Finishing & Protection

Wood Stain

Adds colour without hiding the grain. Penetrating oil-based stain gives the deepest, most controlled tone.

Finish stage

Specification

Base	Penetrating oil
Coverage	18–24 m² per litre
Dry time	2–4 hours to recoat, 24 hours before topcoat
VOC	Under 550 g/L
Cleanup	Mineral spirits
Colours	8 wood tones

Power tool — read before useSolvent-based stain is flammable and gives off strong fumes. Work outside or with cross-ventilation, wear nitrile gloves and keep rags in a sealed metal can — soaked rags can self-ignite.

What it is for

Adds colour without hiding the grain. Penetrating oil-based stain gives the deepest, most controlled tone. This guide covers what the tool does, the specification points that actually change your results, and how to use it without damaging the work or yourself.

Where it fits in the build

This is a finish stage tool in the Finishing & Protection category. Smooth, colour and seal the completed piece.

Finish Finishing & Protection

Using it well

Test on an offcut of the actual wood — stain tone changes dramatically between species.
Wipe on, then wipe off the excess you do not want; leaving it wet causes blotching and a longer dry time.
Seal soft, porous wood with a sanding sealer first if you want to control blotching.

Compatible materials

Materials this tool handles without compromise. Where a material is not listed, check that the tool is rated for it before committing to a cut.

Hardwood
Softwood
Plywood

Reference sample in 3D

The model above is a real European oak reference block rendered in the browser. It is simulated from a height field rather than photographed, so you can rotate it to see how light behaves across the grain, the end grain and the edges. Drag it, or use the view buttons to look at the top face or the end grain in isolation.

Why this matters

Reading how light falls across a board is the fastest way to judge whether a surface is flat. That is the same judgement you make with a hand plane or a sander, and it is much easier to see on a rotating model than on a static photo.

Educational content only. Settings, capacities and safety guidance here are general starting points, not instructions for your specific tool, material or situation. Always follow your tool manufacturer's manual and any material datasheet, and check your own measurements before cutting.

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