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Applying a stain is essential to almost every wood-related DIY project. However, how many coats of stain you need is an often-debated topic, with several misconceptions and uncertainty. If you want to stain but don’t know how much to budget for, this article clarifies some ambiguity around staining.
Contents
How Many Coats of Wood Stain Do I Need?
In an ideal setting, you’ll only need one to two coats of stain on any wood project. While one coat is usually sufficient, two might be applicable to darken the wood; to protect it from weathering or if the first coat was unevenly applied.
The significant determining factors in how many coats of stain you apply are:
- How many coats can the wood absorb
- What type of stain you’re using
- Your goals and preferences
Fortunately, manufacturers understand their products (and the application) and include guidelines and instructions on the packaging. Including preparation, number of coats, the time between coats, total drying time, and what environmental variables influence the drying time.
For the best results, I recommend adhering to these.
When Do You Have Enough Coats of Stain?
You know you’ve added enough stain to the wood once it is the desired color/shade.
Alternatively, the wood no longer absorbs the stain, and you need to wipe off a considerable amount of extra (wasted) stain.
What Happens if You Use Too Many Coats?
Overstained wood becomes “tacky” (sticky) to the touch.
When you try adding too many coats, the new stain does not penetrate the wood and sits on the surface. Unfortunately, this extra layer is prone to peeling too early, often removing the underlying layer.
What Happens if You Use Too Few Coats?
Too few coats may result in early and extensive weathering (damage caused by the elements).
Wood is usually not aesthetically pleasing with too few coats as the stain often becomes “patchy.”
Factors Which Influence The Number Of Coats Of Stain
Although most stains come packaged with instructions, several additional factors influence how much stain the wood may absorb.
The Wood’s Age and Condition
The wood’s history is fundamental in how many coats of stain it holds/requires.
Most life events wood experiences influence how many coats the wood requires, including:
- Sanding
- Previous stains
- Newly bought wood
- Weathered wood
For example, sanding wood with coarse grit sandpaper allows the wood to retain more stain, allowing for multiple coats and a darker color.
However, previously stained wood (that you’re repurposing or adding a “touch-up” to) will often be more resistant to absorbing additional coats.
Decking or outdoor furniture often becomes weathered (damage from the sun, rain, and wind) and requires two or sometimes three coats to improve its durability and its aesthetics.
Sanding before applying the first coat of stain is essential for new and old wood.
The Type of Stain
What the stain is made of is paramount in how many coats are required to sufficiently stain the wood.
The most significant difference between stains is the “vehicle” through which the pigment enters the wood. I.e., what the liquid/solid is made from that allows the pigment to flow into and bind to wood.
Of the various stain types, the most commonly used include:
Water Based Stain
These stains flow easily and spread through the wood more efficiently than other stain materials. Many DIY enthusiasts add a second coat.
A water-based stain causes the wood grain to swell (called raising the grain). You can sand down the grain (but risk damaging the stain) or “bury the grain” by adding additional coats.
Oil Based Stain
There are several types of oils used for stain. While two coats are usually sufficient, some oil-based stains benefit from additional coats.
Most store-bought oil stains recommend two coats; however, if the wood piece is an interior piece that receives little traffic, one stain is enough (provided it’s even and the correct color).
Many DIY enthusiasts concoct a homebrewed Danish oil stain of linseed or tung oil and varnish. Consider applying at least two coats of Danish oil to your wood (up to five for maximum effect).
The Type of Wood
Different types of wood soak up more or fewer stains, depending on what tree it comes from.
There are three categories of wood:
- Hardwoods – only absorb one coat of stain
- Softwoods – often absorb two coats of stain
- Manufactured/processed wood – varies depending on what wood it’s constructed from, but most have soft wood finishes and absorb two coats
The Wood’s Endpoint / Purpose
Where the wood ends up and how you want it to look are paramount to the number of stains.
I.e., adding stain darkens the wood, so if you want a light appearance, then one or two stain coats are best; however, if you want a darker wood, you’ll add additional coats.
Wood that stands outside, like furniture or decking, should receive a minimum of two coats of stain to better seal and protect the wood from the elements.
Are You Adding a Finish to the Wood?
Most people prefer to give wood a water-tight finish (a protective layer you apply after the final stain coat is dry).
Wipe-on Poly (polyurethane) is a popular and durable option. Thanks to its wipe-on application, this polyurethane doesn’t need sanding, doesn’t make bubbles, and has an even application. However, you’ll need between three and six coats of wipe-on Poly to sufficiently seal the wood.
When using a finish, use enough stain to achieve the desired color, usually between one and two coats, and then apply the finish.
How Liberally You Apply the Stain
If you were heavy-handed in the first coat, you might saturate the wood, and a second coat might cause the wood to turn tacky. Over-applying stain usually results in ugly “blotches.”
Rather apply a thinner first coat and add a second (or even third) coat, then apply too much at first.
If you apply the first coat unevenly, you’ll need to sand the wood and apply a second coat to even it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Additional Coats of Stain Make Wood Darker?
Additional coats of stain result in a darker end product. However, the process becomes more drawn out (more steps) with extra drying time.
You also risk restarting the project if the stain doesn’t work correctly.
When Should I Apply the Next Coat of Stain?
While it varies between products, you can apply the next coat after roughly four hours.
Most manufacturers provide information on their stain product’s packaging regarding the number of coats and the drying time between coats. I recommend following these instructions for the best results.
Can I Mix Oil and Water-Based Products?
While mixing oil and water-based stain products is possible, you must ensure the previous coat is dry before applying the next.
Conclusion
One to two coats of stain are usually sufficient for most wood projects; however, variables like the type of stain, wood, and the desired effect/color influence the total number of coats. For the best results when staining, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product.
