What is the proper way to stain wood?
When we use the engraving machine to engrave materials, to meet our diverse needs, we sometimes color the materials. For beginners, this step may be tricky. If you want to know how to dye materials like a professional, please read on. Taking wood as an example, here are five steps to help you understand better.
- Start by sanding along the grain of the wood with 120-grit sandpaper. Then repeat the process with 180-grit sandpaper, then 220-grit sandpaper, until the wood surface feels smooth, then wipe away the dusting powder with a tack cloth.
- Choose the appropriate colorant, there are mainly two types of oil-based colorants and water-based colorants. Stir the stain well to avoid uneven color due to precipitation. But some dyes can only be stirred and not shaken, so please read the instructions before stirring. In addition to this, you should always wear gloves before touching any kind of chemicals, as they may make you allergic or toxic. Regular latex gloves should do what we need.
- Apply the stain to the sanded wood, applying several coats if you need a darker color. It is best to wear a mask while applying.
- After the application is complete, the wood needs to be allowed to dry. The time required will vary depending on the humidity and temperature level, but it is sufficient to leave it for a day.
- Apply a top coat to previously treated wood. The top coat protects the wood and increases its durability. After drying you will have a beautifully stained piece of wood.
Which type of stain should I choose?
here are two types of stains, oil-based and water-based, and you may be hesitant to choose which one is better when it comes to stains. Below I will describe the characteristics of these two types of stain to help you choose the one that suits you better when using them.
- Water-based stain: small odor, non-flammable and fast drying.
- Oil-based stain: Long drying time and no need for frequent maintenance.
Conclusion
The above are the steps of wood dyeing. Before you prepare to dye wood, please remember to prepare the materials. In addition, you should also do personal protection work, wear masks and gloves, and prevent your skin from directly contacting chemical reagents.
