perhaps there are some more: I came across the definition "based on solvents", maybe this is non-aqueous =))). Not watery - very smelly, keep that in mind! But I like the result =)

Here is the result of using the Rosewood non-aqueous stain:

The bookcase and netbook table are treated with this particular stain. We are very happy with the result

You can apply the stain with a brush or a sponge (I like the sponge, it turns out smoother).

I never apply a thick layer so that there are no smudges.

After drying, we look at the result and are satisfied with it or continue to apply the next layer. The next layer can be the same stain or a different shade - it already depends on what kind of result you want to get. I mix with each other everything that is in the house: water and alcohol - the main thing is to achieve the desired color effect.

The stains I use may not be the best, but they are inexpensive.

Like these ones:

In search of an image of my wood stains, I ran into an interesting article detailing the different stains and their use. I am sharing with you a link to the article and immediately want to make a reservation: I do not follow the tips for use given there, I do as I described above. So it's up to you which method you choose for yourself.

2. If you are already happy with the color result, you can start waxing. I used to use this one:

but since the plans are to restore a beloved old table, and a lot of wax will be required, the toad strangled me and I bought this, simpler (which, in fact, I used for the tea box):

This charm is called "Floor Mastic", the declared composition is as follows: a composition of natural waxes and oils, a flavoring additive.

“Gives shine and moisture-proof properties, penetrates deeply into the surface structure and reliably protects against premature aging. Qualitatively improves the appearance, while maintaining the natural color of the coating. Has a pleasant orange scent when applied. The mastic is easy to apply and economical in consumption. Once polished, the floors can be used. "

P.S. They are slandering about the orange. I would prefer the smell of beeswax and turpentine from Italians, but the smell "like an orange" is very weak, so it's not fatal

Wax can be applied with a brush or steel fiber (Lana d "acciaio):

The mastic can also be applied with a cloth - it is softer than Italian wax ...

Despite the emergence of a variety of innovative materials, wood has been, remains and, for sure, will continue to be in demand in any construction. Well, furniture made of natural wood is considered the most prestigious. The demand for the material is explained by its unsurpassed environmental qualities, natural warmth, durability, and the ability to create coziness.

And in order to maximize the life of products, and for decorative purposes, a lot is used special means, one of which is wood stain. This peculiar composition is able not only to transform the appearance of ordinary wood, but also to reliably protect its structure from various pests and the effects of external adverse factors.

But in order to use the stain, it is important to be able to understand the variety of possible formulations and the technology of their application.

Stain is a liquid composition, often of a dark color, which is capable of imparting various translucent shades to wood, which makes it possible to radically change the appearance of the product, as well as protect the material from external destructive influences. Therefore, such a tool for processing wooden parts can be called multifunctional.

So, with the help of similar protective and decorative compositions, the following operations can be performed to change the appearance and characteristics of wood:

• It becomes possible to tint while preserving the textured pattern of the tree.
• A special purpose stain is capable of bleaching wood - this is a necessary process during restoration work, when the color changes to a lighter shade or when preparing the surface for varnishing.
• Imitation of shades of elite expensive wood species is widely practiced.
• The stain has the property of deep penetration into the structure of the material, and its antiseptic qualities of the composition protect the wood from putrefactive processes and the destructive effects of wood-boring insects.
• The effect of the stain is accompanied by the strengthening of the wood structure.
• An important quality is to impart water-repellent properties to the material.
• Any kind of stain significantly extends the life of wooden products.

• The stain is suitable for both interior and exterior use.
• The quite affordable cost of the material also attracts - the price of a stain is two, two and a half times lower than paint and varnish compositions similar in effect.

Different types of stains interact with wood in different ways, depending on the basis of their manufacture. Some of them penetrate deeply into its structure, while others create a protective film on the surface.

Varieties of wood stain compositions

Stains are made on various bases - it can be water, alcohol, oil, wax. Each of the listed options has its own specifics.

Water based stain

The most common and widely used type of this material is water-based stain. It is produced in the form of ready-made solutions, concentrates or powders, which are diluted immediately before use.

The composition made from powder, after its dilution, must be drained before application, in order to avoid undissolved pigment particles from falling on the surface of the wood. They will interfere with the even application of the composition, which will make the surface color uneven. The advantage of the powder version is that it can be used to make a solution of different concentrations, that is, darker or lighter.

