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Stain

Looking for a classic look or refresh your stain

You can stain just about anything that's natural wood, including but not limited to trim, doors, cabinets, mantels, posts, and more.

There are four types of stains: transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid stain. Transparent and Semi-transparent are perfect for people who prefer the appearance of wood to show through in any interior or exterior job and will require a top coat for sealing. Solid stain is great for decks and fences where there's heavy traffic and weathering.

Things we always do:

clear a space for uninstalled pieces.
If it's already installed, we’ll mask around it.
Carry the appropriate materials for application: gloves, rags, sponges, brushes, Or a sprayer.
Allow stain to dry for at least 24 hours before applying a clear coat and/or sealer
Clean up all trash created during the painting and prepping process
Homeowner and lead painter walkthrough

Before any of this can be done, here are a few things you must know about stains. Some people are under the impression that stain works the same as paint. It does not. With transparent and semi-transparent stain, the more you apply, the darker that stain color becomes. Think of stain as a highlighter. The more you pack on, the darker the color becomes. You’ll get different variations in color depending on the wood species. Always ask for samples. If your stain project has already been stained previously, communicate with your painter that you want a sample before deciding on a new coat. Through samples, you'll be able to see how your color choice or choices will appear on your wood species. If your wood has previously been stained, prices will increase for a color change since sanding and possibly some remover will be required. Touching up stains is nearly impossible. Remember the highlighter, if you highlight a few words and then go back and highlight the whole sentence, the single words will be a bit darker than the rest. If it's a small little ding then it won't be too noticeable. However, if there's a large spot that has faded from water or cleaning products, then the piece in its entirety would have to be redone. With solid stain, the color will not change with new coats, however, there will be a visible difference in touch-up spots compared to the rest of that piece. If a touch-up is required, then that piece will get a new coat.

Stain

Un-Installed

Clear a space for uninstalled pieces. Stains can come as a water or oil base, regardless, they still stain clothes, furniture, and most floor types. We'll go outside in warm weather, or an enclosed space like a garage, basement, or shed where we can mask as needed.

Installed

If it's already installed, we’ll mask around it. If it's trim, flooring such as carpet will receive plastic and then paper on top to ensure stain does not transfer onto the carpet, along with tape over the top onto the wall. If it’s a mantel, texture, stone, brick, tile, etc, will all be masked. The space below the mantel will be masked in its entirety along with flooring extending up to 4ft from the mantel.

Always carry gloves, rags, sponges, and brushes. Or if you prefer to spray on a sprayer. Spraying comes with more work and takes longer. If we’re spraying an installed piece, the room it inhabits must be masked in its entirety, or if possible, create an enclosed space around it. The spray creates dust and it travels everywhere, to ensure nothing other than that piece of wood gets stained, extra caution and care must be taken.

Depending on the stain, oil stains have a strong scent. Some more than others, which some may find irritable and can make you sick. There are many warnings on the side of any can. Homeowners and/or occupants will always be informed, and are advised to leave the premises for a few hours if they start to have symptoms. Common symptoms are nausea, dizziness, and headaches. Open windows to allow airflow and wear a type of face mask. Most water-based stains don't have a smell or are very light in comparison to oil. However, if you’re sensitive to smells, you might notice it and could potentially have similar reactions to oil stains.

We always let the stain dry for at least 24 hours before applying a clear coat. Since everything is already masked, the clear coat can be done right away. Laquer requires an extra step and the same warning will be issued to homeowners and occupents for sensitivities.

Clean up all trash created during the painting and prepping process. A good painter does not leave their trash behind for you, the homeowner, to clean up. This includes paper, plastic, tape, drop clothes, and any trash that could've been dragged in under shoes. Now some homeowners do take cleaning into their own hands but that should never include anything that’s outside of their usual cleaning habits such as mopping, sweeping, or vacuuming. Your painter might even offer to vacuum for you.

And finally, the walk-through. This will always be last. This is when the homeowner and the lead painter will walk together. This is where you can point out anything you see that might not look right. Maybe it's a touch-up or cleaning. Once you're happy, you can give payment if the painter can take it. Sometimes their lead painter, or maybe the person you walked with, will be picking up payment.

Don’t forget, if there’s something you want done, ask. If you don’t want something to be done, request it. It’s your home, workplace, or rental. A painter is there to help you make your vision come true.