How to Stain Plywood

Plywood is a wood-based material made of several layers of thin wood. Plywood is often used as a material for making wooden furniture.

Using Plywood will strengthen the furniture’s quality against weather and humidity. In addition, Plywood can have strong and sturdy material. So, your wood furniture can withstand the air.

However, when a piece of furniture is made of Plywood, many choose to stain the Plywood to show the quality of the Plywood by shining the color of Plywood through the staining process.

Staining Plywood is very easy because the Plywood has a very light material and is easy to assemble. Anyone can stain the Plywood because the material and stuff for staining are easily bought in many stores.

Yet, ensure the types of Plywood before you stain it alone at home. You can research and ask your relatives to find the right Plywood that fits your preferences.

If you want to do your plywood staining at home, choose the plywood furniture that has not been coated with HPL (High-Pressure Laminated). Here are some steps for staining the Plywood that you can do yourself at home.

Sand the Plywood

It is recommended to use 180-grit sandpaper. The edges of the Plywood are a little sensitive, so you need to be careful with this.

It could be overseas and touch the lower layers. It can ease you when you use your sander because it has been more understood by your hand.

Be a reminder to keep the speed low so you can be more careful with your Plywood when you sand. Keeping the speed in control will make your Plywood have a good texture before you stain it.

Related: Sanding After Staining

Remove the Dust and Wipe Off the Plywood 

After sanding the surface of the Plywood, remove the dust using a clean cloth. This step will make the plywood surface cleaner and smoother.

Before staining the Plywood, it is important to ensure it is dry. So, when you wipe the Plywood, avoid using a wet microfiber cloth, or it could waste more of your time waiting.

Commonly, microfiber is effective for cleaning a lot of sawdust. It will be safe if the stain stays away from the top of the wood.

Even sawdust adheres and looks flawless. This sawdust is so annoying when staining the Plywood, but you simply wipe it off during the staining process.

Let the Plywood Dry

After removing the dust and wiping off the Plywood, you need to let the Plywood dry for some hours.

Letting the Plywood dry will ensure the material’s structure before applying the wood conditioner or stain. It will help the final application more effectively.

Apply the Wood Conditioner

Before you stain your Plywood, you can apply the wood conditioner on your Plywood. You can use a brush to apply the wood conditioner on some areas to prevent the wood texture from becoming soft from uneven staining.

When you brush the wood conditioner on the Plywood, you must brush it in the same direction as the wood grain.

Before wiping off the Plywood from the wood conditioner, you can let the wood conditioner seep into the Plywood for 10 to 15 minutes.

Related: Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner

Choose the Right Type of Stain for Applying

Every type has its advantages and disadvantages. So, it is your right to choose which is better for you. There are commonly three types of stain that used to be used easily.

These are traditional oil-based wood stains, gel stains, and water-based stains. Choose the right type of stain that fits your Plywood and preferences.

A water-based stain can be a great option if you want a stain with a water-based finish. Meanwhile, gel stain is a color varnish used to stain Plywood. You do not need to buy a wood conditioner using this gel stain.

Related: Proper Stain over Paint 

Stain the Plywood

When you start to Polywood, you can use the brush by dipping it slowly into the stain before you apply it to the wood. Follow the line straight as the grain.

Another way is using water-based stain by using a brush. You can apply the stain in at least two thin layers, but you can repeat staining it to make the stain darker enough.

Avoid Excess Stain

As explained beforehand, manual methods such as using a rag may prevent this excess stain. But then, when using the foam brush, you must stay focused for 5 to 10 minutes after applying the final application.

You can wipe the Plywood by using a clean rag. Meanwhile, if you choose the gel stain for staining your Plywood, you can moisten the rag with minerals before wiping the excess stain on the Plywood.

Related: Stop Stains Bleeding Through Paint

Dry the Stain

Different from other ways, this way is a little difficult to dry if you choose this step. Possible to dry for 4-6 hours and need a day before finishing the top of the stain.

Otherwise, the advantage of this method is that wood stain tends to use one coat because it is lavish due to barely any impact.

After you dry the stain, you can apply the final coat using a clear varnish or polyurethane to protect your stained Plywood.

Apply the coat spraying or brushing, but be careful about the spreading drips. After applying the coat, let the coat dry before you use the Plywood.

The staining of Plywood is almost the same as the staining of the wood.

If you choose to stain your Plywood, you must be more careful to avoid excessive sanding of the top layer and prevent deterioration of the quality of the Plywood during the staining process.

Follow the steps properly for getting get the result of your staining plywood. The stained Plywood will make your furniture look more beautiful and shine by showing the color-based of the wood.

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