The liquid solution is marketed in containers of various sizes. This option is more convenient in that it is ready for use and does not require preliminary preparation... However, it has a certain shade that is already difficult to change.

The water-based stain has affordable price, economical to apply and does not require special skills in application. In addition, such a composition can be called an environmentally friendly material, since it does not have an unpleasant odor and does not contain harmful substances... Therefore, water-soluble stains are ideal for interior use. Complete drying of the applied solution occurs 12 hours after application.

When purchasing a water-based stain, it must be borne in mind that it is not capable of dramatically changing the color of the material. She can only make it darker and richer in tone. You will have to apply the solution in several layers.

In addition, one more feature of the effect of water stain on wood should be taken into account. Impregnating the fibers of the material, the solution somewhat raises its fibers, due to this effect, a textured pattern stands out. However, such an impact significantly reduces the life of the wooden parts. To minimize this Negative influence, before applying the stain, the surface is first treated with plain water, left for a day, and then cleaned with sandpaper. Only after that you can start working with the decorating composition.

After the stained product is completely dry, it is recommended to apply a water-based varnish to its tinted surface.

Alcohol stains

Alcohol-based stains are produced in the same way as water stains, in dry and dissolved form. If the composition is purchased in the form of a powder, then it is diluted with ethyl alcohol.

The big advantage of such a material is its quick drying, therefore, quite often it is alcohol stains that are used for external work. The solution can also be used for indoor work, however, it must be borne in mind that it has a pungent specific odor. Therefore, for the period of its application, an effective

Fast drying, by the way, can be regarded as both an advantage and a lack of alcohol composition. The fact is that it will be difficult to apply it evenly with a brush. Therefore, most often the processing of wood with such a stain is carried out using a spray gun.

Alcohol solutions quickly and deeply penetrate the wood structure, which provides high-quality protection of the material from moisture and ultraviolet radiation.

Alcohol-based stains are available in a wide variety of shades. However, this material is not as popular as water-based solutions, as it requires some experience and the right equipment to work with them. And for the price, they are still significantly higher.

Oil stains

Oil formulations of this type of action, that is, suitable for the definition of wood stains, are produced on the basis of linseed oil... And when it is necessary to dilute the working composition, white spirit is usually used. Dilution of thick compounds allows you to get solutions of different shades.

This type of processing composition, when applied to wood, penetrates well into its structure, while leaving no stains on the surface. Painting wood with oil stains is carried out with a brush. Thanks to this impregnation, the product receives excellent protection against moisture and insect damage.

The disadvantages of the oil composition include a very long drying time. Well, a considerable cost too.

Oil-wax stains

Wax and oil-wax stains are made from natural materials and are environmentally friendly compounds, which, of course, is reflected in their cost, which exceeds the price of any other analogues.

But at the same time, oil-wax compositions have enough advantages to give preference to them, despite the high cost:

• The stain does not impregnate the wood with moisture.
• The composition can be used not only for tinting wood, but also for its restoration, as it is able to correct minor surface errors.
• When dye is added to such solutions, you can easily change their shade.
• The solutions are applied to the wood in a thin uniform layer and create a protective film on the surface.
• Oil-wax stains are resistant to UV rays, therefore they retain their original color much longer than other protective and decorative coatings.
• No additional lacquering is required on top of this material.

The disadvantage of the oil-wax composition can be called long time drying out.

Stain-gel

On Russian market stains-gels are presented only foreign manufacturers... The compositions have a thick consistency, therefore they are applied to the surface using special tampons. They are particularly well suited for covering soft woods as they dry out to harden the surface.

The compositions are used for both indoor and outdoor work. Moreover, they are used for tinting any products and surfaces, including floors loaded with high intensity of movement of people.

The advantages of stain gels include the following capabilities:

• The formulations give surfaces rich, saturated colors that emphasize the natural beauty of the wood.
• Unlike liquid solutions, the gel, when applied to vertical surfaces, does not smudge and is evenly distributed over the surface.
• The covering power of gels is two times higher than that of liquid solutions.
• When applied, the composition does not lift wood fibers.
• The gel can be used to create a textured pattern of natural wood on steel surfaces.
• The composition dries quickly enough. So, if it is necessary to apply a second layer, then this can be done within two hours after applying the first one.

Among the shortcomings, one can single out the high cost of the material and so far not a wide range of products. True, its diversity is still growing.

