We believe your dining table looks exquisite, but it’s been years since you’ve bought it, and now you feel like something is missing? As your beloved wooden arts lose their touch, you reluctantly hop onto investing in newer ones.
But, what if we said that with the assistance of the best wood stain for pines, you could bring back their lives? Sounds impressive, doesn’t it?
Believe it or not, there’s a wide range of specialty and classifications of wood stains that you must correspond to your project. Therefore, to hit the jackpot with these needs thorough research.
Worry not. We have simplified it for you. Skim through our article to know all about pinewood stains, their kinds, usage, benefits, and demerits. Fortunately, beginners are in luck, too, as we’ve listed vital factors to consider before purchasing these wonders. Now, all you have to do is sit back and let us narrow down your choices.
Table of Contents
Our Top 10 Picks for best wood stain for pine in 2021:
01. Watco Rust-Oleum A65741 Danish Oil Wood Finish
Our first and top pick has to be the Watco danish oil, appropriate for indoor usage. Perhaps, your bedside table is looking a bit awry. With its years of service, it’s ordinary wear out.
With this polish, you can bring life back to a variety of indoor woodworks. The oil-based formula is enriched with multiple blended oils, promised to protect your wood as it seeps deep into the wooden pores. Furthermore, it creates a warm, rich glow atop your projects, enhancing the wood’s natural appeal and feel.
If you’re looking for a rich and dark protectant for your pinewood, look no further. Moreover, they’re effortless to use, and the finish is highly durable.
Speaking of durability, we all know that investing in a polish seems far-fetched if it doesn’t come with a solid guarantee. Users have seen evidence of no chipping, peeling, or abrasions after applying this wonder product. So, spill away without worrying.
Moreover, it’s beginner and expert friendly too. After application, it will be dry to touch within 6 hours. What’s even better is that it covers around 170-sqft, and you can complete a project within an hour.
Pros:
- No chip away, abrasion, or peeling
- Easy to use, finish projects within an hour
- It has a rich, dark tone
- Long-lasting and highly durable
Cons:
- Might need to put multiple coats
02. Ready Seal 510 Exterior Stain and Sealer
A semi-transparent sealer can be tricky to find and more challenging to work with if you don’t purchase the correct product. Don’t worry; with this sealant, you’re in good hands.
The Ready Seal offers nine exemplary semi-translucent, oil-based finishes and provides top-tier protection to your wooden surfaces. The truth is that even with its thick base and durable protection, it will not obscure the natural wood grains.
Are you set on working through a timeline? If yes, then this Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain will be the answer to all your needs. With proper semi-transparent layers, you can let the natural aura of your woodwork shine.
The thick formula is also a big hit because of its water and sun-resistant properties. And as if that’s not enough, the sealant will penetrate through the wood’s natural grain, protecting and preventing future possibilities of mold or mildew growth.
The best part is that you can utilize this all-rounder product in all temperatures. It has maximum user-friendly features as it goes on smoothly and doesn’t require a primer. This product is a 2-in-1 pro!
Pros:
- Available in 9 different shades
- Top-notch waterproofing feature
- Protects against UV rays
- 2-in-1 product doesn’t require a primer
Cons:
- The coverage area is lower than most contemporaries.
03. General Finishes Oil Based Gel Stain, 1/2 pint for New Pine
General Finishes has been a renowned best-seller stain for many years now. Some say that this product has the best ‘finishing feel’ to it. Let’s see if that’s true.
Notably, this stain has been far and beyond trusted because of its adaptability on even hardwoods, like aspen and pine. And due to its broad range of color schemes, you can match and purchase as required.
We love an all-rounder product. Similarly, with the best stains, sometimes we look for one applicable product on multiple kinds of wooden surfaces. You guessed it – this one’s it!
The application with this is, by far, the easiest amongst others. Simply grab a soft cloth or foam brush. Dunk it in the stain and start painting your project. As you’re done, you will fall head over heels in love with its heavy-bodied finish.
The appearance of this is richer as it doesn’t profoundly penetrate the wood. Regardless of which tub or color you pick, the finishing is always consistent and formula? Always seamless.
