Wood stains are used to add color to your furniture and make them look better. They can be used to emphasize the grain of the wood and give it a touch of character. They are also very helpful in concealing blemishes and in pulling together two pieces of furniture. Stains are also very good finishes for fences and artworks. However, they are not the best finish to use in outdoor furniture since they tend to wear off. The many different kinds of stains available in the market each have their own benefits for different types of furniture. Wood stains that are good for certain types of furniture may not be suitable for other types. Therefore, the best wood stain to use actually depends on the type of wood that your furniture is made of.
Wood Stains For Decks, Fences, and Outdoor Furniture
If you want the grains of your furniture’s wood to show, then the best wood stain to use would be exterior wood stain. This is a lot better than paint because it soaks into the wood better. This means that instead of it being chipped or peeled, the color just fades as time goes by. The duration of the stain depends on many factors, but it usually lasts up to eight years. Although stain can come in oil-based or water-based forms, there is no proven fact as to which of is technically “better.”
Your wooden furniture and fences can actually age more beautifully through the use of outdoor wood stains. The best wood stain to use on fences and outdoor furniture are those that penetrate into the wood instead of just sitting on it. This is because stains that merely sit on the surface do not protect the furniture from ultraviolet radiation. Gel stains are also a good option in staining your fence. This is because they are thicker than oil-based or water-based stains so they will drip less. However, this kind of stain will require you to apply a clear finishing coat after. If you have artwork that is made of wood, you can use semi-transparent stains that contain water repellants and preservatives. This stain should be applied and cleaned every few years. Staining outdoor play equipment is also the best choice to preserve it even if they may wear out in the future.
When it comes to brands, the best wood stain would have to be Sikkens®. 
This brand is actually recommended and praised all over the Internet by various experts. For fences or furniture that have vertical surfaces, Sikkens Rubbol Siding Finish® is recommended. This is a more durable stain that forms a film above the wood. This, however, is not very suitable for decks, since the film would just peel and crack. Unlike other exterior stain brands, Sikkens® doesn’t offer a warranty. However, it is still the brand that is recommended by most people.
Wood Stains For Oak, Mahogany, and Pine Wood
Some types of woods are generally better left unstained since their natural color looks best on them. These types include mahogany, aged pine, or any rare wood. Other types of woods, like new pine and those with undistinguished grains, are usually stained. Still, there are some woods that look good stained or unstained. However, it is really up to you to decide whether you want to stain your wooden furniture or not. If you want to test what the furniture will look like if unstained, use a finish in an inconspicuous spot and then see if you like it. If not, then you can stain your furniture even if they are made of mahogany, aged, pine, or any rare wood.
To choose the best wood stain for your furniture, make sure that you take into account the finish that you are going to use and the job you want the stain to do.
Some finishes, like polyurethane varnish, are not compatible with all stains so if you’re going to use this, you have to look for stains with which it is compatible. Also, if you want your pine furniture to look natural, then you should probably choose semi-transparent stains instead of solid ones even if the latter lasts longer. Your furniture must also be recoated more times when using semi-transparent stains.
Penetrating oil stain, which is affordable and easy to apply, is the best wood stain for pine and softwoods. This stain gives your wood a rich and clear color. However, it may take a while to dry and may sometimes even dry unevenly. Furthermore, the color may fade as time passes. Organic stains may also be used on woods like pine. Although interesting, this type of stain is best used only if you are a professional in refinishing.
Some recommended stain brands include Olympic®, Varathane®, Cabot®, and Minwax®.
The best wood stain to use for your furniture actually depends on many factors, the first and most important being the type of wood that your furniture has. Some types of wood stain can be very good for certain types of wooden furniture and not so good for others. There are also some types of wood that are best left unstained but there is really no harm in staining them if that’s your preference. Sikkens® is one brand of wood stain that is highly recommended by experts all over the Internet. This is probably the best wood stain to use for decks, fences, and other outdoor furniture. When it comes to oak, mahogany and pine, the best choice may be penetrating oil stains. Organic stains can also be used, but this is only recommended if you are a professional refinisher.
