Wood Stains
Definition of Stain A transparent or semi-transparent solution or suspension of color matter designed to beautify, uniform color, change color, or hold wood to a natural color. Stains can be classified as water, oil, solvent which can be dye stains or pigmented stains.
Types of Stain Wiping Stains Dyes Spray/No Wipe Stains Water Based Stains Glazing Stains
Typical Components of Stains Solvents i.e. Water, mineral spirits, lacquer thinner... Dyes Pigments Resins/binders
Wiping Stains Stain that offers the option of spray/wipe or wipe only application. After application, excess stain is wiped off leaving excess pigment in the grain and open pores of the substrate. Generally slower solvents and binders are used to give the stain user friendly working time. Components Solvent Dye (possibly) Pigment (possibly) Binder / Resin Oil
Wiping Stains Advantages Ability to wipe for color control One step application Good grain definition Easy to apply uniformly Disadvantages Must be wiped Improper wiping may cause inter-coat adhesion May not be mixed with finishes Limited color depth can be achieved because of the amount of colorant used Must be stirred before and during application
Valspar Wiping Stains Graintone Plus Wiping Stains Excellent workability, no lap marks Tint with Opticolors Interblend charts and formulas available Recoat in 30 minutes Tint with Opticolor Pigments VWS0909 Industrial Wiping Stain Base Excellent workability, no lap marks Can be tinted with Opticolor Pigments and NGR Dye Concentrates Recoat in 30 Minutes
Dye Stain Particle of color is much smaller than pigments Dye stains penetrate the wood fiber unlike pigmented stains which leave a surface film Since there is no binder in dyes, deeper colors can be achieved without concern of impeding adhesion Different types of dyes with specific solubilities, lightfastness, and uses. Components Dyes Solvents
Dye Stains Advantages Fast dry Uniformly colors the wood without obscuring the grain Solvent dyes are non grain raising Solvent dyes can be mixed in recommended small amounts with many types of lacquers and varnishes to make shading lacquers Can be used to tone wood to deep colors before applying Spray & Wipe stains Disadvantages Spray only cannot be wiped May leave lap marks during spray application May not be lightfast; acid dyes tend to be the most lightfast May bleed up into sealer or clear coats May not be compatible with all clear coats or finishes Can be difficult to obtain a uniform color
Valspar Dye Stains Graintone Plus RTS NGR Stains VDS1057 VDS1061 Series Ready To Spray formulas Use under wiping stains to add brightness and clarity Fade resistant May be added to sealers to produce a toner Graintone Plus Dye Concentrate VDS1027 VDS1030 Series Concentrated dyes used to tint compatible stains, sealers and topcoats Dilute 75% to 90% with Acetone to produce bright base layer under a wiping stain Graintone Plus Universal Dye Concentrate VDS1051 VDS1056 Series Concentrated Dyes to tint both water and solvent based stains, sealers and topcoats Not intended for use on bare wood
Spray/No Wipe Stains A very fast drying stain consisting of dyes and/or pigments and a small amount of binder. A small amount of retarding solvents may be added to allow some penetration and grain highlighting. Components Solvent Dye (possibly) Pigment (possibly) Binder/ Resin
Spray/No Wipe Stains Advantages Fast recoat time Can be used as a Dip stain Colors can be deepened by shading additional coats Labor savings on application Disadvantages Spray only wiping not recommended Difficult to control color application Can be difficult to apply to surfaces with complex profiles Limited grain definition
Graintone Plus Spray Stain Base VSS-0194 Fast dry spray stain, not designed to be wiped Achieve uniform color on woods such as Maple or Pine without a blotchy appearance Tint with Opticolor, Dye Concentrates, or Universal Dye Concentrate
Glazing Stains Stains that are designed to be sandwiched between coats of finish to impart additional color, highlight grain or profiles, and add character or age to a finish. Components Solvents Pigments Binder / Resin Oil (typically)
Valspar Glazing Stains Graintone Plus Glaze Base VWS0912 Excellent workability Ready to apply Tint with Opticolors Typically best to recoat in 2 hours Graintone Plus Conversion Varnish Glaze Base VWS0807 Specifically formulated for use with Post-catalyzed, alkyd-amino finish systems Provide adhesion superior to traditional alkyd glaze bases Not recommended with non-catalyzed coating systems Zenith Waterborne Powder Glaze Faster than traditional glazes Available in four popular colors Wipe while wet or remove with Scotchbrite when dry Low odor, water cleanup
Waterborne Stain Designed for spray and/or wipe application. Fast dry. Formulated with water as the main solvent, binder, pigment and/or dyes. Components Solvents Dye (possibly) Pigment (possibly) Binder / Resin Oil
Waterborne Stain Advantages VOC compliant Non Flammable Low odor Can be applied by spray or wipe Disadvantages Raises the grain Slower Dry Dry controlled by atmospheric conditions Product can not be frozen
Zenith Waterborne Wiping Stain Unlike most waterborne stains, exhibits minimal grain raise Available in 10 rich colors that can be interblended to achieve 30 additional colors Excellent open time/wipeability Minimal odor, water cleanup Passes stringent Greenguard certification for Indoor Air Quality