What Is The Drying Time For Wood Stain? Water & Oil-Based
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Now you’re finally able to apply the sweet wood stain. How much longer would you wait for it to dry? If you mess up a small part, you might end up reapplying the stain in a noxious room.
Our expert woodworkers will guide you through the drying process of a wood stain. Continue reading to find out more!
How Long Should You Wait For Wood Stain To Dry?
Wood stain can be used to improve the wood’s natural color. Wood stains key difference from the more traditional paint is the less amount of binding agent it contains.
Wood stain pigments are mainly applied to the wood’s surface and are almost always transparent. This means that they can still be seen in the wood’s natural grain.
Staining wood takes anywhere from one to 24 hours. Wood stain types, temperature and humidity all have an impact on the drying time. The drying time of stains can be affected by mixing oil and water.
Before staining, clean and prepare the wood surface. To test the stain, you should first apply it to a hidden part of the project. You can also test the stain on leftover or trimming wood to determine the finish, drying time, and curing times.
Factors That Affect Drying Times
Types Of Wood
Pressure-treated wood
This is treated with preservatives against wood-damaging organisms like mold, mildew, and termites. This includes fire-retardants. This wood will dry stains in 4-8 hours
Hardwood
Hardwood is a dense, durable type of wood. It takes approximately 4-8 hours to dry a stain, just like pressure-treated wood.
Softwood
Softwood is porous than the other types, which means that it takes longer for it to dry. It also has the possibility to dry unevenly, resulting in blotches.
Stain Type
It is dependent on the type of stain that you have. Alcohol stains (like lacquer), diffuse easily. Next comes water-based, oil-based and gel stains.
Temperature
60-21 C is the sweet spot for drying wood stains. Even if it is not within the range, it will still dry. However, it may take longer or shorter time to dry.
Stains at a lower temperature will take longer to dry completely, so you might think, should I crank up the heat?. Dont. Don’t let the outer layer dry too fast. Cracks are most likely to appear. This will result in full stain reapplication.
Humidity
Humidity is an underrated but important factor that dictates how long it takes for a wood stain to dry. Drying stains at 55% is the best level of humidity.
At above 65%, which is high humidity, stains are wetter due to attracting the extra moisture in the air and will dry longer. It usually occurs before sunrise or just after sunset. Make sure to check your weather app before you go.
For high humidity, consider using a dehumidifier to keep the stain dry.
Airflow
Poor airflow can slow the stain drying process since the diffused particles from the stain just hang around in the air and get reabsorbed in the woodwork. Exposure to poisonous fumes could also be possible.
To ensure airflow, open a window or a fan. However, be careful not to get dust on the woodwork.
What Is The Drying Time For Different Wood Stains?
Water-based Wood Stain
Minwax
Minwax water-based stain stains dry in 1-2 hours. Depending on the humidity, temperature, and airflow, it might take up to 3 hours.
General Finishes
If the stain was applied to raw wood, it can be touched up or checked within 30 minutes. However, it may take more than an hour if it is applied over an existing stainor painting job. Let the stain sit for 2 hours to apply a second coat safely.
Oil-based Wood Stain
Behr
Behr oil-based wood stain takes 12-24 hours to completely dry.
Cabot
Cabot oil-based stains such as the Cabot Australian Timber oil take 24-48 hours to dry. They recommend applying only one coat of stain.
Minwax
Minwaxs oil-based stain stains require at least two hours drying time and at most 8-12 hours for complete cure.
Olympic
Olympic Smartguard oil stain is ideal for waterproofing your woodworking projects. It takes approximately 1 hour to dry. Clear and easy to use, it can also be used on bricks and concrete.
Olympic Maximum is also a waterproofing oil stain, but with a variety of transparency levels ranging from transparent to solid. It also has a variety of tones and colors you can pick from. It provides mildew and mold resistance for the wood. It can dry in as little as 8 hours, while other types may take up to 24 hours.
Olympic Elite is a waterproofing oil-based stain with advanced mildew, mold, and algae resistance. It is a completely opaque stain, unlike the Olympic stains. It takes 24-48 hours to dry.
Osmo
Osmo oil-based stain features a microporous finish, providing a breathable finish that wont crack or peel. It requires 4-6 hours of drying time.
Varathane Stain
Varathane Stain dries in 1 hour and just needs 1 coat.
Varnish
Varnish is not intended for staining wood, but is a protective coating that is primarily made of resin and solvents. Most varnishes dry in 15-20 minutes.
Gel-based Wood Stain
Gel stain is a relatively new stain type that is somewhat in between wood stains and traditional paint; its thicker and easier to apply compared to stains, and it does not require too much surface preparation. Because of this, it takes 8-24 hours for a gel stain to dry.
Dye Stain
Water-soluble Aniline Dye Stain
Most wood stains are liquid. Aniline dye stains, on the other hand, are pigment-rich powders that are used to stain wood. These powders are dissolvable in water, so they take 24 hours to dry.
Stain with metalized dye
Metalized dye stains can be used to dye wood colorants. They are more resistant to light. It can be dissolved in water, alcohol, and lacquer thinner. This makes its drying time variable depending on the solvent used, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours.
Lacquer Wood Stain
Lacquer stains can be made from natural or synthetic liquid resins in fast drying solvents like alcohol. They take just 15 minutes to stain wood.
Drying Times For Interior And Exterior Stains
Exterior wood stains often include a sealant in their formula. This increases the drying time by up to 24-48 hours. Its longer compared to interior stains, which can dry within hours.
How To Make Wood Stain Dry Faster: Tips And Tricks
Tip #1: Spread Thin Coats and Rub Excess Stain
Only apply thin coats at a time. Apply the stain again until you achieve your desired shade. Wipe off excess stains to prevent splotches and uneven finish. Rub off excess stain along the grain of the wood.