Acrylic stain

Acrylic stain is made on the basis of acrylic resins and has the consistency of an emulsion. The mass is easily applied to wood surfaces and penetrates deeply into the structure of the base.

Acrylic stains are presented in a fairly wide shade variety, so it is possible to choose suitable color for a specific product.

The advantages of this material include the following qualities:

• The antiseptic properties of the emulsion make it possible to protect wood from other biological damage, including insects.
• The material is resistant to ultraviolet rays, as well as moisture, and reliably protects wood from their negative effects.
• Acrylic stains do not have unpleasant odors, do not contain toxic substances, are fireproof.
• The material is harmless to human health and the environment.
• The emulsion has excellent adhesion to any wood surface, including plywood.
• The solution penetrates deeply into the structure of the material.

The disadvantages include the high cost of high-quality emulsion acrylic stain.

Variety of shades of wood stains

The assortment of wood stain shades is so wide that it is impossible to cover it completely on the scale of one article. It can only be noted that each of the manufacturers develops its own color range of these declarative protective materials. The most popular tones can be common in them, and even then they can differ from each other.

Several of the most popular shades can be distinguished, which are chosen for covering wooden products intended for interiors or outdoor use. And to simplify the visual assessment of popular shades of wood stain, you can refer to the table below:

Illustration	Brief description of the shade
	Very popular for covering wooden furniture items as well facing materials internal surfaces uses a white stain today. As you know, light colors expand the space and add light to the room. In order to turn the usual wood color into “ bleached oak»Two types of stain must be used: - the first layer is white water solution; - the second layer is an oil-wax composition, which is applied after the previous one has completely dried. The oil composition will close the pores, giving them a darker color, and thereby revealing the natural texture of the wood.
	Black solutions are actively used in decoration door frames and canvases. They are also used when creating combined compositions, or in order to obtain a certain effect. When choosing a black stain for the design of a particular product or surface, it is better to give preference to an oil composition, which can even be used to cover a wooden floor. Oil stains resistant to abrasion, so they will last for a long time without unnecessary restoration work.
	Wenge is the name given to a tropical wood species that is dark brown in color with black veins and blotches. A similar design option for wooden surfaces is perfect for furniture accessories, doors, panels, floors, etc. The noble shade "wenge" is suitable for classic interiors, giving them respectability and special charm.
	If it is necessary to give the wood a distinctly "rich" look, then for this purpose it is worth choosing the color "mahogany", which has red-brown shades in its composition. This type of stain, just like wenge, can be applied to any surfaces and furniture accessories in the interior, of course, if it is decorated in one of the classic or modern styles.
	"Ebony" - this name has a stain, which includes shades of silver-gray, blue, black and tones close to them. To achieve the desired effect, it is recommended to use this color for covering the wood. hard rocks, which should be properly polished before applying the stain. A similar version of the stain can be used for processing wooden flooring, lining installed in the form of panels, as well as for individual pieces of furniture.
	Blue and blue shades There are a lot of stains on sale. In the example shown there is a color called "behandla". Blue tones are usually used to cover surfaces and furniture in children's rooms, sometimes in kitchens. The main advantage of blue color is the ability to give the interior a certain expression, especially in cases where it is matched good combination... For example, dark blue looks harmoniously with gray, blue, yellow shades, as well as white. Lighter blues can be combined with white and gray.
	"Mahogany" is a "lighter" option, compared to "wenge" and "mahogany" and it looks, perhaps, not so rich and respectable. However, it is thanks to the light tone that the design elements that have such a color will not weigh down the interior. It is necessary not to forget that red is considered "aggressive", so you should not use it in the bedroom, and also unnecessarily overload other rooms with it. The best choice would be to use this color as an accent, for example, to cover a wooden table with it.
	Grey colour stains must be used very delicately. He is quite capable of adding individuality and neatness to the interior, or sometimes he can bring gloom and gloom into it. The right decision will find the perfect color combination with other design items, as shades of gray require a bright revival.
	The color swatch shown in the illustration is called “green spruce”. Green shades help relax the eyes after a busy day, so they can be used to decorate wooden elements of a bedroom or living room. However, it must be remembered that "greens" should also go well with general design interior. This color is also suitable for a children's room, especially in cases where a restless child lives in it.
	"Walnut" - This color is popular for bedrooms, living rooms, hallways and corridors. It can be used to cover absolutely any wooden elements interior, with the exception, perhaps, only of the ceiling surface. It is a light but noble shade that very favorably emphasizes the textured pattern of wood.

