Choosing plywood as an alternative material for carpentry is beneficial, especially if you are on a budget. The surface may not be as smooth as wood, yet plywood may be an excellent alternative if you apply paint or stain. Staining can protect it from warping and deformation when exposed to moisture and harsh conditions. The method works in the same manner when staining wood. First-timers in woodworking must be cautious when sanding and staining to protect the plywood’s top layer.
Advantages of Staining Plywood
Staining plywood seals it, so it does not quickly rot or deteriorate over time. It requires essential tools to seal, such as a paintbrush, regular wood stain, and rag. Wood stains can be transparent, solid, or semi-transparent, showing the natural wood grain. Staining cannot last longer than painted wood; it requires regular maintenance by sanding it before applying a new stain coating.
Here are the benefits of staining plywood:
It Darkens the Plywood Surface, Giving It a Natural Look
Plywood could look like wood if you stain to darken it, but the texture, colors, and grain remain visible. However, there is a plywood type that cannot retain the stain due to its dense grain pattern, like maple, which turns out mottled and blemished.
Choose a premium quality stain that can penetrate the grain and apply a clear coat on the surface without hiding the natural beauty of the plywood.
It Seals the Wood to Protect It From Moisture
Moisture is the number one enemy of plywood. Staining it with a high-quality wood stain penetrates its innermost layers to protect it from rotting over time. It becomes cost-saving since you do not have to replace the rotten plywood with a new one; instead, apply a new stain coating if it fades. Outdoor furniture and structures that use plywood can last longer if you coat them with wood stain.
Disadvantages of Plywood Staining
Stains do not guarantee long-lasting benefits to plywood; it stays in the plywood for up to five years. Your inability to re-stain the wood leads to complex and laborious jobs. Once the stains fade, you must take action before the problem worsens.
Not all plywood holds stains properly. Commercial plywood cores are usually from birch, poplar, pine, and hardwood. Their density depends on the cores of the wood specie. Like hardwood, some plywood does not stain well due to dense grain.
The core density of hardwood is 580 to 620 kilos per cubic meter; a birch core density is 650 to 700 kilos per cubic meter. The denser the core is, the more problematic for the stain to penetrate the layers of plywood.
Each type of plywood requires a different sanding method by a professional for good results. Oak plywood has a looser grain pattern that can hold stains well, and the finish looks aesthetically appealing.
Smooth and commercial plywood consists of wood veneer that looks natural and mimics wood. The laminate undergoes heavy processing using wood chips and glue, allowing the plywood to be ready for staining to look like a typical wood finish. Softwood can hold stains compared to hardwood.
How to Stain Plywood Properly (Steps & Techniques)
Plywood soaks up stains differently than wood. It needs an expert hand to stain plywood to prevent an irregular and blotchy look. If you prefer to do it yourself, you must study the steps on staining plywood, take your time and spend extra dollars for premium quality pre-stain and post-stain products to get started. \
The best stain for plywood is water or oil-based. Experts recommend oil-based stain if you are using plywood for outdoor use. A blotchy appearance is avoidable if you apply pre-stain conditioner on the plywood. Gel stain is another alternative for a smooth and flawless finish.
Here are the steps in staining plywood
Step 1: Preparing the Materials & Tools
Before you start sanding the plywood, you must prepare the things you will need in stainings, such as a paintbrush, old rag or lint-free cloth, rubber gloves, orbital sander, or number 220 fine grit sandpaper.
Step 2: Sanding the Plywood
Sanding is a method of smoothing out plywood to remove the flaws and rough texture on its surface. Using fine-grit sandpaper reduces clogging of the pores and helps control stain absorption. Sand the plywood’s surface using a number 220 grit sandpaper.
A plywood surface consists of a thin veneer sheet that conceals its appearance, allowing it to hide the layers of wood inside. The thin layer on the plywood surface makes sanding possible. You can manually sand the plywood or use an orbital sander set at the lowest speed.
Step 3: Cleaning the plywood Surface
Dust can ruin the texture of the stains, creating bumpy and imperfections on the surface. Use a damp rag to remove the dust particle. Run your fingers on the surface to ensure that there are no single particles left on it before proceeding to the next step.
An air compressor can help remove dust. Wear a face mask and protective glasses when using a blower or air compressor.
Step 4: Applying Conditioner on Plywood
This step is optional if you use a gel stain or hardwood plywood. Some woodworkers apply conditioner to their projects if they use water-based or oil-based stains for softwood application.
Soak an old rag or lint-free cloth in mineral spirits and wipe the plywood down. Let the plywood dry, and apply the stain conditioner. Use a different rag for the conditioner and stains. Read the manufacturer’s manual.
Follow the wood’s grain in brushing the conditioner and let it dry for ten to fifteen minutes. Wipe it off with another clean rag.
Step 5: Applying the Stain on Plywood
For best results, use a rag, as it is more versatile for gel-based or oil-based stains than a foam brush, which works only on water-based stains. Use a wood stick to stir the stain. Dip the rag or cloth into the stain and wipe it on the plywood following the grain. Follow the same procedure if using a foam brush.
Let the stain soak for two to five minutes, wiping away excess stains immediately following the wood’s grain. Let the stain dry for twelve hours, depending on the manual instructions.
Note: Stains produce darker color if you allow them to stay longer, from ten seconds to fifteen minutes. Gel-based and oil-based stains should dry for four to six hours before the second coating.
Water-based stains take two hours to dry in between coating and take three hours for the top layer.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once the stains have dried out, cover the plywood with three lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane coatings to protect it from blotches. It is your preference which type of coating to spray on the wood.
The spray gives the wood a smooth finish while brushing offers a thicker layer. Spraying the surface with poly is ideal if it has a rough surface and edges. Brushing is challenging if you apply it on uneven surfaces.
Conclusion
Staining plywood can be tricky; a slight mistake can lead to a blotchy surface. The type of plywood also plays a role in the staining process, as some plywood has a denser core. Birch plywood can produce a blotch surface after staining, while maple cannot absorb stains well due to its tight grain. Visit wood specialty stores to check the hardwood plywood that can hold stains properly. The price could be costly, but it offers hassle-free staining. If you are inexperienced in wood staining, it is best to consult a professional for better results.