Water-based pigment stain

Overview

Water-based stain carries pigment (and often some dye) in a waterborne binder. It has little smell, cleans up with water and is the natural partner for Water-based lacquer topcoats. Its weak point is speed: it dries so fast that lap marks are the main hazard on anything large.

Pros

• Maker claims: low odour, low VOC, noncombustible, PFAS-free and made with 50%+ renewable resources (General Finishes). These are manufacturer statements.
• Fast recoat. General Finishes says 2+ hours before a water-based topcoat.
• No solvent smell; water cleanup.
• Tintable in a very wide range of colours (Minwax lists 200+).

Cons

• Minwax says it is not for large surfaces because it dries fast. Wipe within about 2 minutes (Minwax).
• Raises grain, so raise and sand first (Raising the grain).
• Conditioner reduces but does not eliminate blotching on pine (General Finishes).
• Steel wool is not suitable because it can rust.

Suitability

Good on hardwoods like White oak and Black cherry when sprayed or applied to small parts. On pine General Finishes says a conditioner reduces blotching but does not remove it; see Pre-stain conditioner and washcoat. For big flat panels consider Gel stain or a slower dye (Water-soluble dye stain).

Coats and application

1. Raise the grain with water and sand, then stain.
2. General Finishes: thin 5 to 10% with distilled water if needed; an extender can be added up to 5% (2% limit in California). Wipe with a terry-cloth towel. Respirator when spraying.
3. One coat recommended, two maximum (General Finishes). Minwax: recoat after 1 to 2 hours.
4. Topcoat after 2+ hours with water-based; General Finishes says wait 24 hours before an oil-based topcoat.

Minwax suggests Polycrylic over light and cool colours and Fast-Dry Polyurethane over warm tones.

Compatibility

Pairs with Water-based lacquer and other waterborne topcoats. A shellac washcoat can be used first (Shellac, Dewaxed shellac). A Fine Woodworking cherry recipe used a shellac washcoat, then a water dye, then Waterlox.

Care and repair

Maintenance is the topcoat's job. Colour touch-up is difficult because the stain dries fast and the surface is sealed; sample first (Colour matching and sample boards).

Safety and environment

Noncombustible per General Finishes, so the oily-rag issue of oil stains does not apply to the stain itself. Wear a respirator when spraying (General Finishes). Dispose of as directed by the label.

Related

• Oil-based pigment stain: slower and more forgiving.
• Water-soluble dye stain: dissolved colour instead of pigment.
• Gel stain: for blotch-prone woods.