When decorating and colouring your wooden boxes, flower pots, and furniture it can be hard to know whether using wood stain or paint is the best course of action.

In this article, we are going to explore the best times to use paint and wood stain on your DIY wooden projects as well as find out if you can mix paint and wood stain successfully.

Wood staining can add depth and richness to your wooden projects bringing out the natural grains and knots in the wood whereas paint adds a layer of material on top of the wood, and you would usually not see the beauty of the natural wood.

 

What are wood stains?

There are two main types of wood stains, oil-based and water-based wood stains. Each comes in a variety of colours.

 

The difference between oil and water-based wood stains

Oil stains

These offer the deepest of colours and usually take between 24-48 hours to dry completely. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when handling oil-based wood stains and work in a well-ventilated area.

Water-based stains

These stains also offer a range of different colours but the finish is not as rich. They are easy to apply and fast drying. Water-based stains are kinder to the environment.

 

Wood staining tips

  • Use a soft rag to apply your wood stain.
  • Follow the direction of the grain during application
  • Use a small, round brush to stain hard-to-reach areas.
  • Use a clean rag to wipe off any excess.
  • Oil-based stains are flammable, make sure to dispose of any rags responsibility as they can spontaneously combust.
  • You can throw water-based stained rags straight in the bin.

 

Using paint to decorate wood

When using paint to decorate your wooden keepsake boxes and products there are a few different types to choose from.

 

These include:

Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are widely used within the crafting community. They are plastic-based but contains a solvent that makes it water-soluble, meaning this paint is easy to clean up when you’ve finished your work. These paints are cost-effective, dry quickly, and come in matte or glossy finishes.

Latex Paints

Latex paints are ideal for wooden projects and are best applied using a roller. These paints are a great choice for larger projects. They have little to no odor and can be cleaned up using soap and water.

Enamel Paints

Enamel paints are applied using a brush or spray. These paints come in both water-based and oil-based variations and once dried create a harder surface than other paints meaning they are less likely to chip.

Milk Paints

Milk paints give wood an old-fashioned, rustic look. Once dried they have an ultra-matte finish. Milk paints are easy to apply using a brush.

 

Tips for painting on wood

  • Sand your wood before painting, especially if it has been painted before. This process also ensures a smooth surface and a high-quality finish.
  • Once sanded, wipe down with a wet cloth to remove any dust.
  • Add primer to cover any imperfections in the wood and make the final paint colour more vibrant.
  • When painting, make sure each side is completely dry before turning your wooden boxes and painting other areas of the wood.
  • Seal your paint to help stop your finished product chipping. Sealants come in matte, gloss, and satin.

 

Can you mix paint and wood stain?

Although wood stains now come in a wide range of colours you may still want to create your own unique colour to decorate your wooden shelves, racks, or flower pots, but can you mix wood stains with paint to get the desired result?

The simple answer is yes, just make sure to only mix oil-based stain only with oil-based paint and water-based stain with water-based paint.

You can also mix two different coloured wood stains to create a new colour.

Here are some points to consider if you choose to mix paint and wood stain in a project.

 

Creating decor motifs

If adding decorative motifs to your wooden boxes it is important to note that wood stains offer less coverage of the wood than paints. Wood stains help items look rustic and natural whilst painted items help create a modern and contemporary look.

You could also consider adding a wood stain background and a painted motif or design on top.

 

Color and Texture Options

Paint has a wider range of colours to choose from if you are wanting to colour your wood but wood stains have also developed more colours over the last few years.

Wood stains generally have one texture or sheen and absorb into the surface of the wood, bringing out and displaying the beauty of the wood.

Paint comes in a variety of textures and sheens, such as glossy, satin, matte, and flat.

 

Durability

Both paints and wood stains are durable but each one has different cons when in frequent use over time. Wood stains can change over time, being affected by natural light and become dis-coloured through use. Paint can chip and flake off through use and can often need touching up.

 

Choosing Woodeedoo interior water-based wood stain?

Our easy-to-use eco-friendly wood stain is chemical and solvent-free and comes in a choice of over 80 colours. It can also be used inside out outside your home, if used outside an extra finish such as wax or varnish is required. Our fast-drying wood stain gives a perfect high-quality finish to raw wood.

Check our other reasons to choose WooDeeDoo for all your wood staining needs:

  • Highly pigmented wood stain designed for all indoor projects, including window frames, joinery, door frames and doors, floors, kitchen units, and a wide range of furniture.
  • Easy to apply- pre-test an area to ensure the best results, dilute with water if needed to achieve the perfect colour and coverage.
  • Easy to clean- Our products can be brushed, rolled, and sprayed with soap and water to keep clean.
  • Available in small 10ml tester pots up to large 5-litre tubs

How to use

  • Shake well before use
  • Apply evenly, diluted or full strength
  • Fast-drying, taking only 1-2 hours
  • Make sure to apply wax, oil, or varnish if using outside.

 

Make sure to only use our wood stain on unfinished/unvarnished raw wood. If any residue from previously finished wood surfaces is present the wood stain will not be able to penetrate the pores in the wood evenly. Check out our full range here.