How to make a wood stain yourself?

Some craftsmen prefer to make wood tinting solutions according to their own recipes. Next, several options will be presented that are quite affordable for making at home.

In order to achieve a certain shade of wood, various plant and chemical compounds are used.

1. To give the wood one of the brown shades, thick tea or coffee teas can be used.

• To make tea stain, a thick tea leaves are made from it, which is filtered after cooling. Then the composition is applied to the wood, and thanks to the tannins contained in the tea, the wood acquires one of the many brown shades. The color saturation will depend on the concentration of the brew made.
• Coffee is used in much the same way as tea. Its ground grains are brewed, infused and strained. The intensity of the color will depend on the strength of the prepared solution. In order to achieve a certain shade of wood, a small amount of soda is sometimes added to coffee. The proportions of the ingredients are 1: 4, that is, for 4 parts of coffee there is 1 part of soda.

2. Walnut shells and partitions, chopped, boiled and strained, also give a solution that will give the wood a brown tint. Sometimes soda is added to the composition. If it is necessary to achieve a red-brown hue, then potassium dichromate should be added to the broth.
3. In order to achieve a reddish shade of wood, an infusion of larch bark or onion husks is used.

4. Black stain can be obtained by using a decoction made from the bark of alder, willow, oak, and walnut shells for processing wood. All these ingredients are poured with water, brought to a boil, after which ½ teaspoon of soda is added to the broth, and it should still boil for 10 minutes.

To obtain the "ebony" effect, the wood is covered with a tincture made from acetic acid, to which metal elements such as nails are added. This solution should be infused in a dark place for seven days.

5. To obtain a golden hue, a decoction of buckthorn berries is used.
6. The gray color of wood can be obtained by applying acetic acid to it.
7. The fibers of wood will become cherry when applied to them with a thick solution of magnesium permanganate. To make it, you need 50 grams. powder, which are added to one liter of heated water.
8. Greenish tones of wood can be obtained by applying a mixture of vinegar with 50 grams copper sulfate, which should be boiled for 15 minutes before application.
9. Blue tones are achieved by mixing red elderberries with baking soda.
10. The tree acquires a bright orange color when tinted with a decoction made from poplar shoots - 150 grams of raw materials per one liter of water. It is necessary to boil the mixture for an hour, then it is filtered and left in the light - after that it becomes orange.
11. If you add alum to any of the above solutions, you can get a more intense coating color.
12. Heated cottonseed oil can darken wood and highlight its textured pattern. In addition, such a composition will significantly strengthen the material.
13. As mentioned above, whitening compositions have become very popular, which can also be made at home. A remarkable fact - when applying bleaching compositions to different types of wood, you can get the most unexpected shades. For example, walnut has natural purple hues, so when a bleaching compound is applied, it can acquire a pinkish or even bright scarlet color. The shade will depend on the amount of natural pigment in the wood composition. When treated with bleach, apple wood will take on a delicate ivory shade.

• Oxalic acid. It only needs 5 grams per 100 milliliters of water. This compound is used for bleaching light wood species. For dark wood, this solution is not very suitable, as it can leave ugly stains. After applying and obtaining the desired effect, the wood should be washed with a composition that includes 15 grams of lime and 3 grams of soda per 100 milliliters of water.
• Hydrogen peroxide is used to bleach all types of wood, except for rosewood and oak. It is not required to rinse the wood after applying this substance.

Making a homemade wood stain is not difficult at all, but to achieve the desired shade you will have to experiment, since immediately "getting into the top ten", that is, getting the desired tone is unlikely to work. Having prepared the solution and memorizing its proportions, the stain is applied to a small area of ​​wood and waited for drying until the final effect is manifested. If the shade is too light, it is necessary to apply the solution in a second layer.

When making experiments, precautions should be taken, especially if the recipes use toxic substances or acids. It is recommended to work with them in a well-ventilated area or, if possible, on the street. Do not neglect skin and eye protection - gloves and goggles.

It is better not to use polyurethane varnishes for the final outer coating of stained wood, as they can curl. Therefore, in this case, nitro lacquers are more widely used.