Pros:
- It has the smoothest feel
- The heavy-bodied, lustrous finish
- Easy to apply with foam brush or cloth
- Works well on various kinds of wood
- Huge color range
Cons:
- It takes longer to dry than contemporaries
- Might need sanding down if you notice blemishes after application
04. Minwax 66010000 Gel Stain, quart, Chestnut
If all you look for in a stain is the maximum value, trust us and don’t look any further. Once you purchase this 1-quart gallon, you will realize the consistency between the price you pay and the optimized value you get.
Here’s the best catch. You can apply this on multiple exteriors like metal, fiberglass, plywood, wood, and other hard surfaces. It’s advertised to enrich the beauty that goes beyond wood’s simplistic nature and aesthetic. And, it does as promised.
Let’s get real; we love the versatility and a broad range. Luckily, this Minwax edition brings you 13 sizes and over 15 color palettes to choose from to coat vertical surfaces with ease. Amazing, isn’t it?
The formula coats any exterior seamlessly with rich and uniform color. But most importantly, as it’s a non-drip formula, any amateur or expert will have a fantastic experience with it. It’s a no-hassle and no-fuss technology where the product will only go on the facades rather than messing up your home and hands.
So, what are you waiting for? Get this bad boy for an easy spread on any vertical surface.
Pros:
- Highest value for money
- Easy to spread
- Best for vertical surfaces
- No-hassle and no-fuss, anti-drip formula
Cons:
- Needs adequate stirring to avoid lumping
05. SamaN Interior Water Based Wood Stain
SamaN has been around and well-acclaimed due to its effortless application allowance, eco-friendly formulations, and quick-drying technique.
Would you believe that this magic potion comes in over 40 colors? This whopper deal is backed with safe and natural products that are trustworthy to use around pets and children too!
With their unlimited years of experience, they have developed their best-sold 12-ounces and 1-quart bottles, all of which are available in brown and non-brown colors. The 12-ounces bottle can cover around 75-sqft.
So, you’ve realized how pressurizing working with water-based stains can be. And you’re looking for the most accessible application. Don’t worry; this budget-friendly, a water-based stain will not disappoint like the rest!
The best part of the SamaN stains is that usually, one coat does enough justice to your products. Users have been amazed by its performance with no signs of overlapping marks, raised woods, or blotchy outcomes.
Here’s the banger – it’s also odorless and the safest easy-to-use water-based stain you can get your hands on! It doesn’t require extra work. Simply utilize it to revamp your pinewoods, and voila!
Pros:
- Over 40 colors, non-browns included
- Safe and natural product
- Extremely easy to clean and use
- Durable stain
Cons:
- The color references can be a few shades darker upfront.
06. DEFY Extreme 5 Gallon Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
Here’s another stunning water-based, semi-transparent stain for you from the reliable brand, DEFY. This DEFY 5-gallon unit is offered in 6 varying shades. However, if you require a lesser quantity for your project, you can also opt for the 1-gallon.
Just like every other purchase, users love that it has options in everything.
Sure, we love its incredible durability. But, if you’re specifically looking for easy post-application maintenance and quality that lasts decades by a water-based solution, look no further.
How it accomplishes it is by utilizing resins in manufacturing. This ingredient prohibits the stain from fading into horrifying shades. Without a doubt, the paint will remain put for at least two seasons. So, any DIY or expert wanting to re-stain the fence or porch is more than welcome.
The zinc nano-particle technology practically acts like a sunscreen for woods, demolishing UV rays and preventing premature color loss or graying. Moreover, as the product is highly durable, it doesn’t demand all your willpower to maintain it.
Pros:
- Very easy to maintain
- Effectively protects against UV rays
- Goes on smoothly
- Long-lasting and durable
Cons:
- You must follow the instructions thoroughly
- Best if applied on a cloudy and cool day
07. Rust-Oleum Varathane 211714H Premium Wood Stain
The Varathane formula has a unique soya oil-based composition. Needless to say, its natural and premium ingredients are just a few of the many reasons why this made it to our list.
If you’re someone who loves to brighten up your house’s interior with the fittest translucent oil-based stain so that the wood’s authentic elegance can filter through, you’re in the right place. This blend can penetrate deep into the wooden grains resulting in a rich, brighter color for the woodworks.
All DIYers and experts ever want for the best translucent stains is a quick-drying formula and the wood grain to shine through the crystal clear stain. Grab this Rust-Oleum stain if we’re talking about you!
