Home Improvement

Why Do You Need To Sand After You Stain Wood?

This blog will give some helpful tips on how, mostly why sanding is needed for wood stain and sealer. Whenever wood stains or water finishes touches the wood, this makes the grain grow big and raise, or in other words “Grain Raising.” There have been many out there that tend to still get a rough surface after applying the stain as directed, there have also been all kinds of alternatives in dealing with it to prevent the wood from popping out.

Now before we start, I’d like to point out a few things on the water based wood stain that makes it popular, but that can also occur when using:

  • Great adapting to wood that was already worked on and done
  • Air moves much faster through paint to hold no water
  • Fresh-looking color for longer periods of time
  • Non Flammable
  • Has a much less potent odor

Now onward to the tips!

  1. Water

So the thing is, if one is worried about the grain rising shortly after the staining and sanding is completed, wetting the surface could be a good idea. This helps keep the grain in place and won’t elevate; of course, it’s BEST to put the sand down AFTER the stain has dried up. It’s good to put at least a few coatings of sand; it works best as a wood stain and sealer, and it helps for when grain looks as it is rising from the floor.

This is another cause of why the grain rises; water based wood stains are very likely to raise, so using a 220 grit, putting the sand down after the wood has dried is highly recommended. When the first coat of sand is done and smoothed out, the water wood can be used for a nice looking finish. Just don’t get heavy on the sand when doing this, as the color can become damaged and won’t look very good for the polish.

  1. Vacuuming

This may sound like a house chore with the vacuum, but doing this can also help with the grain. Usually wood is more fiber-like, so having this sanded removes all the loose ends to help smooth out the surface, this method has been helpful to a few individuals.

  1. Oil Bases

Another helpful tip if one doesn’t want to use water and sand for the wood is sticking with the oil-based wood stains; they’re a bit slow in drying than water, but the finish is much more maintained and way more durable than that of the water; you don’t have to work as much, which saves more time (yay!). But do be aware that oil base does have its moments: although the polish is well done, it will eventually get darker over the course of time, just keep that in mind.

Now if all else fails, and you don’t know what to do anymore in panic, whether it’s the water base or oil base, there is a hybrid stain that makes a good contingency for emergencies. It’s in good interest to go for the quality than the quantity, and make sure you know exactly what you’re going for and go with it until the wood staining is completely finished. (Don’t worry, you can do it!)

There are some other good tips that may or may not work for you, it usually depends on what base is being used and what method you prefer, so if it helps, experiments go a long way, but the results are sure to come in the end. Good luck with your project!

Jude Thompson Oscar
Oscar Jude Thompson: Oscar, a home renovation contractor, shares DIY project guides, renovation tips, and ideas for transforming homes.