Tip #2: Keep the Area Well-Ventilated
Make sure you have adequate airflow in your work area before you start. Good airflow will make the stain dry faster. Good airflow also prevents the accumulation of potentially harmful fumes.
Tip #3: Do not stain immediately after pressure washing
The water in pressure washing causes the wood to remain wet longer. Allow the water to dry for at least one day. Your stain will not be fully absorbed if it isn’t dried.
Tip #4: Allow for it to Dry in a Warm and Less Humid Space
To ensure an even and quick stain finish, make sure your workplace is not as humid. Consider using a room dehumidifier. For exterior woodworks, it is especially important to check your weather app to choose a work day with as low humidity as possible.
Between Coats: Stain Drying Time
Drying time in between coats varies between stain types and products, so always consult your chosen products instructions. You will typically need to dry oil-based stains in between 2 and 4 hours. Water-based stains take between 4 and 8 hours.
How To Slow Down Stain Drying Time
This typically applies to oil-based stains. Wood stain that dries too quickly can cause blemishes and splotches. To thin out your oil wood stain, add a bit of paint thinner or mineral spirits.
Pour out one cup. Don’t pour the entire bucket! of the stain and adding a tablespoon to it, gradually, until youve achieved your desired consistency.
How To Tell If Wood Stain Is Dry
Generally, if you touch a dry stain, it will feel smooth but not sticky. After drying, oil-based stains will smell much less. Dry water-based stains and gel stains wont feel cold to the touch. Make sure the stain cures first before touching.
Why Is The Stain Not Drying?
Unconditioned wood, in addition to not meeting the humidity, temperature and airflow conditions, can significantly impact how long it takes for a wood stain drying. According to our experience, the wood should be thoroughly dry, inside and out.
Apply stains after you have pressure washed your car. Another option is to apply a second coat right away, even if the first coat is still wet.
Seven Steps To Apply Wood Stain
Step 1: Sand the Surface
Sand the surface of the wood until it is even and smooth. It is recommended to use 120 grit for removing an existing finish or 80 grit for bare wood.
Step 2: Clean the Surface
Wipe the dust off the woods surface with a lint-free cloth. Make sure to clean the workplace dust, too, to prevent it from sticking to the wet stains.
Step 3: Spread the Wood Conditioner
For softwoods such as cedar and pine, use a wood conditioner.
Use a dry, clean cloth to apply conditioner evenly.
Step #4: Prepare the Stain Formula
While you wait for the wood conditioner drying, stir the stain mixture thoroughly.
Step #5: Apply the Stain
Apply thin coats of wood stain to the cloth by lightly soaking it in. Wipe off the excess stain by wiping it along the wood grain.
Step #6: Let it Dry, Then Spread the Second Coat
Let the first coat dry before applying another. This will ensure the stain dries properly and prevent blotching. If you desire a darker color, go back to step 1.
Step 7: Seal with the Polyurethane Finish
To protect stained wood, you can apply polyurethane as a topcoat or finishing coat. You can usually apply the finish with a brush.
How Long Should You Wait Before Applying Polyurethane?
Oil-based wood stain
The final coat should be fully dry before applying the polyurethane finish, so for oil-based stains, this would be 24-48 hours.
Water-based wood stains
It takes around 4-8 hours to make a water-based stain dry before polyurethane application.
How To Apply Polyurethane
Follow these steps:
- To remove dirt and dust, wipe the stain with a dry, clean cloth.
- Stir the polyurethane to achieve an even consistency. To prevent air bubbles forming with the polyurethane, stir gently. When the finish is applied, air bubbles will become visible and unsightly.
- Use a synthetic high-quality brush, as using a natural bristle brush might absorb too much of the finish. To prevent air bubbles, gently wet the brush with the Polyurethane.
- Use slow, long strokes to apply the polyurethane along the wood grain. Do repeated passes, and maintain a consistent stroke length of about 1-0.6 m to even out the application.
- Finish a section while the polyurethane remains wet. Next, run the brush along the length of the wood to smoothen the finish.
- Depending on the brand, you might need to reapply the finish more than once. Also, ensure that the polyurethane is completely dried.
What if I want to use polyurethane over a tacky stain?
This is strongly not recommended as the stain must complete the drying process for the polyurethane varnish to be properly applied.
What To Do About Tacky Stains
You can try applying more stains over the tacky stain to slowly dissolve it. This will cause the tacky stain to eventually dry after the next coat.
You can also try and use a little mineral spirit on a cloth, then try rubbing the tacky part out gently so only the stain gets absorbed by the wood.
Fixing Mistakes When Staining
You can try to fix staining mistakes with another coat of stain. If this fails, wait until the stain dries completely before you try again.
The Best Fast-Drying Stain
The best fast drying stain is Rust-Oleum Varathane Fast Dry Wood Stain. It dries in just 1 hour, and you only need to apply 1 coat; great for quick and easy wood staining.
FAQ
Is it advisable to apply a second layer one week later?
No. No. In about a week, dirt and other particles might have bound with the stain, possibly requiring resanding.
What type of rag or cloth is best for staining?
Clean, cotton cheesecloth is considered the best. It will let you know if you should dip again and allow you to evenly apply the stain with it.
Do I have to be able to sleep in my house after staining the floors
Do not touch the project if poisonous fumes are still present.
How long will it take for the stain smell to go away? Is it hazardous?
As long as the stain is fully dried, it is safe to be with. Improve the areas airflow if the smell bothers you.
Conclusion
While drying wood stains can take some time, this guide will help you to identify the key factors and give you an estimate of how long it takes to dry. You’ll soon be an expert at staining wood if you follow these steps.