Name any weakening panels, doors, or trims. This Varathane stain can fix it all. Besides, this easy-to-use product can also seamlessly cover a decent area of around 150-sqft with no hesitation. Thus, you acquire the total value, if not more, with this splurge.
Paint it on, sit back and come back after an hour or two, only to get your mind blown with an exquisite look and touch on your interior decors.
Pros:
- Fast drying time
- Applicable on a variety of interior wooden surfaces
- It covers a decent area
- Displays wood grains clearly
Cons:
- While working in low temperatures, it might take a bit longer to dry.
08. Minwax 61310444 PolyShades – Stain & Polyurethane
There’s no point in denying that Minwax makes some of the best stains for pinewoods. But, this one, in particular, strikes out because of its variety of uses. Hold on; we’re just getting started.
Due to its diverse uses on multiple polyurethane finishes, you have the room to change up the colors on your wooden projects however you like. We all love a wee bit of freedom, don’t we? And as if that’s not enough, you don’t have to go that extra mile to remove the existing polyurethane layer either.
If you’re in this game only to enhance the authentic look of your woodwork by enhancing the grains and decors with a solid punch, this has to be your endgame.
Safe to say, even major spillage isn’t accounted as a big deal with this bad boy. It can take it all while saving you a ton of time. Here’s your chance to elevate your interior decor, with the flexibility of changing up their look and colors any time.
Pro tip: Use a mineral-based spirit to clean up after layering this product. The results will shock you.
Pros:
- Good color range
- Easy to clean after application
- Time-saving
- Applicable on pre-finished projects
Cons:
- Some users complain about its thick consistency
- It’s a tad sticky
09. Minwax 617204444 PolyShades – Stain & Polyurethane
This one’s only for glossy finish lovers. The Minwax Polyshade is packed with goodness and a formula that’s designed to look good and protect your wood.
The best notion about a good quality glossy finish is that you’re free to reinvent the color scheme anyway and any time you prefer. Moreover, the bonus of not removing the prior finish is just the value you need to save your time and energy.
Choose between 7 colors and 2 sizes, and experience a reduced working time as you stain and protect all your wooden projects. You can finally simplistically enhance pinewood’s excellence. Yay!
The rich color stain proudly promotes its long-lasting protection. And users couldn’t agree more. The formula is created with 100% polyurethane, making the bonds tough and incredibly durable.
With spotless, crystal clean translucent abilities, you can see every edge and cervices of the wood grains. Users believe that it will save you even more time because it goes on smoothly and without any streaky results.
So, apply it to bare or pre-finished wood and gawk at its beauty.
Pros:
- Amazing time saver
- The colors are vibrant
- Rich and clear gloss
- Easy to use
Cons:
- It might require a couple of coats
10. Rust-Oleum 269398 Wood Stain
We get it. You’re in a rush for whatever reason to finish up your ongoing project. And, we’re here for it! If you need the quickest drying stain for that case, go for the Rust-Oleum Weathered Gray stain.
Here’s why.
The weathered gray tint comes in a 1/2 pint which, to be fair, is a generous amount to get your hands on. Furthermore, if you can utilize a stain on various DIY projects around the house – all the better, right?
This immeasurably easy-to-use stain hits a home run because no other contemporary can beat its 1-hour drying time. You read that right!
What’s even catchier in this whole deal is that users love its one-coat coverage. With just one coat, you can not only apply an acceptable range but, you can also leave it at that. We didn’t lie when we said that this product is a true time-saver and aimed at those who need things done ASAP!
Go ahead and color over that stain you’ve been disliking or let your pinewood soak in all its richness. With this product, anything is on your horizon.
Pros:
- Good coverage
- Quickest drying time
- It saves a ton of time
- One coat is enough
Cons:
- The grey tone might have a hint of blue in it
Buyers Guide for the best wood stain for pine:
Let’s get real; the market is overpopulated with pine stains. While wanting to get your hands on the best wood stain for pine, it’s easy to get confused about which would be your perfect hit. It’s also crucial that you know which kind of stain works best with pine.
So, here’s our take on guiding you to find the correct match. Keep reading to know what you must consider before head diving into purchasing.
