Water-base Vs. Oil-Base Stains

Water-based wood stains share many of the same virtues of latex paints and other water-based wood finishes: low odor, easy clean-up without harsh solvents, and relatively fast drying. You’ll also find a wider range of color choices that includes not only wood tones but also blue, green, red, and yellow. If you are following up with a water-based clear polyurethane or similar topcoat finish, the compatibility of the two products also helps. With some of those properties, however, come a few drawbacks. First, the water swells and raises the wood grain at the surface, creating a rougher texture that may have to be re-sanded. Also, water-based stains tend to set the color (pigment) faster; you have to keep working a wet edge and wipe off the excess stain immediately so you don’t get lap marks. On big surfaces, that pace can be difficult to manage unless you have a helper. Or use a gel-type water-based stain, which can give you more working time.

Traditional oil-based wood stains often have the same type of pigment, but the oil layer keeps the particles in suspension longer and affords you more time to apply the stain and wipe down the wood surface without getting lap marks or streaks. But the solvent fumes (from the volatile organic compounds, or VOC) require good ventilation and are environmentally harmful. Drying time is slower, because although the solvents evaporate quickly the oil still has to cure through exposure to oxygen. That often means waiting 24 hours to apply a clear topcoat, especially a water-based finish. Oil-based stains and finishes tend to yield an amber or yellowish tone that increases with age, great for the warm look of traditional furniture, but for some contemporary designs the neutral or clear look of water-based stains and finishes is a better choice.

With either category of product, it’s always best to experiment on some scrap stock leftover from your project. Each combination of stain and clear finish will produce a slightly different look; try out a few options so you don’t get an unwelcome surprise on your project.