How to Avoid The Top 7 Mistakes Made When Using Water-based Stains | General Finishes

Spend 5 minutes watching this video and you too can produce a beautiful stain result with water-based finishes.
Whether you're a pro or hobbyist using water-based stains, these are common mistakes we see and tips on how to avoid them. Not following these tips can cause blotchy, streaky finishes. If you're working on your first project, start small and test your procedure so you can get comfortable before tackling a large project.
MISTAKE 1: Working a Large Project Alone
Water-based stains dry faster than traditional oil-based stains. If you're working on a large project like a bar top, have a second person helping. One of you should apply the stain while the other wipes the excess for the most consistent results.
MISTAKE 2: Working in Extreme Conditions
Ideal conditions when applying stain are 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity. NEVER work in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces. If you are working in hot or dry conditions, use up to 4.5 ounces of GF Extender per quart of stain to lengthen the dry time, as allowed by local regulations. In cool or humid conditions, allow extra time for the stain to dry, or speed up dry time by adding air movement with a fan or using an infrared lamp.
MISTAKE 3: Insufficient Project Prep
Prepping raw wood or existing finishes with the correct cleaning and sanding schedule is critical. The process will vary for each wood species, substrate, and type of finish being used. Follow this link for a sanding tutorial for raw wood. generalfinishe...
Prepare existing finishes by thoroughly cleaning and scuffing, as described in the video
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MISTAKE 4: Using the Wrong Applicator
Picking the right applicator will allow you to work quickly and efficiently. When staining wood, follow this rule: The larger the surface, the larger the applicator. For small, flat surfaces, use a foam brush.For contoured surfaces, using a foam brush can slow things down. A good-quality bristle brush will make application easier and faster. For large surfaces, use a staining pad, pad applicator, or roller. Or spray with an HVLP, air-assisted airless, or airless sprayer.
MISTAKE 5: Not Applying Enough Stain
Wood absorbs water-based stain differently than oil-based stain. It may take more product to saturate the surface and keep it wet. You know you have enough when you can write your initials in it, like this. If the stain is drying too quickly, immediately apply more to re-wet the surface. After 15-30 seconds, wipe away the excess.
MISTAKE 6: Not Using Absorbent Rags or Towels to Remove Stain
Cheap paper towels and t-shirt rags can ruin a water-based stain job. They don't absorb enough stain, they just push it around. Instead, use high-quality absorbent paper towels or cotton terry cloths to remove the excess. Keep your pressure light and even, and make the final wipe with the grain.
MISTAKE 7: Wiping Stain Out of Corners with a Rag
Removing stain from tight areas with a rag is tedious and time-consuming. Instead, use a dry natural bristle brush. Natural bristles absorb water better than synthetic - even a chip brush can work for this. This 4-inch deck brush might seem too big, but it makes removing stain so easy. When the brush gets saturated, discharge the excess on a dry rag.
It's that simple. Use these tips for your next project with General Finishes rich water-based stains
Since 1928 GeneralFinishe... has satisfied the manufacturing, professional, woodworking and DIY/retail markets with high-quality wood finishes. And for 28 years General Finishes has devoted itself to engineering the best water-based stains and finishes available. Our dedication to this task has placed us as the leading manufacturer of innovative water-based finishes; we simply know water chemistry better than anyone else.
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