Video: Demonstration of the recipe and the process of making wood stain at home

The technique of highlighting the wood pattern

The use of wood stain for toning wood is often directly related to emphasizing its natural pattern. For this, a special technique is used, called brushing (from english word"Brush" - "brush"). Using this technology, you can not only highlight the picture with color, but also give it a beautiful relief.

The technology is possible in execution due to the existing difference in the hardness of the wood layers. If you look at the cross section of a tree, you can see a pattern formed by annual rings, consisting of fibers with different strength characteristics. Their main difference is their different density - among the hard layers there are softer ones that are easy to process.

The natural relief appears when the top layer of soft wood fibers are removed, due to which it becomes decorative. The stain used in this method of material transformation contributes to the color highlighting of the structural pattern.

Any type of wood with thick or thin longitudinal fibers is suitable for the use of such a technique in combination with tinting. Wood structured in this way is used for the manufacture of furniture, flooring, arrangement of panels, as well as for the manufacture individual elements decorative finishes, such as framing cladding made of other materials.

Brushing can be called the simplest and accessible method giving the wood individuality and decorativeness, as well as, if necessary, artificially "age" the material. In this case, the depth of the relief can be highlighted in different ways. For example, on boards designed for floor covering, do not do deep processing, as dust and dirt will collect in the recesses. However, the pattern can be distinguished visually by applying one or more stain solutions.

It is quite possible to carry out the process of such wood decoration at home. This will require uncomplicated hand tools and some common electrical tools.

So, to give the tree a certain kind, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:

• Stains for toning wood, as well as brushes, roller or spray gun. The tool is selected depending on the consistency of the tinting composition.
• Manual metal brushes with different hardness, or a grinder (electric drill, screwdriver) with a metal brush attachment. With these tools, softer fibers are removed.
• Sandpaper with different grain sizes - for rough cleaning and final polishing of the relief.
• Varnish for the final coating of the finished product.

It should be noted that with a small sander at your disposal, the work can be done much faster, and the cleaning of the wood will be more even. This is due to the fact that the device operates at a constant speed.

For grinders, special narrow or wide brush heads are provided, made of metal, polymers with an abrasive applied to it, as well as hair or sisal. Adhering to phased implementation works, with the help of such a power tool, you can make ideal wood or blanks for the installation of interior cladding.

The work is carried out in the following order:

• If you plan to show the structural drawing in color, then the first step is to whiten the board or other wooden blank using one of the types of stain. After that, you should wait until the material is completely dry - it should form a dense layer or completely saturate the wood a few millimeters deep.
• A colored layer of stain is applied on top of the bleached blank so that it completely overlaps the primary one. The second layer of the solution should also dry well, otherwise the wood will give burrs during processing.

• Now, you can start removing soft fibers. First, this process is carried out using a metal brush, which is fixed to a grinder, or by hand. The stiffness of the brush should be chosen in such a way that it does not damage the dense fibers of the structure, but easily removes the soft parts of the wood. The movements of the brush are made along the fibers with pressure, which should provide high-quality scraping of soft fibers. It is very important to set the correct speed on the power tool when brushing with it, as rotating the brush head too fast will damage not only soft but also hard fibers. You must be prepared that when using hand tool will have to make a lot of effort.
• The next step is to use an abrasive coated polymer brush. The first grinding of the workpiece is carried out with this attachment or with a hand tool. At this stage, roughness and burrs remaining after the initial processing of the part are removed from the wood. After removing all unnecessary, it will be possible to assess how well the structuring was done. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated, deepening the embossed pattern. At the same stage, additional decorative elements... They can be applied randomly with a chisel or other cutting tool.
• The next step is the polishing of the workpieces. For this, a hair or sisal brush is used. This process completes the product, bringing out the beauty of the wood structure. Polishing, of course, is best done with a power tool, since only it can perfectly process the embossed surface. The polishing brushes are quite soft, so they will not damage the colored layers of the workpieces.
• After sanding is completed, the treated surface must be cleaned of wood dust using
• Then, if it was planned, you can cover the product with varnish, which should be applied to an absolutely dry and clean surface.

It should be noted that in some cases, before or instead of varnishing, gilding is applied to the relief tinted parts, which covers only the protruding parts of the relief. There are other options for applying, for example, gold is applied to the entire surface, and then, it is immediately erased. Thus, the paint clogs all the pores and microcracks and, after removing it from the main surface, remains only in the recesses.

