So if you are doing home projects or decorative projects at some point you are going to need a stain. Let's face it, it's nice to mix up the paint projects with stained items but which one do you choose?
We could go down a rabbit hole of stains and list pages of info on both; chemical & the natural options but lets discuss they typical shall we?!
Wax based stains. Yes I love them! Why? Because they are fun to work with. One of my favorites is BriWax. Its basically wax based with stain added. Its an easy wipe on, wipe off product, using a wax brush or rag. Also, it ages nicely, if you look an well worn look. It tends to get lighter in areas with more use (and I like that).
Pros - It repels water droplets initially but after a while water can penetrate. It's not as smelly as other stains but does need dry time. Easy to wipe on for a soft look and light protection & polish.
Cons - You don't get a lot in the can, so it may not be the most cost effective product choice. You may need to re-apply after a few years to freshen.
2. Water or Oil based stain. I do use them because they stain & seal nicely. Some require a 2 step such as stain, lightly sand & seal(optional). They are readily available and affordable. You can brush on or use a rag to apply.
Pros - They provide a good protection and the stain soaks in on the surface, which I think makes it last longer. You can stain quite a few projects with one can. Repels water nicely, especially if there is a sealer included.
Cons - The smell is strong and it does require drying time. It can be drippy & messy.
No matter which stain you choose, It will provide a rich warmth of color to your project. I'm sure the more stained projects you undertake, you will find your favorite stain medium to work with!
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