Sanding helps open up the pores in natural wood surfaces, which will allow the stain to set in better. Try using a sanding block to apply more consistent pressure than holding a sheet of sandpaper in your hand. You can instead use a random orbital sander to shave off any rough edges or pieces of wood.
If you’re working with raw pine boards, don’t forget to go over the cut ends, as well. Avoid using sandpaper that’s finer than 150-grit since it could smooth the wood out so much that it won’t accept stain easily.
Wiping the pine with a damp sponge can help open up the wood’s pores so the stain can soak in easier.
Work in a well-ventilated space when you use stain or pre-conditioner. If the area where you’re working doesn’t have good ventilation, then put on a respirator while you’re working. Pre-sealing your pine with conditioner essentially evens out the empty space inside the grain, allowing the stain to stand out boldly on top without simply absorbing too deep into the wood. [6] X Expert Source Ryaan TuttleHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 17 February 2022.
If you leave too much conditioner on the wood, it will fill the pores and prevent the stain from setting in at all.
Applying the stain right after you put conditioner on the surface could water down the color and make your stain appear lighter.
For a light warm color, try a golden oak stain on your piece of pine. Use a gray stain if you want to balance out the pine’s natural orange hue. Darken and complement the wood’s natural color with walnut or mahogany stain. Be conservative and apply a thin layer of stain at first. It’ll be easier to get a darker wood tone with multiple thin coats of stain instead of one thick coat. Avoid thin water- or oil-based stains since pine absorbs them unevenly, which gives the wood a splotchy appearance.
Leaving excess stain on the wood could cause it to dry with an uneven finish.
Drying times depend on the humidity in your area. If you live in a more humid climate, it may take longer for the stain to dry. Set the piece on a tarp or sheet of newspaper while it dries to prevent the finish from rubbing off on anything nearby.
If you’ve used more than three coats and the piece still hasn’t reached the shade you want, consider switching to a darker stain. If you notice any dust dried into the first coat of stain, lightly sand it with 150-grit sandpaper and wipe the dust off. Be careful not to sand so much that you expose the raw wood underneath the stain.
Use a light touch and be careful not to scrub too hard so you don’t end up removing or smudging the stain.
Be careful not to apply the clear coat too heavily since it could create an uneven surface with drips or pools.