Another decoration option is applying layers of stain after brushing.

This method also includes several stages:

• With this approach, the wood is first structured as described above.
• After cleaning and sanding the surface, it whitens, or, conversely, darkens and is left to dry completely.
• On top of the dried layer, one of the selected shades of stain is applied. For example, any color can be applied on top of the white layer, but on top of black or dark brown - only light shades of the thick composition of the stain.
• Immediately after application, upper layer the stain is erased with soft tissue, so that its remains remain only in the depressions of the relief. If necessary, a third layer can be applied to the workpiece. It is important that all the applied shades are in good harmony with each other.
• When all layers of stain are completely dry, the product can be varnished.

Brushed and stained wood details are used in different areas of the interior, made in certain styles. For example, a board decorated using this technique is indispensable as a mantel, and a bar - for decorative ceiling beams... This material is also used for the manufacture of countertops, wall panels as well as ceiling and floor skirting boards.

Wood staining is one of the most frequently used protective and decorative methods. This process is carried out using special substances, which are called - wood stains.

In order for the result of processing to be successful, and the appearance of the wood to please you, you should responsibly approach the choice of wood stains. And so what are the wood stains, and what should be considered when choosing them?

All wood stains are divided into types depending on the basis on which they are made:

1. Water based wood stains;
2. Alcohol-based wood stains;
3. Nitro-stains for wood;
4. Oil stains for wood;
5. Wax wood stains.

Water based wood stains.

As the name implies, water forms the basis of this type of stain. Water-based stain can be sold either ready-made or as a powder that is dissolved in water. It is easy to work with such a stain, it is very easy to apply, it dries quickly. The only, but significant, drawback wood stains water-based is its ability to lift wood fibers. This is due to the fact that wood, when saturated with water, and its fibers rise. This feature disturbs the appearance of the material. To avoid such a phenomenon, before proceeding with the treatment of wood with a stain, you should moisten it with water and leave it for a while, after which, when the fibers rise, the surface, and only after that proceed to the treatment with the stain. The color range of such wood stains consists of colors close to natural wood species, from light tones to mahogany and wenge.

Alcohol-based wood stains.

Alcohol-based consists of a dye or tinting component dissolved in alcohol. They sell such stains, as well as water-based stains, in the form of a ready-made solution or powder. If you choose powder, be careful, alcohol-based stain is only diluted with 96% alcohol. If you are not sure that the alcohol that you purchased is exactly 96%, it is better to choose a stain in already ready solution... A feature of this type of wood stain is a short drying time. Alcohol stain and dry very quickly, so you need to be very careful when using them. If during staining the surface using alcohol stain, you are distracted or make incorrect strokes, stains may remain on the surface that are difficult to remove or tint.

Nitro-stains for wood.

This type of wood stain is made on the basis of a solvent. Nitro-stains, as well as alcohol stains, dry very quickly, which makes the processing of a large surface very problematic, moreover, they have a pungent and unpleasant odor, which limits their use indoors. Nitro-stains are best used for staining small surfaces, for example, doors, windows, small decorative elements.

Oil stains for wood.

Oil stains for wood the most versatile and commonly used type of wood stain. The composition includes oils and oil-soluble coloring components. Oil-based wood stain is easy to apply, lie flat, dries quickly enough, but at the same time makes it possible to cover the surface evenly and without streaks. Oil stains for wood environmentally friendly, odorless, they can be used both outdoors and indoors. Oil stains, unlike others, have not only a decorative, but also a protective function for wood. Oil, penetrating into the upper layers of the tree, protects it from dampness, moisture and others atmospheric phenomena... The range of colors of oil stains is very wide, here you can choose a color and shade for every taste and for any interior.

Wax wood stains.

Wax stains Is one of the modern construction developments. When this type of stain is applied, a protective wax film is created on the surface, which creates an effective and thorough protection against moisture.

When choosing wood stains, it is important to consider the following factors:

1. Wood species. Different types of wood are stained in different ways. For example, wood species containing resins (pine, etc.) are stained when treated with stains, since the stain does not penetrate well into areas where resin is concentrated.
2. The specifics of the use of wood. If you are going to stain wooden dishes or, for example, it is better to use oil or wax stains for children's toys, they are safe for health and do not have an unpleasant odor.

Irina Zheleznyak, Special correspondent of the Internet edition "AtmWood. Wood-Industrial Bulletin"

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