Tips for Applying Stain Like a Pro

If you have always wanted to paint your home but aren’t quite sure where to start, these tips for applying stain like a pro will help get the look you want.

Color Selection

Choosing the right color can be tricky, especially if it’s not a color that you are used to seeing every day. It might be easier to find what you’re looking for if you start at the source.

Once you’ve chosen a color, it’s time to create a swatch that you can bring with you while shopping for other household items. Using painter’s tape, create a small square on the outside of your paint swatch so that you have a place to mark what color was used.

The swatch will help you to create a cohesive look throughout your home, not just with the paint on the walls. It will also help you to determine what colors need to be repainted in order for everything to match.

Paintbrush and Containers

Not only do you need to find the right stain color, but you need the right tools to get the job done! A regular paintbrush may do the job when applying stain, but it’s recommended that an angled sash brush be used instead.

An angled sash brush is typically best for getting into small spaces and will help you get a nice and smooth finish at the end of your project. These types of brushes are also great for painting corners and other areas that tend to be hard to reach.

When you’re mixing the stain, it’s recommended that you use an old plastic container rather than your original can. This will not only help prevent any unwanted staining from taking place on your walls but will help avoid spilling as well.

Tips to Apply Stain Properly

Follow these steps to apply the stain in the most efficient manner possible:

• Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect your floors. You want to avoid any of the stain getting on surfaces that it wasn’t meant for, so protecting your floor is very important.
• Remove all hardware from your doors before applying the stain. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally get paint where it’s not supposed to go.
• Use painter’s tape to block off any spaces that you don’t want the stain getting into. This includes molding, windows, door frames, and any other areas that are prone to getting dinged up.
• Apply several thin layers of stain rather than one thick coat. This will help move things along more quickly and help you avoid any dry or uneven patches on your walls.
• Fix any mishaps immediately. Don’t wait for the stain to dry before trying to fix it, because once it is there for too long, removing it may be difficult if not impossible.

Now that you have some tips on how to apply stain like a pro, it’s time to get started with your project!