How to Choose Stain Colors

The world of staining is just as diverse and colorful as paint. It's exciting to envision how your space will look with a specific stain color, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Thankfully, you don't need a doctorate in color theory to find the perfect stain for your home. This guide will help you understand the basics of wood, concrete and masonry stains and what you should consider when choosing an interior or exterior stain color.

Choosing the Right Wood Stain: What to Consider

Wood stain is more versatile than you think. It comes in many colors, including white, which lends character to the wood tones in your home. A few things are worth considering when finding the right stain color for your space.

Wood type and Grain

Wood types differ; some are more prone to accepting stains than others. That may not seem bad, but it can lead to darker patches in the stain, making the final product look blotchy. Conversely, some woods don't take stain well and can produce the same unfavorable results. This doesn't mean you can't stain these woods, but proper preparation and a different type of stain may be needed, limiting your color options.

Lighting in your home/space

Like paint, lighting affects the appearance of stain colors, so choosing a color that will complement your space is important. Natural lighting will allow your wood tones to shine organically, while artificial light will enhance the warm or cool undertones in the wood. As a rule of thumb, match your stain color's undertones to the lighting in your home to emphasize them. This will also help you avoid a mismatched look in your space.

Consider wood undertones

It can be hard to fight the instinct to have all the wood tones in your space match. But this feat is nearly impossible as different wood types can vary in color once stained. This is also true with unstained wood. In short, tree wood can have just as much variety as humans, so you're better off pairing wood furniture, decor and flooring with wood types with similar undertones.

Are you trying to enhance or transform a wood surface?

Wood has a lot of character, but not everyone wants to show it off. Do you want the wood's character to play a role in your space, or do you want the sturdy timelessness of wood tones without them stealing the show?

What's the age and condition of your wood?

Wood naturally darkens over time, so staining older wood will make it look different from younger wood of the same variety. The best way to determine how your wood furniture will look with a specific stain color is to test the stain on a small, inconspicuous spot.

Types of Wood Stain Transparency

Now that you know what can affect the final look of a stain let's discuss the types of stains on the market that can also affect the performance and final look of your wood furniture.

This is a crucial step in staining, as transparency can range from lightly pigmented to total coverage. Sherwin-Williams' stains range in opacity from solid to clear. However, the less transparent a stain is, the more protection it will provide.

Transparent stain is for those who want the natural wood grain to shine and is best for new or well-maintained wood surfaces. Transparent stain can have a light tint, but there is also a clear stain that solely protects the wood.
Semi-transparent stain adds more pigment while allowing the wood grain to show through. Semi-transparent stain is best for woods with minor imperfections you want to cover without obscuring the wood grain.
Semi-solid stain is an excellent choice for decks and other furniture that get a lot of use. This option shows some grain while hiding more wear and tear.
Solid stains are best for older, more vulnerable wood surfaces with many blemishes or when you want to go bold with color.

Water-Based Stain vs. Oil-Based Stains

Did you know that water- and oil-based stains penetrate wood differently and affect the final stain color? Knowing that, which should you choose? For starters, water-based stains are lower in VOCs, making them more environmentally friendly. However, they also dry faster, so you need to be quick when working to get the desired color. Water-based stains also don't penetrate the wood as deeply as oil stains, which could lead to more touchups over time.

Ultimately, if you're looking for lasting durability, oil-based stains are the way to go. They penetrate deeper into the wood, enhancing the stain's character and durability. They also dry slower, making them perfect for your first time working with stain.

Consider Mixing or Layering Stain for a Custom Finish

Once you've done some staining projects, you may feel the urge to get fancy. Try mixing or layering stain colors for a more unique effect or color. When staining, remember that you have to use products designed for the stain you're using. So, if you want to layer stains, they both need to be water-based or oil-based to adhere to each other—an oil-based stain will not adhere properly to a water-based stain.

Here are a few layering ideas to achieve a look that works well with your space.

Antiqued Look. Layer a dark stain over a lighter one, then slightly sand high points.
Color Washing. Apply a watered-down second coat for a subtle tint.
Two-Tone Effect. Emphasize grain patterns by using contrasting colors.
Gradient Effect. Gradually blend from one color to another.

Start Your Stain Project at Sherwin-Williams

Whether you choose one color or experiment with stain layering, your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams can help you gather the supplies you need for your home staining project. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through selecting the right stain type, color, and tools for your project needs. They'll ensure you have everything from pre-stain wood conditioners to the proper applicators and protective gear. You can even pick up stain samples to test at home.