Stain Color for Pine Wood
There are countless pinewood colors, similarly to go with its broad spectrum, there are distinct stain colors. You must choose the right colored stain to get optimum results on your wooden projects.
For example, if you want the natural wood grain to peep through, you can try out semi-transparent deck stains. These types of stains enhances the wood’s natural beauty while letting the grain illustrate through the color. Needless to say, the actual color of the dye must match the furniture or your house’s interior and exterior without losing its natural appearance.
The Application process of Stain on Pine Wood
Before you purchase a stain right off the rack, ask yourself why you need it and for what kind of project. As the formulas of dyes differ, so make their applications. We recommend choosing the simplest form of application.
With easy-to-use stains, it doesn’t matter if the user is an amateur or professional. You can get yourself a spray can or foam brush and get to work. It’s also about your comfort and if with the opted tool you can acquire an even finishing.
Pine Stain Opacity
This one depends on your preference too. Would you like to cover your wooden project entirely? Or, would you rather that the polish comes off a tad natural?
For covering your structure completely, you can utilize solid deck stains. They offer to coat the wood grains thoroughly. In retrospect, semi-transparent stains allow the wood grains to reveal themselves through the layers and gives the product a natural feel. Both the stains offer excellent durability and protection for woodwork.
Your Budget
We recommend that you set aside a decent budget for a trustee pinewood stain. It would be an honest investment, rather than having to compromise your woodwork later on. Fixing that or buying a whole new item would cost you an arm and a leg.
Furthermore, to know that you’re putting all your money in the right basket, spend some time researching the product that you’re eyeing. Read reviews, watch videos and go through customer experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Many Coats of Stain on Pine is best?
Most activities just require one coat of stain. But experts recommend applying two coats of pine stains. The first layer is crucial to control blotching on the wood. Wipe off the surface while it’s still wet. Letting it dry would only cause an impromptu layer where the dye will not penetrate.
Why Use a Pine Wood Stain?
There are plenty of reasons to apply stains on pine woods. It resists the wood surface from rotting prematurely. Moreover, it can help with protecting the wood against moisture and the sun’s UV rays.
More professionals and DIYers opt for staining pinewoods because of their easy-to-use features and cost-efficiency. On the other hand, staining wood can also preserve the beauty and aesthetics of the woodwork.
How to Stain Pine Dark Brown?
Step 1: Sand down your wood seamlessly.
Step 2: Now, take a foam brush or a soft cloth and dip it in the stain. Rub that onto the pinewood. Remember to go along the grains while rubbing.
Step 3: Utilize a decent amount of stain on the wood. Employ the back and fro motion starting towards the grain’s lines. While painting on the stain, remember to do it seamlessly not to leave behind any blotches.
Step 4: As you’re done applying it on the wood, stroke the foam brush one last time throughout the wood for one final even coating.
Step 5: Let the stain sit for around 5 minutes.
Step 6: Take a clean rag and wipe off the excess stain. We recommend wearing gloves at this point, as they can stain your hands.
Step 7: You can go in with another layer if you think that’s necessary. However, most people stick with the only layer as it leaves behind a natural touch and lets the wood’s grains and knots peek through, emphasizing its intrinsic beauty.
Are there any alternatives for pine except stains?
There are a handful of alternatives you can grab instead of pine stains. You can acquire great results with water-based inks, black walnut husks, steel wool, vinegar, and many other oil-based polishes like double-boiled linseed oils, walnut oil, and tung oil.
Conclusion:
We’re down to the final bit. And here’s what you need to know about our top three winners.
The Watco Rust-Oleum danish stain is exemplary for indoor usage and an effortless finish. Similarly, our second product, the Ready Seal 510 Exterior Stain, has shown that working on a definite timeline is possible, and so is getting to gaze at the pinewood’s natural character. Lastly, our third winner, General Finishes Oil Based Gel Stain, takes the cup to be an all-rounder as applicable on most surfaces.
Why are we telling you this summary? Oh, because we know that with our top 10 best wood stains for pines, you’re a bit confused. Moreover, they are all so good!
But, don’t worry, if you’re completely lost, pick one of the three excellent stains, and we guarantee that with their consistent performance, high durability, seamless usability, and protective formula, you will keep coming back for more!