Types of Wood Stain

Stain can transform the look of your cabinets, furniture, doors, or anything wood for that matter. Conversely, choosing the wrong wood stain can turn your beautiful woodworking project into a frustrating disaster – uneven color, blotchy surfaces, or finishes that quickly deteriorate.

From traditional oil-based formulas to modern water-based alternatives and specialty products, I’ll walk you through each option’s advantages, ideal applications, and limitations. By the end of this article, you’ll confidently know exactly which type of stain will give you professional-quality results for your specific project.

The Main Wood Stain Types

The type of wood stain will vary depending on the solvent base. Here are the most common types of stain: 

Type of Stain	Best For	Cleanup	Cost Per Quart (Approximate)
Oil-based stain	Interior projects like furniture paneling, and cabinets	Mineral spirits	$15 to $20
Water-based stain	Exterior projects like decks, fences, and siding	Soap and water	$20 to $30
Gel-based stain	Pine furniture, doors, or any wood surface prone to blotching	Mineral spirits	$20 to $30
Lacquer (Top coat, not a stain)	Interior projects like cabinets and furniture	Lacquer thinner	$20 to $30
Varnish (Top coat, not a stain)	Protects stained wood surfaces	Mineral spirits	$20 to $40

Oil-Based Stain

It’s the most common type of stain you come across in home improvement stores. Oil-based stain contains a linseed oil binder that helps it penetrate deep into the wood compared to other types. Brady Grant, a customer support representative from Sherwin-Williams, says, “Oil-based stain gives a richer and elegant look to the wood compared to water-based stain.”

I recommend using oil-based stain for indoor projects like furniture, paneling, and cabinets. This stain has a strong odor, so make sure to apply it in a well-ventilated area. 

You can apply this stain with a rag or brush. It can take up to 48 hours to dry completely, so it’s easier to achieve a smooth finish. However, the long drying time can also be a disadvantage if you’re working in a humid environment. Use mineral spirits to thin the stain and for cleanup. 

Oil-based stain costs approximately $15 to $20 per quart.

Water-Based Stain

This stain uses water as the binder, so it dries quickly and is easier to clean up with soap and water. Water-based stain doesn’t penetrate the wood as deeply as oil-based stains, so it doesn’t look as rich. However, you can achieve a darker finish by applying multiple coats.

I recommend water-based stain for exterior wood projects like decks, fences, and siding because it offers better protection against mold and mildew. However, go with oil-based stains for furniture and paneling as they are more durable.

Use a brush to apply this stain, but make sure not to apply too much pressure or go over the same area multiple times, as it can leave visible brush streaks. 

Water-based stain costs about $20 to $30 per quart.

Gel-Based Stain

It’s thicker than oil-based stain and sits more on top of the wood instead of soaking in. Gel-based stain is more like paint and gives your wood surface a uniform look. 

This stain is the best choice for pine furniture, doors, or any wood surface prone to blotching (uneven stain absorption). If you use a traditional stain on blotchy wood, no matter how many coats you apply, the surface will look uneven and messy. Gel-based stain helps hide those imperfections exceptionally well.  

You can apply gel-based stain with a natural bristle brush, but I prefer using a lint-free cloth because the final color depends on how much pressure you apply. 

This stain also requires less prep work because you don’t have to sand the wood all the way down to its raw state. However, since gel-based stain is thick, applying it can be messy. Use mineral spirits for cleanup. 

A quart of gel-based stain can cost $20 to $30. 

Lacquer

Lacquer isn’t a stain. It’s a film-forming top coat applied over stain to protect and add shine to woodwork. You can use lacquer for interior wood projects like cabinets and furniture, but avoid using it outdoors because it can crack or chip when exposed to harsh weather conditions. 

“Lacquer isn’t meant to be applied over water-based clear coats, as it contains stronger solvents that can cause the existing finish to lift or crack. If you’re unsure of the underlying finish, make sure to test the lacquer in an inconspicuous area first,” cautions Grant.

This top coat dries quickly, so it’s best to apply it with a sprayer rather than by hand. Use lacquer thinner for cleanup. 

A quart of lacquer costs $20 to 30. 

Varnish

Like lacquer, people often confuse varnish with a type of stain, but it isn’t. It’s a clear top coat applied over stained wood surfaces to protect them. Varnish is a broad term that includes shellac, lacquer, and polyurethane. 

Varnish costs between $20 and $40, depending on the type. 

Wood Stain Transparency

Transparency refers to how much of the wood’s texture and grain you want to show through after staining. Here are the different transparency levels: 

• Clear or transparent stain: It fully soaks into the wood and has little to no color, so the natural texture and grain remain completely visible. This stain doesn’t hide imperfections, so it’s best to use it on new wood. Clear stains are ideal for your hardwood furniture, cabinets, or deck. 
• Semi-transparent stain: This stain adds some color but still lets the natural wood texture show through. It can hide minor scratches and is a great choice for giving your deck a new look. 
• Semi-solid stain: This stain covers most of the wood’s texture and grain with its color. If your deck, fence, or any wood surface has seen some wear and tear, applying semi-solid stain will give it a fresh look. 
• Solid stain: Much like paint, solid stain forms a uniform layer over the surface and completely covers the wood grain. It’s ideal for decks or wood surfaces with lots of imperfections. 

Wood Stain Colors

Wood stains come in a range of colors, so you can choose one that complements your wood type or decor. Here are some popular options, but remember that the names can vary depending on the brand: 

• Cherry: Reddish-brown stain; looks elegant
• Chestnut: Medium-brown stain with golden undertones; offers a classic look
• Ebony: Dark brown with brown undertones or grayish-black with gray undertones
• Espresso: Dark brown stain with black undertones; slightly lighter than ebony
• Early American: Medium-brown with blackish-red undertone
• Provincial: Rich brown color; looks elegant

Specialty Stains

Homeowners usually use specialty stains to save time or for specific purposes like protecting wood or enhancing its appearance. Here are some specialty stains:

• Two-in-one stain: It combines stain and polyurethane, so you can stain and protect the wood in one simple step. Two-in-one stains come in various colors and opacities.
• Deck and fence stain: This stain is specially designed for outdoor use. Some brands combine stain and sealer to add color and protect wood from the elements. 
• Waterproof stain: It repels water to prevent rot and other moisture damage on exterior wood surfaces. Waterproof stains come in various opacities, and some brands combine waterproof stain and sealer in one product. 
• Polyurethane: It’s a type of varnish that protects and enhances the appearance of wood. Polyurethane comes in water- and oil-based formulations and can be transparent or semi-transparent. 

FAQs

Here are some guides if you’d like to learn more about staining wood:

• How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Fence?
• Ways to Remove Paint and Stain from Wood
• How to Remove Wood Stain with Paint Stripper

The Best Wood Stain for Your Project

If you’re staining your furniture, cabinets, or paneling, oil-based stain is an excellent choice. Water-based stains are ideal for exterior projects because they offer better protection against mold and mildew. Use gel-based stains on blotch-prone woods like pine, birch, and cherry.

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Main Image Credit: Radoslav Cajkovic / Adobe Stock