How to Guide

Whether you choose to stain your wood or not,
you must apply a protective finish. It will add
richness and depth while protecting it from
nicks, scrapes, spills, and everyday wear and tear.
STEP 3: PROTECT
OIL-BASED WATER-BASED
WATER-BASED
OIL-MODIFIED
Gives a warm,
amber tone
to wood
Looks milky
white but dries
crystal clear
Appears cloudy
in the can, but
dries with an
amber tone
Dries more
slowly
Dries quickly Dries quickly
The most
durable,
protective
finish
Durable finish
that preserves
a wood’s
natural color
Similar durability
to oil-based but
with the ease of
water-based
Cleans up with
mineral spirits
Cleans up
with water
Cleans up
with water
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OIL-BASED
AND WATER-BASED FINISHES
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NOTES:
Stir, don’t shake!
This will evenly distribute color pigments
and other ingredients that may have seled.
Always wipe o excess stain.
To ensure your topcoat adheres properly,
wipe o any stain the wood does not absorb.
Go for depth.
For a darker, richer tone, apply a second coat
according to label directions.
• Applying additional coats. To achieve a
darker, richer color, apply a second coat
according to label instructions.
• Let the stain dry. Don’t move on to
Step 3 (Protect) until the stain has dried
completely. Reference the product label
for dry times.
STEP 2: STAIN
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