Planning Your Wood Stain Project:
Proper planning will save you time, money, and help you achieve a beautiful new wood stain project.
1. Measure the project area to estimate the total amount of material that may be required for the project.
2. Inspect the surface for damage, bond breakers such as existing coatings, sealers, tannins, oils, grime, etc. or other foreign elements that may show through the stain. This step will determine further surface preparation options to consider.
3. Know the texture or conditions that will impact color when applying a semi-transparent stain. To ensure uniform color and surface density, plan to sand to achieve the desired finish or may need to precondition the wood with a wood conditioner.
4. Decide on your color(s), desired sheen level, and the type of surface protection desired. Semi-transparent stain colors will vary depending on the concrete so if color is important, please test an inconspicuous area with a 2 oz sample jar before ordering project size quantities.
5. Typical DIY project schedule: Day 1 is for surface preparation. Day 2 is for staining. Day 3 is for sealing and clean up. This general timeline will vary depending on manpower, experience, and tools available. Be sure to schedule around weather conditions and recommended temperature range.
Tools & Materials:
Mechanical Tool Options:
Garden-Type Pump Sprayer, High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) Sprayer w/.80-1.3mm Tip, Airless Sprayer w/#10-11 Tip, Low Speed Floor Buffer w/White Pads, Sanding Discs, Pressure Washer, Commercial Wet/Dry Vacuum with Squeegee Attachment, Floor Fans, Heater.
Manual Tool Options:
16” Floor Coating NylFoam Pad, Lambswool Applicator, NylFoam 6”-10“ Trim Pad, Microfiber Wet/Dry Mop, Stain Pads, Sponges, Rags.
Miscellaneous Items:
1. Color Test Samples: TimberSoy Stain 2 Oz Stain Color Samples.
2. Surface Preparation Materials:
a) Stripping: EcoFast HD Liquid or GEL Paint Stripper.
b) Degreasing: EcoFast Cleaner & Degreaser.
3. Application Supplies:
18” Pad Applicator Paint Tray, Masking Tape, Delicate Surface Painters Tape, Spray Bottle(s) for Water, Shoe Covers, Empty Buckets, Water Supply.
Surface Preparation:
Apply when surface is completely dry and ambient temperatures are between 40° - 95°F @ <80% RH. STIR CONTENTS BEFORE EACH USE. All surfaces must be properly prepared to be free of bond breakers such as dust, dirt, debris, oils, and previously installed stains, sealers, coatings, etc. Allow the substrate to thoroughly dry before application. Ensure the water content is below 15% for best results.
Note: Semi-transparent stain colors are not intended to hide substrate imperfections.
Wood: Sand imperfections and remove contaminants, stains, or finishes with a 40-60 grit sandpaper. For light preparation or to smooth the surface after coarse sanding use 120-220 grit. Use 320 to 600 grit for fine finishing.
Wood Textured Fiber Cement: Thoroughly power wash, scrub, or use pressured air to remove all cement fabrication dust, dirt, or stains.
Application:
STIR CONTENTS BEFORE EACH USE. Manual Application: Use a Nylon foam stain pad applicator, stain rag, or stain brush. Work the stain into the substrate in small sections removing any streaks or topical material before proceeding to the next section. DO NOT LEAVE A TOPICAL FILM. DO NOT ROLL. TIMBERSOY IS NOT A PAINT.
Letting the stain dwell for a few minutes (1-5 minutes depending on environmental conditions and temperature) before working it in will allow more stain to absorb and will yield a darker color. Be sure you do not let the stain dwell too long. If you allow it to dry topically, it will become tacky and more difficult to work in. You may apply more than one coat as long there is sufficient porosity and all topical stain is removed.
Spray: Use an HVLP (.80 - 1.3mm), or airless sprayer (.011-.013 spray tip). You may dilute the stain with clean water up to 15% (19 oz/gal) to adjust flow conditions.
Dry Time & Cure: Dry time to touch is typically within 30-60 minutes, depending on environmental conditions. Allow a minimum of 2-4 hours dry time before applying your EcoProCote clear finish options if selected. You want the stain to continue to migrate and cure prior to sealer application, otherwise it will cause improper independent curing. Full chemical cure is 3 to 5 days depending on environmental conditions. You may return to light foot traffic after 4 hours, however use caution during the full cure period.
Note: Never apply tape directly to an installed coating or stain.
Sealer Selection & Application:
TimberSoy Wood Stain is a non-film forming stain and will not change the surface friction for a durable natural matte finish that will never flake or peel. To maintain efficacy and increase the life of your stain, we recommend sealing the stain and perform regular maintenance cleaning:
1. Acri-Soy Penetrating Sealer: A water repellent non film forming natural matte sheen.
2. EcoPoly Clear Finish & Sealer is a thin film bio-polyurethane sealer that provides enhanced chemical and stain resistance. Available in a matte, satin, or gloss sheen option.
3. Eco-Tuff Clear Coat is a high solids bio-polyurethane coating used as an epoxy or polyurethane alternative where high traffic, weathering, non-yellowing, and high abrasion protection is desired. Select this high solids topcoat finish when optimum film build barrier protection is desired. Available in a matte, satin, or gloss sheen. Non-skid powder aggregates are also available for wet areas or steps.
Download a printable version here.